Processing, haptics:
The flash is surprisingly well made, it is slightly larger than my beloved Canon 430EX therefore II, but this little bother. He touches his wertig as I would have it -Product not expect from a "Made in China". The flash head can be rotated 90 ° in both directions, as well as a tendency in the settings 0/45/60/75/90 °. A rotate through 180 °, as one would expect from Canon, unfortunately is not possible, however, the restriction is likely to be rather negligible in everyday life.
Functionality, performance:
The flash is designed for slave applications (Flash not on the camera, but remotely in the room). This manifests itself, among other things, that it has no autofocus-assist lamp. The use of purely manual settings of the flash with frequent changes is subject distance to evaluate rather than difficult, this is definitely a ETTL-enabled device should be used.
Panel is kept moderate, which I welcome with a Slave Flash: A sliding switch ON / OFF, to switch a button to the flash mode (M / S1 / S2), a test button for manually igniting the flash, and 2Tasten for power control in all levels f-stops (1/1 to 1/128). The control range is therefore to 1Blendenstufe greater than that of Canon 430EXII and surprised. The LED display is held in blue, self-explanatory and easy to read. A zoom setting to focus the flash does not exist, however, a diffuser and a reflector card, if necessary. When using light modifiers or color films, the lack focusability not relevant may be, but you want to create a specific spot on the background, you will have no choice but to a honeycomb.
The guide number is specified with LZ38, measured using a flash meter comes back this very well. The light color is also sufficiently compliant with the white balance setting "flash" and has no nasty surprises, such as bluish tinge.
Can trigger the flash either the ISO flash shoe (compliant with most camera brands, Sony, it can lead to problems), both on the camera, as well as with a radio system that uses the ISO flash shoe. About sync cable (I myself have not tried because I do not have cable Sync to sync), as. Also has a built-in photo cell (front under the red plastic cover) The photocell is activated via the settings S1 and S2. The flash mode S1 triggers view a flash (if the Master flash is adjusted manually, this is the correct mode). The flash mode S2 ignored a first flash and will not activate from when in a short period of time in accordance with a second flash is fired (This is the setting if the master flash fires in E-TTL mode). Thus the well-known problem of poor E-TTL synchronization was bypassed - solved sent Chapeau Neewer.
Explanation: The E-TTL function of the camera will flash twice in quick succession that the individual flashes are perceived by the human eye usually as just a flash. First, a measuring flash is emitted from the camera then calculates how much flash output required for the photo. The preflash is the slave flash controlled by the photocell, thus ensuring that the slave flash fires before the start of exposure and is therefore not captured in the picture. The slave setting S2 ignores the preflash, while it is a certain time interval with the successive flash (in long exposures with flash on the rear curtain, this can cause problems, since then measuring flash and exposure flash for several seconds can apart). The ignorance about the transmission of the measuring beam makes with the ignorant often for frustration ("The flash does not properly synchronized unit defective - returned")
Furthermore, the flash provides the option of an external battery pack with energy to be supplied, if longer shootings occur at high flash output, which additionally reduces charging time between flashes. Fast flash sequences at high flash output can lead to overheating of the device (both the battery and the flash tube), according to instruction overheat protection is (probably in the form of a thermocouple to the flash tube?) Installed. The stress test I have not performed.
Conclusion: A really great flash that is particularly well suited for beginners, because it very easy to use and extremely reliable. The price is a challenge, solid processing. An E-TTL function I do not miss at a remote flash unit. With additonally a hot shoe for setting up the device anywhere in the room and a small black velvet bag for transportation - chic! Tip for beginners strobist: The triggering photocell requires good visual contact between master flash and slave flash and can be very limited at high ambient brightness (daytime), the range is limited. This also order a manual wireless trigger (eg Yongnuo 603, JJC) increases the reliability of the device tremendously.
The manual is in English only, if that should pose to someone is a serious shortcoming.
What a tremendous in my opinion, is not suitable: use on the camera at events, due to lack of autofocus and automatic help function.
Reason for the return for me: I own the Yongnuo YN622-radio system is pleasant, that I hereby can regulate the power of the flash from a distance and not have to walk to flash that maybe is on a tripod in a light shaper in an altitude, A change of the performance makes awkward. This flash has only one central contact and can be adjusted thus only directly via the buttons on the flash unit in the performance. I had mistakenly hoped for this comfort feature. I have long quarreled to keep him for this award with me, because he has really convinced me very through its processing and great usability, but this little downer was nevertheless decisive, because I just know that I am otherwise in future every time you use would resent my functions not being able to fully utilize.
