New Member Registered: November, 2013 Posts: 14
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 11, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $80.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | small flash with high synchro TTL function | | Cons: | accepts only two full 1,5 V AA batteries | |
++ This small TTL-flash is for macro shootings optimal 
++ correct function, also in HSS  , f..e,. 1/1000 sec.
++ diffusor cap included
++ neutral color rendition of 5.600 degrees Kelvin
++ very low price
- - zoom function for full power in tele postion is sometimes not available (monday production ?), so guide number would be perhaps only f22 for 1 m distance end iso 100,approximately 
- - batteries / accu's must have full 1,5 V, because 1,2 Volt are not sufficient for this small flash, unfortunately !!!  | |
Otis Memorial Pentaxian Registered: March, 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Posts: 42,007
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 16, 2021 | Recommended | Price: $50.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | size, capabilities, Godox wireless integration | | Cons: | pilot light, AF assist, read review for minor annoyances | |
This body of this review is drawn from a forum post outlining my Godox noob impressions of this flash...enjoy.
********************************************
Yes, I know that the TT350P has been intensively discussed on the flash and lighting subforum and that the experts have provided a wealth of interesting and important information. In fact, it was all that discussion that piqued my interest in the Godox line and resulted in my frequent suggestion of the TT350P when the question of what compact flash to use on a K-3II/K-1/K-3iii comes up on other parts of the site. That said, it occurred to me that I should not be recommending something I had neither seen nor touched, so I got one.* I should add that my camera, a K-3, already has a very serviceable built-in flash that works quite nicely for what it is.
That bit of background aside, here is some additional background:
I am not a huge fan of P-TTL flash. In fact, I am of the opinion that it often causes more issues than the convenience is worth. (I could fill several pages supporting that statement, but won't.)- The majority of my work has traditionally been dominated by field work using available light.
- In addition to the above, I do a fair amount of table-top work in support of my camera collecting hobby, some of which demands more than my available light can deliver.
- In my line-up of actively used on-camera flash is an AF280T. It is in the active group because of its support for "auto" flash using its own on-board sensor. Works like a charm, even on the K-3.
Translation? Not a huge flash guy.
Confession...I actually have a reasonably complete setup up for wireless manual flash that includes fun stuff like softboxes and reflectors, but that stuff has nothing to do with the TT350P or at least not directly.
Executive Summary:- I like it
- I like it so much it goes in the bag
- Punches well above its weight and looks like a toy while doing so.
Feature Summary:
There is not much to say beyond what might be gleaned from official product descriptions, but I will write a few words anyway.- Very compact and lightweight
- Tilt and swivel like the big boys
- Powered by two (2) AA cells (same as Pentax AF201FG)
Note: NiMH rechargeable cells work just fine and are acceptable per the flash manual. - P-TTL (no optical wireless)
- Manual (seven levels) with option for simple optical slave, both S1 and S2
- HSS and TCS (aka second curtain sync)
- Godox X2 wireless built in
General Impressions:
I was very surprised at my positive take for a piece of kit that should I was not sure would have an obvious purpose in my bag. Build is solid and utility is surprisingly high, particularly when compared to non-full-size Pentax product that I won't be comparing it to. After a very few hours of play, it was obvious that it would see time for the odd fill or smallish area task where lugging a big flash around simply sounds stupid. Yes, I have some concerns about battery life, but those are not crippling.
Observations:
I wrote these down as I learned the flash. They are colored by that learning process and "noob" status in the Godox system and existing use of stuff in the flash box.- Wow...very tiny...toy-like tiny
- In comparison to K-3 built-in (GN @28mm and longer = 13 (m)) and AF201FG (GN @24mm and longer = 20(m)):
- GN @28mm = ~17 (by direct evaluation)
- GN @ 35mm = ~25 (by direct evaluation)
- P-TTL is generally weak by about 1.5 EV. I found this surprising. This is not a reflection on flash strength.
- The above extends to HSS and TCS
- M mode support for HSS and TCS is sort of cool. I know...how does that work. I will let you know once I figure out if it is some sort of cruel joke.
- Lack of options for external power and PC sync are not a concern. If you desire either, you need a different class of product.
- Plays well with X2Tp. Yes, that is the real reason I bought the TT350P. I got a killer deal on the controller and picked up the flash in EX+ condition used at KEH at a decent price.
- Plays well with non-A lenses (no HSS or TCS). Use M mode and all is good.
- Not too fond of "soft latch" battery door.
- If it were any smaller, I could not work the controls. I have large hands, but fairly normal size finger tips and the dial control is on the raged edge of being too small. The word for the day is to be gentle with the TT.
- Supports 15 channels, though other X2/R2 products support 32. Much is made of the TT350P's ability to control or be controlled by other Godox X2 wireless devices. With any luck, Godox will give it channel parity with a firmware update.
- The flash supports both "Hi" and "Lo" indicators for when the required output is outside the unit's capabilities, but are somewhat reversed such that "Hi" is displayed with underexposure and "Lo" with overexposure. Confusing, eh? There is also the matter of the message not being displayed for very long and the display not being lit while it is displayed.
- Brightest pilot light on the planet...no way to make it dimmer. Need I mention that it is at eye level as one takes eye away from the viewfinder? Memo to self...close eyes when pulling away to avoid temporary blindness.
- AF assist is ineffective on K-3, but can be turned off. This is true even with a petite lens on the camera. The problem appears to be one of aim where the patch is nowhere near center of frame.
- If flash is on, AF assist on camera is always off. I don't see an easy work-around on this one.
- Will fire on basic hot shoe (center contact + rail only) with level controls in manual mode.
- Will fire on legacy Pentax cameras offering only analog dedication (center + mode + ready + rail) but as basic (center point only) flash, despite having the required foot pins.
- S1 and S2 slave plays well with others. Yay!
- Half press shutter will wake the flash, will not light the display. Oh, the joys of a small battery.
- I tried out its "dome" diffuser for bare bulb emulation at 45° and it actually works pretty well as long as the ceiling is not too high or the subject too distant.
- Works well as on-camera partner for cabled "Contrast Control" P-TTL. I do have the adapters and cables and yes, this interesting feature of Pentax flash does work when the TT350 is cabled with the built-in flash. At least it appear to work, even though it does not have a setting for the feature. Perhaps I was having a reaction to medication. I dunno...
Cautions and Kudos:
A few things to consider before purchase.- This does not look like a full-on main lighting solution and it isn't. Think light duty + benefits.
- The above being said, it does punch well above its weight. How far above, I have yet to determine.
- How well it works to control other Godox product using X2, I have not tried.
- Build is quite good and while it appears and feels robust, there is no sense in testing to see what it can take.
- I honestly can't think of any blatant, do-not-buy cons.
- I show it off to people who come see me. "Isn't it cute?"
- Reminds me of Baby Yoda
(...no regrets...)
* The actual story is a bit more complicated and nuanced and at least partially the result of frustration with my K-3's built-in flash....very complicated and nuanced.
| |
