Staying with Olympus, you do not have much choice, unfortunately.
- FL-600R
- FL-300R
- FL-14
Technically, is the FL-600R is the only sensible solution for outdoor use in all weathers, because he is just as waterproof as all the other components. In addition, he has enough power to some distant subjects lighten on the local sports field or outdoor stage. There is also a video LED, which unfortunately only radiates directly forward. It is located in the main body with the round reflector.
The upper body and the head rotates 360 degrees and 90 degree swivel. With 4xAA batteries you (required special charger) has up to 11,400 mAh at 4.8 V with 4 Ansmann 2850 mAh or 10 o'clock at 6V with NiZn batteries .The guide number is 36 BR ISO 100. Otherwise, this unit all possible modes incl. Radio Control. However, it can be somewhat complex when it is used as a slave.
But the FL-600R has drawbacks: it is large, it is difficult, it is complicated and it is with 311 euros expensive, even very expensive!
The two next solution is this FL-300R, which was developed 2011 for the PEN PL3. It is not waterproof, but not swiveling rotation, is about something Wenger. Than half as powerful as the FL-600R and is powered by 2 x AAA batteries Thus one has at Eneloop batteries of 3000 mAh or 4000 mAh with Sanyo 1000 at 4.8V. With Amazon batteries the 3,200 mAh at 4.8 V. This should be sufficient for up to 80 flashes.
The advantage of this device is its compactness and ease of use. The face of meager facilities and weaker performance is the price of approx. 127 euros compared to approx. 310 euros for the FL-600R no interesting value for money, but because it is the size of a cigarette packet, it fits in any pocket. Opposite the Yongnuo YN560 II, more than twice as much can the FL-300 R is more than twice as expensive, basically the price performance ratio is 1: 8th to 1:10. That's a lot of money for compactness and the name of Olympus.
The third party in the federal government is the FL-14 from 2009 with the guide number 14 at ISO 100, with 2 AAA and not swivel it corresponds to a slightly better internal flash, only that it for approx. whopping 160 Euros will be offered. So something for hard-nosed lovers who firmly lead their lives according to the motto "absolutely much for little pay" judge.
There is the FL-LM2, a free addition in some cameras, the next to nothing and can gladly offered by climbers for 50 euros at the Bay - discarded or perhaps one should say better - is.
In summary, all this is very unsatisfactory and the FL-300R is still the best compromise, but way too expensive.
That's why I limit my review to 3 stars.
Who attaches great importance to the price-performance ratio, must therefore seek outside of Olympus for solutions.
First, the YN-560 offers in various versions by 75 euros. But, apart from that, it DESS is a large device that is more suitable for the studio and controlled manually, reports RD. 15% of customers on defective units.
Then there are solutions in Metz Mecablitz, but they are very expensive.
If as someone reads and knows an alternative, it would be nice to leave a comment.
