Recommended flash unit for K500

JohnnyMcG · 04-18-2018, 12:17 PM

Buying my first hotshoe flash unit for the Pentax K500.
Ideally with swivel and tilt functions. The Pentax models seem pricey.
Would someone suggest a good value 3rd party alternative?

Thanks.

John.

photolady95 · 04-18-2018, 01:33 PM

Lots of members use this brand:

amazon.com : YONGNUO YN585EX Wireless Camera Flash Speedlite with P-TTL Function for Pentax Digital Cameras : Camera & Photo?tag=pentaxforums-20&

**UncleVanya** · 04-18-2018, 01:46 PM

This may help you understand some tradeoffs and concepts:
Comprehensive Pentax P-TTL Flash Guide Updated - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

This guide is out of date to a degree, but still somewhat useful:
The Definitive Guide - Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison

MrMojo · 04-18-2018, 03:31 PM

You could have a look on auction sites for the (various) Sigma 610 models, I have the basic one and it's a beast. £99 new in a sale.
My other half has a Metz, these come up quite often too, she's happy with it, although it doesn't offer swivel. From memory it's a Metz 36?

We're not huge flash users, so depending on your desired usage others may have better more qualified opinions.

JohnnyMcG · 04-18-2018, 04:30 PM

Originally posted by photolady95

Lots of members use this brand:

amazon.com : YONGNUO YN585EX Wireless Camera Flash Speedlite with P-TTL Function for Pentax Digital Cameras : Camera & Photo?tag=pentaxforums-20&

Thanks for the suggestion. That model seems very well priced.

---------- Post added 04-18-18 at 04:32 PM ----------

Originally posted by MrMojo

You could have a look on auction sites for the (various) Sigma 610 models, I have the basic one and it's a beast. £99 new in a sale.
My other half has a Metz, these come up quite often too, she's happy with it, although it doesn't offer swivel. From memory it's a Metz 36?

We're not huge flash users, so depending on your desired usage others may have better more qualified opinions.

Thanks.
The Sigma and Metz models seem to be popular.
I'll research the prices in UK.

**WPRESTO** · 04-18-2018, 05:47 PM

I recommend you at least consider a Metz m400. It's reasonably priced for the features it offers, and it's nice and compact. Since its introduction it has been very popular.

C_Jones · 04-18-2018, 06:02 PM

I recommend the Yongnuo YN585EX also. I have one. It is well built, well styled, and it does an excellent job.

**Des** · 04-18-2018, 08:31 PM

Another to consider: Shanny SN600FGZ P-TTL HSS Flash for $120? - PentaxForums.com This one offers PTT-L HSS, GN 60, tilt and swivel.

Otherwise, the Metz flashes are good quality and highly-featured, and second-hand ones are quite affordable. I got my Metz 58-AF1 for the equivalent of about 90 pounds. One advantage of the Metz models is that you can update the firmware with most of them.

JohnnyMcG · 04-19-2018, 02:22 PM

Originally posted by C_Jones

I recommend the Yongnuo YN585EX also. I have one. It is well built, well styled, and it does an excellent job.

OK just ordered the Yongnuo YN585EX flashgun.
Being shipped from China so might take a while

Thanks for all suggestions.

C_Jones · 04-19-2018, 09:09 PM

You made a good choice. Nice decision. I think that you may be surprised at how nice it really is and how well it works when you get it. Good luck!

04-18-2018, 12:17 PM	#1
JohnnyMcG New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 6	Recommended flash unit for K500 Buying my first hotshoe flash unit for the Pentax K500. Ideally with swivel and tilt functions. The Pentax models seem pricey. Would someone suggest a good value 3rd party alternative? Thanks. John.

04-18-2018, 08:31 PM	#8
Des Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Victoria Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 6,423	Another to consider: Shanny SN600FGZ P-TTL HSS Flash for $120? - PentaxForums.com This one offers PTT-L HSS, GN 60, tilt and swivel. Otherwise, the Metz flashes are good quality and highly-featured, and second-hand ones are quite affordable. I got my Metz 58-AF1 for the equivalent of about 90 pounds. One advantage of the Metz models is that you can update the firmware with most of them. Last edited by Des; 04-18-2018 at 11:26 PM.

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04-18-2018, 01:33 PM	#2
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Lots of members use this brand: amazon.com : YONGNUO YN585EX Wireless Camera Flash Speedlite with P-TTL Function for Pentax Digital Cameras : Camera & Photo?tag=pentaxforums-20&

04-18-2018, 01:46 PM	#3
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	This may help you understand some tradeoffs and concepts: Comprehensive Pentax P-TTL Flash Guide Updated - Articles and Tips \| PentaxForums.com This guide is out of date to a degree, but still somewhat useful: The Definitive Guide - Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison

04-18-2018, 03:31 PM	#4
MrMojo Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2018 Photos: Albums Posts: 96	You could have a look on auction sites for the (various) Sigma 610 models, I have the basic one and it's a beast. £99 new in a sale. My other half has a Metz, these come up quite often too, she's happy with it, although it doesn't offer swivel. From memory it's a Metz 36? We're not huge flash users, so depending on your desired usage others may have better more qualified opinions.

04-18-2018, 04:30 PM	#5
JohnnyMcG New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 6 Original Poster	Originally posted by photolady95 Lots of members use this brand: amazon.com : YONGNUO YN585EX Wireless Camera Flash Speedlite with P-TTL Function for Pentax Digital Cameras : Camera & Photo?tag=pentaxforums-20& Thanks for the suggestion. That model seems very well priced. ---------- Post added 04-18-18 at 04:32 PM ---------- Originally posted by MrMojo You could have a look on auction sites for the (various) Sigma 610 models, I have the basic one and it's a beast. £99 new in a sale. My other half has a Metz, these come up quite often too, she's happy with it, although it doesn't offer swivel. From memory it's a Metz 36? We're not huge flash users, so depending on your desired usage others may have better more qualified opinions. Thanks. The Sigma and Metz models seem to be popular. I'll research the prices in UK.

04-18-2018, 05:47 PM	#6
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,106	I recommend you at least consider a Metz m400. It's reasonably priced for the features it offers, and it's nice and compact. Since its introduction it has been very popular.

04-18-2018, 06:02 PM	#7
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	I recommend the Yongnuo YN585EX also. I have one. It is well built, well styled, and it does an excellent job.

04-19-2018, 02:22 PM	#9
JohnnyMcG New Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 6 Original Poster	Originally posted by C_Jones I recommend the Yongnuo YN585EX also. I have one. It is well built, well styled, and it does an excellent job. OK just ordered the Yongnuo YN585EX flashgun. Being shipped from China so might take a while Thanks for all suggestions.

04-19-2018, 09:09 PM	#10
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	You made a good choice. Nice decision. I think that you may be surprised at how nice it really is and how well it works when you get it. Good luck!