best flash for pentax k10d???

[jvrooman06]

Greetings! I am looking for a flash for my pentax k10d. I would like to do weddings with this flash, and I don't know the best option. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

[Piotr Baranski]

Imho Pentax AF-540FGZ is the number one. Metz 58AF-1P is also very good.

[blackcloudbrew]

Would not disagree with the AF540 but you may also consider a Promaster 7500EDF. It understands PTTL and works a lot like the AF540 (not completely).

http://www.promasterflash.com/servlet/Detail?no=42

Tim

[mannesty]

You will get most compatibility with the AF540FGZ. Perhaps more importantly, more information/help from experienced users of that combination.

[spyglass]

I'll toss a vote in for both the Pentax AF360FGZ & the Pentax AF540FGZ. P-TTL and a very workable wireless feature allow these flash units to work well in combination with the Pentax DSLR cameras. While there are probably other combination on the market that can get the job done, I always feel that products from a single manufacture have the best chance of working together seamlessly. For weddings get the AF540FGZ and kit it up with a Sto-fen or Gary Fong for indoor shots, or close fill work outdoors. It's bounce and swivel provide a lot of options.

Spyglass

[rei_vilo]

Bonsoir,

I bought the Pentax AF540FGZ and it packs a lot of nice features. Among others, remote control, double flash (one from the camera, another from the flash gun), bounce head, wide angle diffusor, catchlight panel, and much more.

Please refer to my first batch of tests and my second batch of tests to get an idea.

 

[Mike Pearson]

I have both the Pentax AF360FGZ & the Pentax AF540FGZ and although the AF360 is fine I would suggest going for the AF540 at the beginning. I use mine on K20D with absolutely no problems.

Mike

[spyglass]

Hey Rei_vilo - I checked out your tests...... then I discovered your dooms day machine (colour detection mini factory). I watched the video and enjoyed  your configuration. I bet you were the kid on the block with all the cool toys.    Very nice


Spyglass

[rei_vilo]

Bonjour spyglass,

That's true: I used to be the kid playing with the hi-tech toys... 35 years ago

At that time, electromechanics were the most advanced technology available, with the relay. Electronics were just starting, with the differential amplifier, but at a very high price.

Today, most serious fischertechnik-fans are 40-something and play with industrial controllers   Programming the software behind the controllers is the key element.  

But the fun stays unchanged  

Feel free to explore my YouTube channel for more videos, especially those of the automated warehouse.

Enjoy  


This may sounds off-topic, but actually isn't.

Shooting at a model mostly black and red as my models, is a real challenge for a photographer. Most of the times, a standard flash only produces a halo effect: centre is bright, and the rest dark.

Using the external flash as a remote controlled second flash, making the flash light softer with wide angle diffuser, all those tricks greatly improve the quality of the shot. Sure, there's a learning curve and you need to learn, but the result is forth the pain.

[calsan]

As I like to say, it's not the lens that's the problem, it's the lighting!  So it's a good decision to buy a flash for this application - a flash is certainly far more important than an expensive lens.

With the help of my cat, I took these two shots just now to show the difference between the built in flash and the AF360FGZ.  Second photo shows AF360FGZ bounced off a ceiling [about 1.5m above the top of the flash unit].  (18-55 lens at f6.3 and Iso 400.)

With the stofen omnibounce fitted, you can get similar 'bounce flash' results outdoors or where the ceiling is too high or not white coloured.

Hope these help.