Loyal Site Supporter Registered: April, 2015 Location: Bay Area California Posts: 796 2 users found this helpful | Review Date: May 20, 2017 | Recommended | Price: $119.95
| Rating: 7 |
Pros: | Inexpensive, works well, high speed sync | Cons: | Not as powerful as some | | I'm not a big flash user, so this isn't a very in depth review. EDIT: I cannot get this to work in even TTL mode on my Pentax K-1ii; it works on the K-3ii I used in the original review though.
I have a Pentax low end flash, but I was frustrated with it because I mostly needed a flash for fill in work outside, where there was a lot of light. Too much for the lower shutter speeds I'd have to use with the Pentax AF-200FG. I wanted something that could use higher speeds, i.e. high speed sync. And I wanted something that worked with Pentax TTL. Some of those options are expensive, and overkill for me; some involve say triggers...but of course I need a decent flash and wanted to minimize equipment for hiking.
So I got a Bolt VS-570P, which claimed compatibility with Pentax TTL. It's apparently only available at B&H, although it also seems to be manufactured by Tumax. In any case, with a certain amount of searching about I didn't find a for-sure variant at the B&H price, and given their good return policy, I went for it.
The unit is solid and easy to use. Made a solid connection on the camera, and it connects by default to TTL mode, with an approximate f stop noted on the flashes screen. It's easy to transfer modes, and intuitive even for a neophyte flash user like myself. I loaded batteries (note the door isn't hinged, 4AAs), turned it on, left it in TTL with the camera set to flash always on and I was in business. Exposures in my inexperienced hands were just as good as I got with the Pentax 200. Stopped just short of blowing highlights per the histograms. So then I set it in HSS mode; you put it into that mode and ALSO then turn that mode on (missed that the first time around). Now I could use any shutter speed I wanted. Went outside and took shots of a flower that I shaded partially with my hand, and got these. One is without flash with the shadows, one with HSS at 2.8 and 1/8000. Excuse the poor focus cuz I was trying to be wide open.
There's a falling off of flash power with HSS of course, but it's fine for my uses.
The flash can work as a slave or master, and with a PC cord and a power unit. Comes with a manual and stand, and tilts up/down, and swivels. All in all, quite a bargain for price IMHO. | |