[fred412]

Want to get a flash for my k20. Do I have to buy a Pentax flash or can I buy an after market product. Will after market (vivatar) be fully compatible?

Fred W.

If aftermarket is O.K. which do you recommend?

Fred W.

[Kill-K]

You can look up Metz 48 or 58 AF flash...which are great alternative flashes for Pentax camera

[Ahab]

You can look up Metz 48 or 58 AF flash...which are great alternative flashes for Pentax camera

So is the Sigma EF 530 DG. TTL and simple with a big guide number.

[Chuck-B&H]

I have used Sigma flashes on DSLR's for several years now without any problems. I see no reason why Vivitar would not work as well.

The Sigma 530ST DG ST P-TTL Shoe Mount Flash is Sigma's economical full-TTL flash, and has been updated with improved coverage range and a stronger power output. It features a powerful Guide Number of 174'/53 m at 105mm, and covers a focal range from 24mm to 105mm. This flash provides full TTL operation with digital SLR cameras, including full P-TTL operation with applicable cameras

Sigma | EF-530 DG ST Flash for Pentax P-TTL | 179-109 | B&H


The Vivitar DF-383 Shoe Mount Flash is an economical full-TTL enabled flash with support for digital SLR cameras. It features a powerful Guide Number of 148'/45 m at 85mm, and features a power-zoom flash head that covers a focal range from 24mm to 85mm.

Vivitar | DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount | DF-383-PEN

C h u c k C a p r i o l a
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[brecklundin]

Chuck:

Question about the Sigma EF530 DG ST PTTL & the Vivitar DF383 Series 1 PTTL. Can they be fully controlled via camera settings when in PTTL mode or must everything be set on the flash itself? None of the reviews on the B&H site mention this...gotta love web reviews, so many times it is either the "this is just great so buy it because I turned it on and it worked" or the converse usually because the user had not a clue and should be prevented by Constitutional Amendment (or at least the Uniform Commercial Code) from ever owning a DSLR!! hehehe...

Thanks for any insight you can offer here...flash is the one thing I miss when I moved from Canon for the fun Limited glassware, especially the purdy silver ones... And I only had a couple 430EX II's but those bad boys were super for under $200 ea ($165ec to be exact) when I bought them via my Bing 15% disccount...then stoopidly I SOLD them forgetting I could still use them off camera in manual...sigh...

[Chuck-B&H]

The Sigma 530ST DG ST has little control via the rear of the flash. You can choose from full TTL or full Manual plus or 1/16th power. The Zoom head is auto only. I called our store and spoke to a few colleges and the consensus is most 2nd party flashes will be controlled via the flashes controls and not the body. I would go for a Sigma flash over any other after market brand.

I found this web site, I hope this helps;
Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison: The Definitive Guide

Chuck