What is a good but affordable flash for a Pentax K100D SLR camera?
I’m buying one as a gift for my husband, but don’t even know what brands are reliable. He does a lot of nature photography right now, but says he needs a flash so he can do indoor stuff. My price range is less than $150. His photography skills would probably be best described as experienced amateur. I’m looking for something that’s fairly good quality - the best bang for my buck. Suggestions please?
Take a look at the Vivitar 285HV. Its about $90.00 at B&H ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com ).
NOTE: There is an older Vivitar 285 which you DO NOT want. Make certain you order the 285HV.
This flash is 100% Manual but since your husband is an "advanced amateur" he shouldn’t have any problems figuring it out. A careful reading of the Manual that comes with the flash should have him happily flashing away in no time.
****** EDIT ******
When I used the term "manual" to describe the flash it was in reference to there being no TTL interface between camera and flash.
December 12th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I suggest
Precision Design DSLR300 Universal High Power Auto Flash with Zoom/Bounce/Swivel Head
http://www.amazon.com/Precision-Design-DSLR300-Universal-Digital/dp/B001Q918QO?tag=yahanswer-20
References :
December 12th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Take a look at the Vivitar 285HV. Its about $90.00 at B&H ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com ).
NOTE: There is an older Vivitar 285 which you DO NOT want. Make certain you order the 285HV.
This flash is 100% Manual but since your husband is an "advanced amateur" he shouldn’t have any problems figuring it out. A careful reading of the Manual that comes with the flash should have him happily flashing away in no time.
****** EDIT ******
When I used the term "manual" to describe the flash it was in reference to there being no TTL interface between camera and flash.
References :
December 12th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
A small correction to Edwins answer. The Vivitar 285HV is not 100% manual. It has 4 automatic fstop ranges. You set the flash to one of these f stops, and your camera to the matching f stop. The flash then uses a built in sensor to read reflected light and output the correct power for a proper exposure. I find it works as well, and often times better, than the dedicated through the lens flashes that cost MUCH more money.
By the way, the reason you do NOT want to use the earlier 285 or 283 flashes is they have very high trigger voltage at the hot shoe contacts and can damage the camera. The 285HV is a newer design and has lower trigger voltage, safe for modern digital cameras.
steve
References :
I have the 285HV