Originally posted by BrianR Isn't that for the full recycle time (after a full power burst)? I haven't used the pentax flashes, but usually the 'big brother' flash has no problems keeping up with the weaker gun if they're both outputting the same amount of light (eg. 360gz at full power and the 540gz and 1/2 power). The big gun has a larger well and the ability to dump it all at once, it still builds up power at a similar rate.
Originally posted by Alex645 Yes, the 2.5 seconds max of the 360 and the 5 second max of the 540 is for full power, but the OP stated in #7 they never used the equivalent of the 360 at 100%, so why spend more for more power they won't need that recycles slower? I can't explain why the 360 recycles faster at 1.5s vs. the 540's 3s, other than the capacitor must be larger or less efficient on the bigger unit when less power is needed.
Can you think of why the minimum recycle time is half the time on the 360? Or why it's double on the 540 at 5s vs. 2.5s even though the GN is not double?
I was looking at recycle time as well... I will try to look into it more, but I am pretty sure the recycle time is rated for full power.
And, the reason it would take twice as long for full power is because of diminishing returns. A bigger capacitor of the same type is not going to charge at the same rate as a smaller capacitor of the same type. It might up to a certain point, but the higher the charge, the more of a time curve you are going to see.
They are also rated in steps.. so 1/256 on the 360 is going to be a lot less than 1/256 on the 540.
---------- Post added 12-29-15 at 12:07 AM ----------
Ok, so it looks like on a K-3 and a 360 at 1/8, you can get every shot to flash.
With a 540, you have to bump it to 1/16 to get every shot to flash.
But the 540 is a lot more powerful than the 360.. so.. is 1/8 on the 360 equal or less than 1/16 on the 540?