PocketWizard has a new off-camera flash tutorial (above) hosted by Joe Brady that covers the ins and outs of off-camera flash with mirrorless cameras. In the tutorial, Brady takes the Sony NEX-6 and NEX-7 for a spin with the PocketWizard Plus III and MiniTT1 and a variety of speedlights. [Read more…]
Nikon SB-300 Compact Speedlight Announced
Along with the new 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens, Nikon also unveiled the new SB-300 compact speedlight. The SB-300 features a bounce head with up to 120-degrees of tilt. It covers 18mm DX lenses and is powered by two AAA batteries. [Read more…]
New Nikon Power Cable for PocketWizard
PocketWizard has a new Nikon Power Cable that works with the MiniTT1, Plus III and MultiMAX (w/ USB) transceivers. It will allows these transceivers to draw power from any Nikon DSLR that is equipped with a 10-pin remote port.
The PocketWizard transceivers use little power and, according to PocketWizard, have almost no impact on the camera’s battery life. The Nikon Power Cable (PW-DC-N10) is available for $20. You can find it here at B&H Photo.
1 Speedlight, 16 Looks
Bob Harrington gave a speedlight presentation at B&H Photo’s Event Space on using one speedlight for multiple looks with a limited kit of modifiers.
Here’s his gear list:
- 1 speedlight
- Photoflex 45″ convertible umbrella
- California Sunbounce Micro Mini with Grip head
- 1/4″ foamcore for V-Flats
- (2) 42×72 Impact 5-in-1 reflectors
- Homemade reflector holders
- Small Rogue Flashbender
Rogue FlashBender XL Pro Lighting Kit Announced
The Rogue FlashBender XL Pro Lighting kit contains 4 extra-large speedlight modifiers in a compact package that packs flat in camera bags.
The 4 modifiers in the kit are:
- 1x XL Pro FlashBender White Reflector
- 1x XL Pro Strip Box Diffuser Attachment
- 1x XL Pro Soft Box Diffuser Attachment
- 1x XL Pro Silver/Black Reflector Attachment
The Rogue FlashBender XL Pro Lighting Kit retails for $99.95 and is available here at B&H Photo.
Pentax’s New Speedlight in Development
Even though we are now in April, I am still digging through things I saw while at CES 2013 back in January. One of the interesting things for Pentax shooters was a new speedlight mockup on display in the Pentax booth.
The only official thing I can reveal about it is that Pentax was “showing a reference model of new flashes.” Boring, eh?
Well, you can see in the images below what Pentax might have going on with its new flash unit(s) at some point in the probably reasonably near future. Feel free to speculate away. And, if you spot something that jumps out at you, please let us know in the comments. [Read more…]
Phottix Mitros TTL Flash for Canon Shipping Soon
Phottix’s new Mitros TTL flash should be shipping soon for Canon systems. The Mitros TTL speedlight was announced back at Photokina and claims “do everything you expect a top-of-the-line TTL flash to do. Functions include built-in IR triggering with Master and Slave modes, AF assist light, auto/manual zooming flash head, all with fast recharge times. The Phottix Mitros TTL Flash includes a USB port for firmware upgrades and a 3.5mm Sync port.”
Phottix Mitros TTL Flash Key Features
- E-TTL, M, Multi modes
- High Speed Sync and Rear Curtain Sync
- Guide Number of 58
- Auto/Manual Flash Head Zoom w/ 180° rotation and 97° tilt
- FEC: Manual and Bracketed
- 0.1-2.5s Recycle Times
- IR Wireless Trigger w/ Master and Slave mode
- Powered by 4 AA batteries
- Port for External Battery Pack
- 3.5mm Sync Port
- USB Port for Updgrades
The Phottix Mitros TTL flash retails for $349, which is substantially cheaper than the Canon 580EX II at $489 that it has its sights on. The Phottix Mitros TTL flash should be available soon at Amazon, Adorama and the Phottix store.
Lastolite Strobo Overview
Check out the video above a quick overview of the Lastolite Strobo line of lighting modifiers for hotshoe flashes from PhotoPlus 2012.
Metz mecablitz 52 AF-1 Digital Touchscreen Speedlight
Metz has announced a new touchscreen speedlight – the mecablitz 52 AF-1. The new hot shoe flash features a guide number of 52 and is capable of wireless TTL operation.
The touchscreen rotates when holding the camera in portait orientation for easier readability. Additionally, the mecablitz 52 AF-1 sports a USB port for future firmware upgrades.
The mecablitz 52 AF-1 will be available in Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony and Micro Four Thirds versions. No word yet on final release date and pricing. Check availability here at B&H Photo.
Full specs listed below. [Read more…]
Phottix Ares Flash Trigger is Your No Frills Trigger
The Phottix Ares flash trigger is a new 8-channel transmitter and receiver units that have a range of 200m and feature a “fire-all” channel function. No advanced bells or whistles here. Just a dumb transmitter and receiver that are aimed to be reliable and affordable.
Phottix Ares Key Features and Specs
- 2.4GHz
- 200+m range
- 8 channels and Fire-All function
- 1/250s max sync speed
- 3.5mm sync port
- Hot shoe
- Triggers hot shoe flashes and studio lights
- Rotating transmitter can be used in teh up or down position
- Reliability digitally-encoded signals
- Cold shoe and 1/4″ threaded insert on receiver
- Cables and batteries included
No word on the final price yet, but since the Ares is replacing older units like the Tetra, Aster and Strato I, it’s reasonable expect a retail price point well under $100.
Check out the Phottix Online Store, Amazon or Adorama for Phottix products.