AF 540 FGZ II flash - $267 off at B&H

AF 540 FGZ II flash - $267 off at B&H · 11:10 PM

B&H is running a nice special on the Pentax flagship flash, while supplies last. Get it for $362.50 while supplies last.

Pentax AF540FGZ II Flash 30456 B&H Photo Video

The deal expires on December 31st or when sold out.

Lev · 12-04-2015, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by clackers

The II version certainly does! Weather sealed and with modelling light, too.

Thanks! Bought it yesterday

**mike.hiran** · 12-13-2015, 08:52 PM

it's not sold out but it's showing up at $399 now... bummer. I see it's 379 now on Amazon though.

**JimS_256** · 12-14-2015, 11:26 AM

Originally posted by vagrant10

it's not sold out but it's showing up at $399 now... bummer. I see it's 379 now on Amazon though.

Adorama is still honoring the original sale prices of $362.50 for the 540 and $284.00 for the 360.

Pentax AF-540FGZ II Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash

Pentax AF-360FGZ II Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash

Does anyone have any thoughts on these compared to the Metz 52 at $319 and the Metz 44 at $263? I know they aren't weather sealed but other than that...?

LeRolls · 12-23-2015, 12:38 PM

My flash died this morning during a beach shoot when a rogue wave hit me and I had just read this thread before heading out to meet the model. Figured it was meant to be so I put the order in at Adorama.

**clackers** · 12-23-2015, 01:02 PM

Originally posted by LeRolls

My flash died this morning during a beach shoot when a rogue wave hit me and I had just read this thread before heading out to meet the model. Figured it was meant to be so I put the order in at Adorama.

You were thinking of doing more 'in the rain' shots anyway, IIRC! :-)

aleonx3 · 12-23-2015, 01:53 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by JimS_256

Adorama is still honoring the original sale prices of $362.50 for the 540 and $284.00 for the 360.

Pentax AF-540FGZ II Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash

Pentax AF-360FGZ II Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash

Does anyone have any thoughts on these compared to the Metz 52 at $319 and the Metz 44 at $263? I know they aren't weather sealed but other than that...?

TBH, at the current price (with a little more for the Pentax flashes), I would prefer the Pentax version for the following reasons (and I use flash a lot when I need to):
-WR, front LED in place of catch-light (independent of swivel head position), Pentax flash mode compatibilities.

Of course, not to say that Metz flashes are not good, just not compare favourably to Pentax flashes at the current price levels.

**JimS_256** · 12-23-2015, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by aleonx3

TBH, at the current price (with a little more for the Pentax flashes), I would prefer the Pentax version for the following reasons (and I use flash a lot when I need to):
-WR, front LED in place of catch-light (independent of swivel head position), Pentax flash mode compatibilities.

Of course, not to say that Metz flashes are not good, just not compare favourably to Pentax flashes at the current price levels.

Thanks for responding to my question! It's much appreciated!

I just purchased the K-3II so I'm not sure I'll be able to swing one of these. I've always wanted a top quality flash, it seems like something one should have available, but they've never made it's to the top of my want list. Now to decide which one...

aleonx3 · 12-23-2015, 09:48 PM

Originally posted by JimS_256

Thanks for responding to my question! It's much appreciated!

I just purchased the K-3II so I'm not sure I'll be able to swing one of these. I've always wanted a top quality flash, it seems like something one should have available, but they've never made it's to the top of my want list. Now to decide which one...

You're welcome, IMHO, if you can stretch it a bit (price wise), always a good idea to get the "bigger" 540-II for more reach. Notice that the 540-II is not much bigger in terms of physical size than the 360-II. I paid close to 400 dollars last year in Japan for the 360-II. I think the 360-II is cheaper and better value if you are getting it from Adorama.

LeRolls · 12-23-2015, 10:55 PM

Originally posted by clackers

You were thinking of doing more 'in the rain' shots anyway, IIRC! :-)

My thoughts exactly! Now maybe I can start thinking about picking up a DA55 to go fully weather sealed for less than dry portrait sessions.

**JimS_256** · 12-24-2015, 12:56 PM

Originally posted by aleonx3

You're welcome, IMHO, if you can stretch it a bit (price wise), always a good idea to get the "bigger" 540-II for more reach. Notice that the 540-II is not much bigger in terms of physical size than the 360-II. I paid close to 400 dollars last year in Japan for the 360-II. I think the 360-II is cheaper and better value if you are getting it from Adorama.

Thanks again for the helpful suggestions! Basically that's my dilemma. Since my flash experience is limited to on camera flashes and inexpensive ones from the film era, I'm not sure where I'd need the longer reach. I'm a hobbyist not a pro, mostly interested in wildlife and landscape.

---------- Post added 12-24-15 at 11:59 AM ----------

Originally posted by LeRolls

My thoughts exactly! Now maybe I can start thinking about picking up a DA55 to go fully weather sealed for less than dry portrait sessions.

One of my favorite sayings is "Never turn your back on the ocean." I recite it over and over in my head whenever I'm on a beach near saltwater.

LeRolls · 12-24-2015, 06:09 PM

Originally posted by JimS_256

One of my favorite sayings is "Never turn your back on the ocean." I recite it over and over in my head whenever I'm on a beach near saltwater.

Yes, very true.

So....I guess the components in the flash had time to dry off because it seems to be working fine now. Adorama already shipped the new flash so I'll probably end up keeping it and use the old one as a second light or as a backup. At the very least I'll give the new one a try to see what I think of it.

aleonx3 · 12-25-2015, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by JimS_256

Thanks again for the helpful suggestions! Basically that's my dilemma. Since my flash experience is limited to on camera flashes and inexpensive ones from the film era, I'm not sure where I'd need the longer reach. I'm a hobbyist not a pro, mostly interested in wildlife and landscape.[COLOR="Silver"]

I don't think you will notice any difference in terms of power output between the two (360-II and 540-II). At the point you are more comfortable with handling flash photography you can always add another one and use it with wireless remote control. And it is always a good idea to keep the same brand (Pentax) to avoid compatibility issue. And by the way, I have 3 flashes (one old 540, one old 360 and a new 360). I seldom find a need to use the 540 now since I got the new 360.

**clackers** · 12-25-2015, 10:20 AM

Originally posted by aleonx3

I don't think you will notice any difference in terms of power output between the two (360-II and 540-II).

There's a big difference in the Guide Numbers (36vs54).

Whether that's noticeable, especially for close subjects, is a different matter, though. :-)

aleonx3 · 12-25-2015, 10:36 AM

Originally posted by clackers

There's a big difference in the Guide Numbers (36vs54).

Whether that's noticeable, especially for close subjects, is a different matter, though. :-)

I agree with on the difference in guide number and I guess I might have misled people regarding the power output. Yes, you are correct (thanks for keeping me honest). However, the key to flash photos is not about how powerful the flash is... it is about balancing between flash and ambient light.

**clackers** · 12-25-2015, 10:54 AM

Originally posted by aleonx3

However, the key to flash photos is not about how powerful the flash is... it is about balancing between flash and ambient light.

True, Aleobx.

But if the ambient light level is high, you'll need a bigger GN to overcome it.

Ultimately pros will resort to more powerful strobes to do this outdoors.

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12-13-2015, 08:52 PM	#17
mike.hiran Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: portland Photos: Albums Posts: 1,491	it's not sold out but it's showing up at $399 now... bummer. I see it's 379 now on Amazon though. Last edited by mike.hiran; 12-13-2015 at 10:48 PM.

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12-04-2015, 11:20 AM	#16
Lev Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia Posts: 1,197	Originally posted by clackers The II version certainly does! Weather sealed and with modelling light, too. Thanks! Bought it yesterday

12-14-2015, 11:26 AM	#18
JimS_256 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 1,107	Originally posted by vagrant10 it's not sold out but it's showing up at $399 now... bummer. I see it's 379 now on Amazon though. Adorama is still honoring the original sale prices of $362.50 for the 540 and $284.00 for the 360. Pentax AF-540FGZ II Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash Pentax AF-360FGZ II Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash Does anyone have any thoughts on these compared to the Metz 52 at $319 and the Metz 44 at $263? I know they aren't weather sealed but other than that...?

12-23-2015, 12:38 PM	#19
LeRolls Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: PSL, FL Posts: 4,504	My flash died this morning during a beach shoot when a rogue wave hit me and I had just read this thread before heading out to meet the model. Figured it was meant to be so I put the order in at Adorama.

12-23-2015, 01:02 PM	#20
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by LeRolls My flash died this morning during a beach shoot when a rogue wave hit me and I had just read this thread before heading out to meet the model. Figured it was meant to be so I put the order in at Adorama. You were thinking of doing more 'in the rain' shots anyway, IIRC! :-)

12-23-2015, 01:53 PM - 1 Like	#21
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by JimS_256 Adorama is still honoring the original sale prices of $362.50 for the 540 and $284.00 for the 360. Pentax AF-540FGZ II Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash Pentax AF-360FGZ II Dedicated Shoe Mount Zoom Flash Does anyone have any thoughts on these compared to the Metz 52 at $319 and the Metz 44 at $263? I know they aren't weather sealed but other than that...? TBH, at the current price (with a little more for the Pentax flashes), I would prefer the Pentax version for the following reasons (and I use flash a lot when I need to): -WR, front LED in place of catch-light (independent of swivel head position), Pentax flash mode compatibilities. Of course, not to say that Metz flashes are not good, just not compare favourably to Pentax flashes at the current price levels.

12-23-2015, 02:19 PM	#22
JimS_256 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 1,107	Originally posted by aleonx3 TBH, at the current price (with a little more for the Pentax flashes), I would prefer the Pentax version for the following reasons (and I use flash a lot when I need to): -WR, front LED in place of catch-light (independent of swivel head position), Pentax flash mode compatibilities. Of course, not to say that Metz flashes are not good, just not compare favourably to Pentax flashes at the current price levels. Thanks for responding to my question! It's much appreciated! I just purchased the K-3II so I'm not sure I'll be able to swing one of these. I've always wanted a top quality flash, it seems like something one should have available, but they've never made it's to the top of my want list. Now to decide which one...

12-23-2015, 09:48 PM	#23
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by JimS_256 Thanks for responding to my question! It's much appreciated! I just purchased the K-3II so I'm not sure I'll be able to swing one of these. I've always wanted a top quality flash, it seems like something one should have available, but they've never made it's to the top of my want list. Now to decide which one... You're welcome, IMHO, if you can stretch it a bit (price wise), always a good idea to get the "bigger" 540-II for more reach. Notice that the 540-II is not much bigger in terms of physical size than the 360-II. I paid close to 400 dollars last year in Japan for the 360-II. I think the 360-II is cheaper and better value if you are getting it from Adorama.

12-23-2015, 10:55 PM	#24
LeRolls Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: PSL, FL Posts: 4,504	Originally posted by clackers You were thinking of doing more 'in the rain' shots anyway, IIRC! :-) My thoughts exactly! Now maybe I can start thinking about picking up a DA55 to go fully weather sealed for less than dry portrait sessions.

12-24-2015, 12:56 PM	#25
JimS_256 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 1,107	Originally posted by aleonx3 You're welcome, IMHO, if you can stretch it a bit (price wise), always a good idea to get the "bigger" 540-II for more reach. Notice that the 540-II is not much bigger in terms of physical size than the 360-II. I paid close to 400 dollars last year in Japan for the 360-II. I think the 360-II is cheaper and better value if you are getting it from Adorama. Thanks again for the helpful suggestions! Basically that's my dilemma. Since my flash experience is limited to on camera flashes and inexpensive ones from the film era, I'm not sure where I'd need the longer reach. I'm a hobbyist not a pro, mostly interested in wildlife and landscape. ---------- Post added 12-24-15 at 11:59 AM ---------- Originally posted by LeRolls My thoughts exactly! Now maybe I can start thinking about picking up a DA55 to go fully weather sealed for less than dry portrait sessions. One of my favorite sayings is "Never turn your back on the ocean." I recite it over and over in my head whenever I'm on a beach near saltwater.

12-24-2015, 06:09 PM	#26
LeRolls Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: PSL, FL Posts: 4,504	Originally posted by JimS_256 One of my favorite sayings is "Never turn your back on the ocean." I recite it over and over in my head whenever I'm on a beach near saltwater. Yes, very true. So....I guess the components in the flash had time to dry off because it seems to be working fine now. Adorama already shipped the new flash so I'll probably end up keeping it and use the old one as a second light or as a backup. At the very least I'll give the new one a try to see what I think of it.

12-25-2015, 10:14 AM	#27
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by JimS_256 Thanks again for the helpful suggestions! Basically that's my dilemma. Since my flash experience is limited to on camera flashes and inexpensive ones from the film era, I'm not sure where I'd need the longer reach. I'm a hobbyist not a pro, mostly interested in wildlife and landscape.[COLOR="Silver"] I don't think you will notice any difference in terms of power output between the two (360-II and 540-II). At the point you are more comfortable with handling flash photography you can always add another one and use it with wireless remote control. And it is always a good idea to keep the same brand (Pentax) to avoid compatibility issue. And by the way, I have 3 flashes (one old 540, one old 360 and a new 360). I seldom find a need to use the 540 now since I got the new 360.

12-25-2015, 10:20 AM	#28
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by aleonx3 I don't think you will notice any difference in terms of power output between the two (360-II and 540-II). There's a big difference in the Guide Numbers (36vs54). Whether that's noticeable, especially for close subjects, is a different matter, though. :-)

12-25-2015, 10:36 AM	#29
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by clackers There's a big difference in the Guide Numbers (36vs54). Whether that's noticeable, especially for close subjects, is a different matter, though. :-) I agree with on the difference in guide number and I guess I might have misled people regarding the power output. Yes, you are correct (thanks for keeping me honest). However, the key to flash photos is not about how powerful the flash is... it is about balancing between flash and ambient light.

12-25-2015, 10:54 AM	#30
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by aleonx3 However, the key to flash photos is not about how powerful the flash is... it is about balancing between flash and ambient light. True, Aleobx. But if the ambient light level is high, you'll need a bigger GN to overcome it. Ultimately pros will resort to more powerful strobes to do this outdoors.