90% of the cameras produced are equipped with a built-in flash. Of course, not all professionals recognize it, but for lighting small areas, this is a suitable option. But, when a person needs to constantly take pictures using this equipment, then even beginners try to find a special device that will help them. Therefore, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best external flash units for cameras for 2020.
Content
How built-in models differ from external ones
Built-in flash units are available in two versions. The first group has a reflector on the front panel of the device - more often this option is used in small cameras (soap dishes). Photographers with 10 years of experience will answer that the design offered by the manufacturer is not suitable for daily work. So, in case of accidental movement, the light of the flash is covered by the hand, because it is not well placed, and the quality and distance of illumination is not suitable for professional use. The second category of integrated flashes is pop-up versions that are installed in the camera body and protected from the elements, and when they are needed, they instantly pop up.
Indoor flashes are negative even by some beginners, because they give out harsh and too artificial lighting. This is due to the fact that the integrated flash light is sharp and directional, the images come out unnatural and flat. In addition, such options provide a minimum amount of light, for this reason they are often useless. Also, the flashes operate from one rechargeable battery with the camera, which leads to high-speed discharge. To eliminate the above nuances, an external flash is used.
Advantages of the external model:
- Allows you to independently adjust lighting;
- You can not only mount on the camera, but also install in any place, which helps to achieve a pleasant light or just focus on a chosen point;
- Lighting becomes many times better and more powerful.
What cameras can an external flash unit work with?
Despite such significant advantages, this option also has a significant drawback: not every camera supports working with an external flash. Only high-end models, which are more often used by professionals, are capable of working with the device. In addition, the camera must have a sync terminal that allows you to establish a connection between the camera and the flash. Thanks to this solution, a person is able to install the device anywhere in the studio, thereby creating more pleasant lighting.
But no matter how useful sync contact is, in the latest models of SLR cameras they prefer to use a wireless connection, which is a big plus. At the same time, work remains at the same level, there are no delays, but mobility increases several times. Also, the benefit of this solution is that a person no longer has to buy additional sync cables, in case the main one is forgotten at home, in the studio, or even breaks down.
Key operating modes
In total, there are 4 main modes that will expand the functionality and allow you to take a "live" picture using a minimum of funds.
- Automatic mode (denoted by the letter "A"). The function will become indispensable for beginners who are just discovering the world of professional photography. In this mode, the camera independently analyzes the room illumination and sets the appropriate parameters that will help to achieve the optimal result in just a click.
- Program mode (TTL). It is also a useful option for a beginner to get a suitable option. Power in this mode is completely controlled by the camera, but the person has access to small settings. This makes it possible to learn, setting the necessary parameters that allow you to achieve a specific result. So, if when shooting a subject where there are a large number of dark shades, to get a good picture, you need to set the power a couple of steps lower, in the opposite situation, you need to do the opposite. When a person understands all the intricacies of such a setting and can easily determine the required lighting, then you can switch to professional modes.
- Manual (M / Av). Here, the quality directly depends on the photographer, no automation or semi-automatic. To get a beautiful image, you need to understand the settings and set a more appropriate background exposure. Next, you need to know what values of aperture and shutter speed will be used by the photographer. After adjusting all these elements, the object is set, if it turned out that it turns out to be slightly darkened, then the background exposure was adjusted correctly. Then the person needs to start using the flash power, this will require a couple of frames. Manual mode is used for studio shooting where there is no movement.
- Stroboscope. Thanks to this mode, it becomes possible to take unique photographs of a moving object or person. In this mode, a series of flashes is carried out, which have a fixed frequency and power. This solution allows you to get a unique effect - a transparent trail will stretch behind the photographed object. But in order to get this, it is important for a person to have a tripod.
For greater convenience, external flash units have an informative display, which makes it possible to track the current state of the device and not make a mistake in the settings. Control buttons are installed next to the screen.
Rating of the best external flash units
YongNuo Speedlite YN-660
A versatile budget device that fits Canon and Nikon. The flash turns out to be the most common, it does not have any special advantages, but this is a very good version of the flash with Aliexpress. Fastening - shoe. Allow 3 seconds to recharge the device. The model is equipped with a convenient rotary head 360 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees upward.
Manual zoom is available for added convenience. Adjustable lighting angle - 24-200 mm. The device is made of cheap plastic. The assembly itself does not cause any special claims given the cost. Of course, if the product cost 5 thousand more, it would not be the best option. Power is supplied from 4 AA batteries. The interface is simple and every person can handle it. The display is equipped with a beautiful backlight that does not attract the eye.
It is sold on Aliexpress and in stores at a price of 5,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Availability;
- Good power;
- High quality retainer;
- Convenience;
- Cost.
Disadvantages:
- There is no TTL;
- Cheap plastic.
Meike MK-320 for Canon
A high-quality model that is suitable only for Canon cameras. There is one lamp inside, which provides high power. The mount is standard. The recharge time is 5 seconds, which is not ideal, but still a good option. Flash duration - 1/200 sec. There is a swivel head that rotates 150 degrees horizontally and 90 and 7 up and down, respectively.
There is a convenient display for setting, which has a pleasant backlight and large symbols.The advantage of this model is its support for TTL mode, so this device is ideal for beginner photographers. In addition, there is a convenient AF-assist illumination and stroboscopic flash, which will allow you to create a unique image.
It uses 2 AA batteries for power supply. The number of triggering from one charge varies from 100 to 1500. The set includes a protective case, stand and diffuser, which serves as an additional advantage.
The average cost is 5,300 rubles.
Advantages:
- Compactness;
- Nice LEDs;
- High-speed charging;
- Equipment;
- TTL;
- Nice appearance;
- Management is straightforward;
- Clear fixation.
Disadvantages:
- Automatic mode will not give a high-quality image;
- The instruction is in English.
Falcon Eyes X-Flash 580II
A basic flash unit at an affordable price that will suit most hobbyists and beginners. Guide number - 58 m (ISO 100, 105 mm). Installed only on Canon cameras. Fixation is carried out by means of a shoe. The recharge time takes only 4 seconds. Horizontal rotation angle - 360 degrees, up and down 90 and 7.
A convenient solution is the presence of automatic and manual zoom, which make it possible to create high-quality lighting. The flash unit is also equipped with a wide-angle diffuser. The maximum illumination angle is 105 mm, the minimum is 24 mm. Another advantage is the support of the modes - TTL, E-TTL, E-TTL II. There is a manual power adjustment, which allows you to hone the skills you have learned to perfection.
To achieve greater information content, a liquid crystal display is used, which is equipped with high-quality backlight. There is also a transfer of information about the current color temperature. To save power, the device is equipped with an automatic shutdown. The main power source is 4 AA batteries. The maximum number of operations from a single charge is 700.
Sold at a price of 7 100 rubles.
Advantages:
- Small size;
- Functionality;
- High-quality assembly;
- TTL mode works for 5 points;
- Quite good equipment;
- Informative display.
Disadvantages:
- There are no critical flaws.
Meike MK-14EXT
A ring flash that is great for aspiring bloggers. The device has one lamp. Supports work only with Canon cameras. Unlike previous models, here the mount is not a shoe, the device is mounted directly on the lens, which serves as a more convenient solution. Also attractive is the reload speed, which is only 0.4 seconds.
There is full support for TTL, E-TTL modes. To adjust the brightness, there is a control unit that can be installed on the case. Power is supplied by 4 finger batteries.
Sold at a price of 7,500 rubles.
Advantages:
- High quality light;
- There is a display;
- Convenient mount;
- Autofocus illumination;
- Price.
Disadvantages:
- Not for all.
Acmepower TF-148APZ-C
A regular shoe mount flash that will make studio photos brighter and more interesting. The guide number is 48 m. Canon cameras are suitable for this option: digital E-TTL, E-TTLII, as well as film. Depending on the mode, the recharge speed is 0.5 or 9 seconds.
There is a bright display for more convenient setting. The device is equipped with a swivel head that rotates 270 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees upward. The manufacturer also equipped the TF-148APZ-C with automatic and manual zoom, where the maximum illumination angle is 85 mm. Supports TTL, E-TTL, E-TTL II modes, slave flash, and front / rear curtain sync. The main battery is 4 AA batteries. Weight - 270 grams, with dimensions 72x100x125 mm.
The average cost is 7,900 rubles.
Advantages:
- 5 power levels;
- Ready indication;
- Daylight;
- There is a built-in reflector;
- Build quality;
- Brightness.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Godox TT685N
The model is suitable for people who want to show their Nikon camera from a new angle.The cost of this device is almost the same as that of the previous model, but this manufacturer has equipped the device with some additional functions that are not available in the TF-148APZ-C.
Despite the simplicity of the model and the similarity to the budget options, the recharge speed of this device is only 0.10 seconds. There is an excellent swivel head that is adjustable in different directions, incl. and down. For easy operation, there is a good display with nice buttons. There is also support for i-TTL modes. The maximum illumination angle is 20 cm.
Sold in all stores at a price of 9,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Workmanship;
- Tight fixation;
- Support for manual mode and TTL;
- There is a diffuser and a manual reflector;
- There is wireless control;
- The firmware is carried out by means of a computer.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Nikon Speedlight Commander Kit R1C1
A serious flagship model that will give only positive emotions from use. According to professional photographers, this is an excellent model that will fully pay back the investment in a couple of uses. Mounting takes place on the lens. The flash unit is equipped with two bulbs to achieve an excellent effect.
Despite the small angle of rotation, this device still stands out from the competition. Because it will not break with frequent adjustment and will make it possible to select more optimal angles. There is an automatic zoom that works at a premium level. Modes are supported - TTL, i-TTL, D-TTL, there is a manual power control. Another advantage is the small weight, equal to 120 grams and dimensions - 75x55x80 mm. Includes two flashes. Power is supplied with a CR123A battery.
Sold at a price of 50,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Includes two flashes;
- Wireless control unit;
- There is a diffuser;
- Reliable case;
- Build worthy of a premium;
- Compactness;
- No wires.
Disadvantages:
- The battery runs out quickly.
Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT
Another representative of the high class, only intended for Canon cameras. There is only one lamp, but this will not affect the quality of the lighting. Fastening is carried out using a shoe. The device will need 3.30 seconds to recharge. The display is pleasant, the eyes don't get tired of it, the control buttons do not play and are smoothly pressed.
The swivel head rotates in all directions. The maximum possible illumination angle is 200 mm. There is support for all popular modes that will turn the most boring photo into a beautiful exhibit. FP sync is present. The main battery is 4 batteries that work for 100-700 operations. There is a connection for external power supply.
Sold at a price of 30,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Economical battery consumption;
- Assembly;
- Quality of work;
- There is moisture protection;
- There is a "Fast Flash" mode;
- High quality radio sync.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Output
The flash is the main attribute of any photographer. Therefore, its choice should be given as much attention as the camera. If you have experience using the models described in the rating, or more interesting options, then share your opinion in the comments.