Cameras have become an integral part of people's lives. Initially, the camera was the property of a few, but now photography is available to any layman. Along with the development of photographic equipment, such important accessories as the flash also developed. A flash is a light source (pulsed) that provides adequate illumination of the subject.
The flash is external and internal, and also divided into types: slave and master. Most often, the built-in flash is ineffective, so it is combined with an external one. They work according to such a system: the master's flash fires, and its pulse becomes a signal for the slave.
Specialists of the price aggregator, which presents the products of many online stores in Russia, have compiled their rating of the best universal flash units.
5. Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital
The Metz mecablitz model 15 MS-1 digital is a very fresh solution in the world of photographic equipment. The cordless flash is ring-shaped and fits directly onto the lens. This concept makes the flash ideal for macro photography. The only drawback of the flash is the small guide number (15). The flash unit is equipped with two reflectors (0, 10 and 20 degree rotation), each of which can be controlled separately. Light distribution is descending / increasing: “8: 1; 4: 1; 2: 1; 1: 1, and then 1: 2; 1: 4 and 1: 8 ". The light source has a USB port, LCD screen and auto focus illumination. Power is supplied by batteries or AAA rechargeable batteries. It weighs 190 g, the dimensions of the flash are 133 * 38 * 144 mm. Camera compatibility: Nikon, Canon, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony-Alpha, Olympus, Pentax. Reload time from 0.30 to 5 seconds.
Price: from 300 to 380 $.
4. Fujifilm EF-X20
The Fujifilm EF-X20 is an external flash for X-series cameras. Attaches to the top of the camera body, where it locks into the socket 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 ranges from 20 (ISO 100) in normal mode to 12 when using the wide flash adapter. The flash head is stationary. The power levels available in manual mode are “1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 4, 1: 8, 1:16, 1:32 and 1:64”. The color temperature at full power is equal to 5600 K. It has no display, control is carried out by levers and discs. Alkaline or AAA rechargeable batteries are suitable for powering this model of flash. Dimensions: 36 * 59 * 50 mm. The flash weighs only 100 grams, excluding the weight of the battery. Reload speed - 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 taken by the budget model of the flash-shoe. It is considered to be of average quality and does not have automatic modes, however, according to "price / quality" it shows itself more than good. The pluses include the ability to zoom, as well as compatibility with cameras from any manufacturer, except Sony and Minolta. The guide number is 36 m (only subject to ISO 100). The movable head moves upwards at such angles - 0 °, 45 °, 60 °, 75 °, 90 °. Power is provided by AA batteries. Thanks to additional attachments, the flash is able to cover the visible area of the lens with a focus distance of 24 mm. Model dimensions: 85 * 72 * 110 mm, and weight 250 g. The recharge lasts from 0.5 to 8 seconds.
Price: from $ 70 to $ 95.
2. Metz mecablitz 54 MZ-4i
The silver spot is taken by the Metz mecablitz 54 MZ-4i, a regular format flash with a wide range of functions. Suitable for everyone: both amateur and professional photographers. With the zoom reflector at 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 °). The owner has a backlit LCD display and an autofocus backlight at his disposal. Reload speed - 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 from six major manufacturers.
Price: 185-230 $.
1. YongNuo YN-560 Speedlite
The favorite of the TOP 5 has many clear advantages, but it is better to include two models at this point: 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" type, and are perfect for any stratum of the photo-society. At ISO 100 the guide 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, 90 ° vertically. The power setting is very sensitive: 1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 4, 1: 8, 1:16, 1:32, and besides 1:64 and 1: 128, there are also 8 adjustment steps 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 seconds. 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 versatile.
Price: 70-105 $.