flash power

Time for a semi-review. I have two off camera flashes, a Vivitar 285HV and a Sunpak 383. Why not two of the same? It’d make more sense, but I wanted to see for myself which one suits me better. Granted, I haven’t used either all that much (gotta get on that taking more photos bit…)

But my initial impression leans towards the Sunpak 383. The big reasons are: it has swivel (for when I want to mount it on camera and bounce), it has 1/8 power, and recycles in ~6 seconds at full power. The Vivitar has a zooming head, and skips from 1/4 to 1/16 power, and takes a whopping ~10 seconds at full power.

Sunpak is also smaller, and easier to attach gobo’s and snoots. The Vivitar has an awkward head.

Regarding batteries for them… my Sanyo Eneloops (2000mah) were only a fraction slower than the Powerex 2700mah’s I got. I’m guessing the older design can’t really take advantage? Or I’m expecting too much.

That’s just my brief initial run down. Hopefully I’ll use these more and get my ass to learn some lighting techniques. I will say I think the Vivitar gets an unfair advantage given it’s strobist endorsement. Not that it’s a bad flash, I’m just impatient I will say the Vivitar has a damn nice slow for gels. No need to velcro, and easier storage (fits in a business card tin).