Pixiq

Whether you’re needing to upgrade your small external flash setup or just getting your feet wet with portable strobe photography there are a few things you’ll want to look for before you purchase your first or additional strobe flashes.

The Basics

These tend to be standard amongst most camera mountable small strobe flash units but it’s a good idea to double check before you throw down your hard earned money.

Standard Hot Shoe

Unless you’re already locked into a closed system with Sony or Minolta you’ll want to ensure that the strobe flash has a standard hot shoe.  This is true even if you’re plans are to do off camera lighting because many of the peripherals that allow you to mount the flash on a tripod or connect to a radio reciever use the standard hot shoe mount.

Guide Number

The guide number helps you determine the aperture for the correct exposure at a given distance in relation to your ISO.  Look for a guide number of 100 or more for flexibility.

Variable Power

When using multiple off camera strobes it’s important to be able to control the power output of your flash units.  This greatly aides in getting your lighting ratios correct.

AA Batteries

Flash units that accept AA batteries offer the ability to use homemade battery packs and, in a pinch, you’ll always be able to head to the nearest convienence store to replenish batteries should the need arise.

Lightweight

Ensuring that your flash is lightweight has many benefits.  You’re more likely to carry them in your bag and they’re more likely to stay put when you’ve mounted them to a tripod or other mounting peripheral.

Advanced Features

These features will add flexibility and the ability to get a little more advanced with your lighting setups.

Articulating Head

Having an articulating head on the external flash unit allows you to quickly reposition the flash unit to bounce the light off walls, ceilings, umbrellas, or whatever happens to come in handy at the moment.  This is especially handy when you’re using the external flash unit on camera.

PC Connector

This will allow you to use sync cords and/or radio transmitters to ensure that your units are firing properly.

High Power Compatibility

High voltage battery packs offer faster recycling times and allow you to shoot for extended periods of time.

1/3 Stop Increments

Flexibility is what we’re talking about.  You’ll want a flash unit that can power down by 1/3 stop increments for more control and precise lighting.

High End Features

There are a couple of features that you may want to look into if you aren’t on a budget.  These features are often specific to camera systems like Canon or Nikon.

Wireless Off Camera Control

The ability to control multiple flash units’ power and turn them on or off from the camera is a Strobist’s dream.  This is great for complex setups with many flash units especially when they’re placed in places that are hard to manage manually.

High Speed (FP) Flash Capability

This feature allows you to get past the normal limitations of flash synchronization at high shutter speeds.  Shooting in broad daylight and need to overpower the sun?  This feature is for you!

Photographs:

My Strobist Kit 009 by RKD Photography

untitled by canyon289

Leah’s Studio by rakeif

What features do you look for in an external flash unit and why?