Is a used Sunpak 433D really a bargain vs a new Yongnuo YN460II?

MD Optofonik · 04-28-2013, 08:03 PM

I've been reading a lot about what a great bargain the Sunpak 433D is for multiple manual flash setups but I'm beginning to wonder.

The typical price, including shipping, for a used 433D seems to average about $35 and a new YN460II can be had for about $10 more. The Yongnuo has a Guide Number of 124 ft (ISO 100@35mm) but I've heard the Sunpak is more powerful. I can't find a manual with the technical specifications for the Sunpak.

The YN460II features optical triggering but using radio triggers evens the playing field in that regard. Adding an optical trigger to the 433D is possible but runs the price up. Add the TeleFil Kit and the price of a used 433D is the same as the YN460II with an added feature not offered for the Yongnuo. To my knowledge there is no tele attachment for the YN460II.

Last edited by MD Optofonik; 04-28-2013 at 08:34 PM.

Bcrary3 · 04-28-2013, 08:26 PM

In regards to a flash unit, I've never heard of either of these, if you are looking for a good flash unity, I'd suggest finding yourself a Pentax AF-280T. They can be had for about $60. This unit is arguably the best unit ever put out by Pentax. And it beats many of the $200-$400 Pentax flash units I have seen as it offers both tilt, and swivel, tilt from -15* to 90* and a swivel of 180* I believe. Sorry if that isn't what you're looking for, just figured I'd drop a little of my advise on getting a flash unit, the Pentax one is particularly useful for shooting indoors of whenever you need to bounce your flash.

MD Optofonik · 04-28-2013, 08:32 PM

Thanks for the reply, Bcrary3. Looking at the guide number it appears the AF-280T is a relatively low power general purpose TTL flash. I edited my post to be a bit more clear about usage.

SOldBear · 04-28-2013, 09:06 PM - **1 Like**

The GN of Sunpak 433D is 120 ft (ISO 100, 35mm FoV), or 36 m.

Features the 433D has, the YN460II doesn't: auto thyristor mode with 3 aperture settings, input for high voltage supply (e.g. Quantum Turbo).

Features the YN460II has, the 433D doesn't: optical slave, power ratio down to 1/64 (433D down to 1/16).

I prefer the 433D.

Compared to the 433D, Pentax AF-280T is about 1 stop less powerful (28 VS 36), auto thyristor mode with 2 aperture settings, and 2 manual power ratio settings (433D has 5).

Last edited by SOldBear; 04-28-2013 at 09:17 PM.

MD Optofonik · 04-28-2013, 10:09 PM

Originally posted by SOldBear

The GN of Sunpak 433D is 120 ft (ISO 100, 35mm FoV), or 36 m.

Thanks for that.

Originally posted by SOldBear

Features the 433D has, the YN460II doesn't: auto thyristor mode with 3 aperture settings, input for high voltage supply (e.g. Quantum Turbo).

How would auto thyristor mode be beneficial in a multiple flash setup?

Originally posted by SOldBear

Features the YN460II has, the 433D doesn't: optical slave, power ratio down to 1/64 (433D down to 1/16).

The power ratio is something to consider but I imagine a bit of diffusion could work just as well.

Thanks for the insight, SOldBear. Adds a bit more to chew on.

GibbyTheMole · 04-29-2013, 05:56 AM

I have three Sunpak 433D units. They're plenty powerful, full-featured, and very well built. I love 'em & heartily recommend them.

SOldBear · 04-29-2013, 08:07 AM

Originally posted by MD Optofonik

How would auto thyristor mode be beneficial in a multiple flash setup?

Nothing. Indeed, in a multiple flash setup, the only useful mode is manual (except when you have access to fancy whatever-TTL mode).

But in fast and furious single flash shooting, a Sunpak 433D (I'm using a 444D) with a Quantum Turbo (I'm using a Lumedyne Microcycler) can do everything I need to do.

bdery · 04-30-2013, 05:50 AM

Originally posted by SOldBear

power ratio down to 1/64 (433D down to 1/16).

that is an enormous advantage, often overlooked by beginners in remote lighting.

You rarely use your flash at full power. You want it to recycle fast and go "boom boom boom" as the Strobist guy would say

A more powerful flash can be set at a lower power and still deliver enough light, letting it fire faster, but don't be obsessed with the highest guide number. Be obsessed with fine-tuning the power. The Yongnuo also lets you fine-tune the power in fractions of stops, which is fantastic.

The YN also has optical slave which can become useful if you find youself with malfunctionning triggers, or with too many flashes for your triggers.

Originally posted by MD Optofonik

How would auto thyristor mode be beneficial in a multiple flash setup?

It wouldn't, you wouldn't be able to control your exposure. With ONE remote flash it can be very useful but then again you loose control.

04-28-2013, 08:03 PM	#1
MD Optofonik Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 962	Is a used Sunpak 433D really a bargain vs a new Yongnuo YN460II? I've been reading a lot about what a great bargain the Sunpak 433D is for multiple manual flash setups but I'm beginning to wonder. The typical price, including shipping, for a used 433D seems to average about $35 and a new YN460II can be had for about $10 more. The Yongnuo has a Guide Number of 124 ft (ISO 100@35mm) but I've heard the Sunpak is more powerful. I can't find a manual with the technical specifications for the Sunpak. The YN460II features optical triggering but using radio triggers evens the playing field in that regard. Adding an optical trigger to the 433D is possible but runs the price up. Add the TeleFil Kit and the price of a used 433D is the same as the YN460II with an added feature not offered for the Yongnuo. To my knowledge there is no tele attachment for the YN460II. Last edited by MD Optofonik; 04-28-2013 at 08:34 PM.

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04-28-2013, 08:26 PM	#2
Bcrary3 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Gallery Posts: 391	In regards to a flash unit, I've never heard of either of these, if you are looking for a good flash unity, I'd suggest finding yourself a Pentax AF-280T. They can be had for about $60. This unit is arguably the best unit ever put out by Pentax. And it beats many of the $200-$400 Pentax flash units I have seen as it offers both tilt, and swivel, tilt from -15* to 90* and a swivel of 180* I believe. Sorry if that isn't what you're looking for, just figured I'd drop a little of my advise on getting a flash unit, the Pentax one is particularly useful for shooting indoors of whenever you need to bounce your flash.

04-28-2013, 08:32 PM	#3
MD Optofonik Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 962 Original Poster	Thanks for the reply, Bcrary3. Looking at the guide number it appears the AF-280T is a relatively low power general purpose TTL flash. I edited my post to be a bit more clear about usage.

04-28-2013, 09:06 PM - 1 Like	#4
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	The GN of Sunpak 433D is 120 ft (ISO 100, 35mm FoV), or 36 m. Features the 433D has, the YN460II doesn't: auto thyristor mode with 3 aperture settings, input for high voltage supply (e.g. Quantum Turbo). Features the YN460II has, the 433D doesn't: optical slave, power ratio down to 1/64 (433D down to 1/16). I prefer the 433D. Compared to the 433D, Pentax AF-280T is about 1 stop less powerful (28 VS 36), auto thyristor mode with 2 aperture settings, and 2 manual power ratio settings (433D has 5). Last edited by SOldBear; 04-28-2013 at 09:17 PM.

04-28-2013, 10:09 PM	#5
MD Optofonik Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 962 Original Poster	Originally posted by SOldBear The GN of Sunpak 433D is 120 ft (ISO 100, 35mm FoV), or 36 m. Thanks for that. Originally posted by SOldBear Features the 433D has, the YN460II doesn't: auto thyristor mode with 3 aperture settings, input for high voltage supply (e.g. Quantum Turbo). How would auto thyristor mode be beneficial in a multiple flash setup? Originally posted by SOldBear Features the YN460II has, the 433D doesn't: optical slave, power ratio down to 1/64 (433D down to 1/16). The power ratio is something to consider but I imagine a bit of diffusion could work just as well. Thanks for the insight, SOldBear. Adds a bit more to chew on.

04-29-2013, 05:56 AM	#6
GibbyTheMole Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Iowa Photos: Albums Posts: 2,275	I have three Sunpak 433D units. They're plenty powerful, full-featured, and very well built. I love 'em & heartily recommend them.

04-29-2013, 08:07 AM	#7
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by MD Optofonik How would auto thyristor mode be beneficial in a multiple flash setup? Nothing. Indeed, in a multiple flash setup, the only useful mode is manual (except when you have access to fancy whatever-TTL mode). But in fast and furious single flash shooting, a Sunpak 433D (I'm using a 444D) with a Quantum Turbo (I'm using a Lumedyne Microcycler) can do everything I need to do.

04-30-2013, 05:50 AM	#8
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	Originally posted by SOldBear power ratio down to 1/64 (433D down to 1/16). that is an enormous advantage, often overlooked by beginners in remote lighting. You rarely use your flash at full power. You want it to recycle fast and go "boom boom boom" as the Strobist guy would say A more powerful flash can be set at a lower power and still deliver enough light, letting it fire faster, but don't be obsessed with the highest guide number. Be obsessed with fine-tuning the power. The Yongnuo also lets you fine-tune the power in fractions of stops, which is fantastic. The YN also has optical slave which can become useful if you find youself with malfunctionning triggers, or with too many flashes for your triggers. Originally posted by MD Optofonik How would auto thyristor mode be beneficial in a multiple flash setup? It wouldn't, you wouldn't be able to control your exposure. With ONE remote flash it can be very useful but then again you loose control.