Cameras very firmly entered people's lives. Along with the development of cameras, important accessories such as the flash have also developed. A flash is a light source (pulsed), which allows for proper illumination of a subject.
The flash is external and internal, and is also divided into types: slave and leading. Most often, the built-in flash is ineffective, so it is combined with an external flash. They work according to such a system: the master flash fires, and its impulse becomes a signal for the follower.
The specialists of the price aggregator, which presents the products of many online stores in Russia, compiled their rating of the best universal flash units.
5. Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital
“Metz mecablitz” model 15 MS-1 digital is a very fresh solution in the world of camera equipment. The cordless flash has a ring shape and mounts directly on the lens. Thanks to this concept, the flash is ideal for macro photography. The only minus of the flash is a small guide number (15). The flash is equipped with two reflectors (rotation at 0, 10 and 20 degrees), each of which can be controlled separately. The distribution of light is descending / increasing: “8: 1; 4: 1; 2: 1; 1: 1, and further 1: 2; 1: 4 and 1: 8. " The light source has a USB port, an LCD screen and an auto focus backlight. Power is supplied by batteries or an AAA battery. It weighs 190 g, the dimensions of the flash - 133 * 38 * 144 mm. Compatible with cameras: Nikon, Canon, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony-Alpha, Olympus, Pentax. Cooldown from 0.30 to 5 seconds.
Price: from 300 to 380 $.
4. Fujifilm EF-X20
The Fujifilm EF-X20 model is an external flash for X-series cameras. Attaches to the top of the camera body, where it is fixed in the slot without using additional materials. The most significant plus is ergonomics and light weight, which allow you to work with it in any conditions. The guide number varies from 20 (ISO 100) in normal mode to 12 when using a wide-angle diffuser. The flash head is stationary. Power levels available in manual mode: “1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 4, 1: 8, 1:16, 1:32 and 1:64”. The color temperature at full power is 5600 K. It does not have a display, control is due to levers and disks. Alkaline or AAA batteries are suitable for fueling this flash model. Dimensions: 36 * 59 * 50 mm. The flash weighs only 100 grams, not taking into account the weight of the battery. The reload speed is 5-6 seconds. Perfectly complements cameras: FUJIFILM X-S1, FUJIFILM X-Pro1, FinePix X100 / HS30EXR / HS25EXR / HS20EXR / SL240 / SL260 / SL280 / SL300 / FUJIFILM X10.
Price: 200-250 $.
3. Raylab R-32
The third place in the nomination is occupied by the budget model of the flash-shoe. It is considered average in quality and does not have automatic modes, but in accordance with the "price / quality" it shows itself more than good. The pluses include the ability to zoom, as well as compatibility with cameras of all manufacturers except Sony and Minolta. The guide number is 36 m (only subject to ISO 100). The moving head moves upward at such angles - 0 °, 45 °, 60 °, 75 °, 90 °. Power is provided by AA batteries. Thanks to additional nozzles, the flash is capable of covering the visible region of the lens with a focus distance of 24 mm. Dimensions of the model: 85 * 72 * 110 mm, and weight 250 g. Recharge lasts from 0.5 to 8 seconds.
Price: from 70 to 95 $.
2. Metz mecablitz 54 MZ-4i
The silver place is taken by the Metz mecablitz 54 MZ-4i - this is a conventional format flash that has an extensive range of functions. Suitable for everyone: amateur photographers and professionals. With a zoom reflector position of 105 mm and ISO100, the guide number is 54 m. The flash head moves both vertically (up to 90 °, + 8 ° down) and horizontally (up to 270 °). At the disposal of the owner is an LCD display with backlight and autofocus backlight. The reload speed is 0.10-5 seconds. Power is supplied by AA batteries. The flash weighs almost a pound (480 g), and its dimensions are 108 * 75 * 125 mm. Compatible with cameras of the six largest manufacturers.
Price: 185-230 $.
1. YongNuo YN-560 Speedlite
Favorite TOP 5 has many obvious advantages, but it is better to include two models in this item: YongNuo YN-560 Speedlite and YongNuo YN-560 Speedlite II. In principle, the second model is an improved version of the first. These flashes belong to the usual "shoe" look, and are perfect for any layer of the photo society. At ISO 100, the leading number is 58 m. The number of lamps is 1, the recharge time is only 3 seconds. Just like the previous model, there is a moving head: 270 ° horizontally, vertically 90 °. The power setting is very sensitive: 1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 4, 1: 8, 1:16, 1:32, and in addition 1:64 and 1: 128, there are also 8 adjustment levels in each level. Of the features it is worth immediately highlighting the presence of a PC port, the ability to manually control power and FP-synchronization. In time, the flash pulse takes from 1 * 200 to 1 * 20 000 sec. AA batteries are ideal for powering these models. The dimensions of the model are 78 * 60 * 190 mm, and the weight is 350 grams. In terms of compatibility, the flash is absolutely universal.
Price: 70-105 $.
