New Flash Recommendation

Smoke665 · 07-19-2020, 02:17 PM

It seems the more I read the more I get confused on what to get. I need a speedlight that will work on HSS and PTTL with a K3II and K1MII......suggestions on the best bang for the buck?

Aaron28 · 07-19-2020, 02:33 PM - **1 Like**

use a af360fgz the most often but also an af540fgz both purchased used............but there are plenty of third parties anymores

Smoke665 · 07-19-2020, 02:54 PM

Originally posted by Aaron28

use a af360fgz the most often but also an af540fgz both purchased used............but there are plenty of third parties anymores

That's part of the confusion, I keep seeing some don't work with HSS some don't with PTTL. I'd looked at a use AF360fgz.

**FozzFoster** · 07-19-2020, 03:33 PM - **1 Like**

I would recommend any Pentax flash.
But the AF360FGZ is the only in-production flash without a swivel.
I would strongly suggest trying to get a AF540FGZ or a AF360FGZii, if in budget.

pschlute · 07-19-2020, 03:47 PM

Originally posted by Smoke665

That's part of the confusion, I keep seeing some don't work with HSS some don't with PTTL. I'd looked at a use AF360fgz.

With Pentax HSS is a P-TTL mode only. I am sure that applies for third party flashes too

---------- Post added 07-19-20 at 11:59 PM ----------

I use two Af540 II and two Cactus RF60X. When combined with the Cactus radio triggers, I can fire all of them in P-TTL mode (with compensation) or in manual mode, controlled individually directly from the radio transmitter on the camera hot shoe. They work extremely well together.

I have a feeling (someone correct me if I am wrong) that the Cactus RF60X will not work in P-TTL on its own when placed directly on the camera.

Aaron28 · 07-19-2020, 04:33 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Smoke665

That's part of the confusion, I keep seeing some don't work with HSS some don't with PTTL. I'd looked at a use AF360fgz.

right!! yeh i didn't trust some advertising or was not sure of the features and considering prices i went with used af 360/540........anywheres from 70-120$$ think i got lucky but they all work fine after a few years and somewhat consistent use (especially the 360 the swivel does not bother me in most cases)......love the auto feature with manual non 'A' or M42 lenses....of course the HSS/p-ttl were the main features!

Originally posted by pschlute

I have a feeling (someone correct me if I am wrong) that the Cactus RF60X will not work in P-TTL on its own when placed directly on the camera.

not sure myself but i do not think so either!! believe they only have a 1 pin foot and only work under sync speed on camera.......

SharkyCA · 07-19-2020, 06:29 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Smoke665

It seems the more I read the more I get confused on what to get. I need a speedlight that will work on HSS and PTTL with a K3II and K1MII......suggestions on the best bang for the buck?

Probably a good place to start is with the article written on PentaxForums by member Nigel McGregor mcgregni - View Profile - PentaxForums.com
A link to that article is here! Comprehensive Pentax Flash Guide - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com
Cheers!

Batman_ · 07-19-2020, 06:40 PM

If you think you will get into off camera flash or multiple light setups or think you might want to scale up later then consider Godox.

GODOX TT350P (small flash but also can act as a trigger)
Godox V1-P (larger lithium ion-powered flash)

They also have larger lights such as Godox AD200 and others.

Smoke665 · 07-19-2020, 07:16 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by SharkyCA

Probably a good place to start is with the article written on PentaxForums by member Nigel McGregor mcgregni - View Profile - PentaxForums.com
A link to that article is here! Comprehensive Pentax Flash Guide - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com
Cheers!

Read it, a good refrence

---------- Post added 07-19-20 at 07:22 PM ----------

Originally posted by Batman_

If you think you will get into off camera flash or multiple light setups or think you might want to scale up later then consider Godox.

GODOX TT350P (small flash but also can act as a trigger)
Godox V1-P (larger lithium ion-powered flash)

They also have larger lights such as Godox AD200 and others.

In studio, run up to 6 light sets, and locked in with the folks at Paul Buff, don't see that changing. Looking strickly at ambient run and gun.

SSGGeezer · 07-19-2020, 07:58 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Smoke665

Read it, a good refrence

---------- Post added 07-19-20 at 07:22 PM ----------

In studio, run up to 6 light sets, and locked in with the folks at Paul Buff, don't see that changing. Looking strickly at ambient run and gun.

The Yongnuos are fine as PTTL lights but unless they send new firmware, do not do HSS. They are super cheap compared to all the ones previously mentioned. And they work well with the little triggers for off camera work . I have 4 or is it 6 that in total cost less then a 540 Fgz II.

Paul the Sunman · 07-19-2020, 08:03 PM - **1 Like**

Metz 52 AF-1 is a more powerful alternative to the AF360FGZii. I own and recommend both.

Smoke665 · 07-20-2020, 05:09 AM

Originally posted by Paul the Sunman

Metz 52 AF-1 is a more powerful alternative to the AF360FGZii. I own and recommend both.

That's another brand I've looked at, but was confused if they do both HSS and PTTL.

**FozzFoster** · 07-20-2020, 06:48 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Smoke665

That's another brand I've looked at, but was confused if they do both HSS and PTTL.

I think they both do HSS and PTTL.
The Pentax models AF360FGZii and AF540FGZii are weather sealed, however.

07-19-2020, 02:17 PM	#1
Smoke665 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 249	New Flash Recommendation It seems the more I read the more I get confused on what to get. I need a speedlight that will work on HSS and PTTL with a K3II and K1MII......suggestions on the best bang for the buck?

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07-19-2020, 02:33 PM - 1 Like	#2
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	use a af360fgz the most often but also an af540fgz both purchased used............but there are plenty of third parties anymores

07-19-2020, 02:54 PM	#3
Smoke665 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 249 Original Poster	Originally posted by Aaron28 use a af360fgz the most often but also an af540fgz both purchased used............but there are plenty of third parties anymores That's part of the confusion, I keep seeing some don't work with HSS some don't with PTTL. I'd looked at a use AF360fgz.

07-19-2020, 03:33 PM - 1 Like	#4
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I would recommend any Pentax flash. But the AF360FGZ is the only in-production flash without a swivel. I would strongly suggest trying to get a AF540FGZ or a AF360FGZii, if in budget.

07-19-2020, 03:47 PM	#5
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	Originally posted by Smoke665 That's part of the confusion, I keep seeing some don't work with HSS some don't with PTTL. I'd looked at a use AF360fgz. With Pentax HSS is a P-TTL mode only. I am sure that applies for third party flashes too ---------- Post added 07-19-20 at 11:59 PM ---------- I use two Af540 II and two Cactus RF60X. When combined with the Cactus radio triggers, I can fire all of them in P-TTL mode (with compensation) or in manual mode, controlled individually directly from the radio transmitter on the camera hot shoe. They work extremely well together. I have a feeling (someone correct me if I am wrong) that the Cactus RF60X will not work in P-TTL on its own when placed directly on the camera.

07-19-2020, 04:33 PM - 1 Like	#6
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	Originally posted by Smoke665 That's part of the confusion, I keep seeing some don't work with HSS some don't with PTTL. I'd looked at a use AF360fgz. right!! yeh i didn't trust some advertising or was not sure of the features and considering prices i went with used af 360/540........anywheres from 70-120$$ think i got lucky but they all work fine after a few years and somewhat consistent use (especially the 360 the swivel does not bother me in most cases)......love the auto feature with manual non 'A' or M42 lenses....of course the HSS/p-ttl were the main features! Originally posted by pschlute I have a feeling (someone correct me if I am wrong) that the Cactus RF60X will not work in P-TTL on its own when placed directly on the camera. not sure myself but i do not think so either!! believe they only have a 1 pin foot and only work under sync speed on camera.......

07-19-2020, 06:29 PM - 1 Like	#7
SharkyCA Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 806	Originally posted by Smoke665 It seems the more I read the more I get confused on what to get. I need a speedlight that will work on HSS and PTTL with a K3II and K1MII......suggestions on the best bang for the buck? Probably a good place to start is with the article written on PentaxForums by member Nigel McGregor mcgregni - View Profile - PentaxForums.com A link to that article is here! Comprehensive Pentax Flash Guide - Articles and Tips \| PentaxForums.com Cheers!

07-19-2020, 06:40 PM	#8
Batman_ Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 85	If you think you will get into off camera flash or multiple light setups or think you might want to scale up later then consider Godox. GODOX TT350P (small flash but also can act as a trigger) Godox V1-P (larger lithium ion-powered flash) They also have larger lights such as Godox AD200 and others.

07-19-2020, 07:16 PM - 1 Like	#9
Smoke665 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 249 Original Poster	Originally posted by SharkyCA Probably a good place to start is with the article written on PentaxForums by member Nigel McGregor mcgregni - View Profile - PentaxForums.com A link to that article is here! Comprehensive Pentax Flash Guide - Articles and Tips \| PentaxForums.com Cheers! Read it, a good refrence ---------- Post added 07-19-20 at 07:22 PM ---------- Originally posted by Batman_ If you think you will get into off camera flash or multiple light setups or think you might want to scale up later then consider Godox. GODOX TT350P (small flash but also can act as a trigger) Godox V1-P (larger lithium ion-powered flash) They also have larger lights such as Godox AD200 and others. In studio, run up to 6 light sets, and locked in with the folks at Paul Buff, don't see that changing. Looking strickly at ambient run and gun.

07-19-2020, 07:58 PM - 1 Like	#10
SSGGeezer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Indiana, U.S. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,845	Originally posted by Smoke665 Read it, a good refrence ---------- Post added 07-19-20 at 07:22 PM ---------- In studio, run up to 6 light sets, and locked in with the folks at Paul Buff, don't see that changing. Looking strickly at ambient run and gun. The Yongnuos are fine as PTTL lights but unless they send new firmware, do not do HSS. They are super cheap compared to all the ones previously mentioned. And they work well with the little triggers for off camera work . I have 4 or is it 6 that in total cost less then a 540 Fgz II.

07-19-2020, 08:03 PM - 1 Like	#11
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,843	Metz 52 AF-1 is a more powerful alternative to the AF360FGZii. I own and recommend both.

07-20-2020, 05:09 AM	#12
Smoke665 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 249 Original Poster	Originally posted by Paul the Sunman Metz 52 AF-1 is a more powerful alternative to the AF360FGZii. I own and recommend both. That's another brand I've looked at, but was confused if they do both HSS and PTTL.

07-20-2020, 06:48 AM - 1 Like	#13
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by Smoke665 That's another brand I've looked at, but was confused if they do both HSS and PTTL. I think they both do HSS and PTTL. The Pentax models AF360FGZii and AF540FGZii are weather sealed, however.