Opteka EF-600 DG Super EO-TTL II Speed Blitz Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Camera
From Opteka
The Opteka EF-600 DG SUPER ETTL-II is designed to work with both the newest Canon EOS Digital SLR cameras, for advanced flash photography. It has a maximum guide number of 148 feet or 45 meter at 85mm focal length (ISO 100).The projection angle of the flashgun is set automatically to match the lens' focal length ranging from 24mm wide-angle to 85mm medium-telephoto. It also incorporates a built-in reflecting plate and diffuser that can be slid out from the top of the flash head for soft lighting effects. The bounce flash head can be tilted 90° upwards and can be swiveled 180° to the left and 90° to the right. In addition, the flash can also be set manually at 6 different power output levels or can be utilized as a wireless slave.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #31259 in Camera & Photo
- Brand: Opteka
- Dimensions: 3.94" h x 4.92" w x 2.83" l, .60 pounds
See my posted pictures...
I only have this flash for few days.
I currently own Canon 580EX-II and 420EX, so this will be my 3rd flash to complete my home studio.
This flash, in general speaking is BETTER than average.
Do I recommend it? Such a features flash for under 100... YES.
Pro:
ETTL works with my Canon XSi. (The Amber light ETTL will light if it's on)
Manual power output: From 1/1 to 1/16
Zoom head: From 24mm to 85mm
Auto off: The "OFF" will display on the LCD. Press any button to active it
Slave mode: Work right together with my Canon 580EX-II
Body material: Feel like those of Canon Speedlite flashs
Con:
Battery door feel like a toy once it open, very "loose".
Those soft rubber buttons, it's ok but "too silence". I prefer a little "click" on Canon 580EX-II.
The Diffuser plate looks cheap compare to Canon 580EX-II
No green LED light after each good shoot, only the "OK" flash up on the LCD display.
Illuminated LCD looks cheap. It makes me remember those LCD watch in the 80's.
Noise: Motor zoom head and recycle time, but not too bad.
Other:
The Bounce & swivel head do not require to press any lock button.
Update:
After couple weeks of testing it as a slave flash for my home studio, here is some bad thing that you may need to know:
This flash declared as compatible with Canon ETTL-II DSLR. Well true if you mounth it on your camera, but NOT when use it as a slave ETTL.
(This may be the advantage for those Canon Speedlites and which you have to paid for a premium price).
When I press the shuttle release button on my XSi, all 3 fire at the same time (Speedlite 580EX-II, 420EX and this Opteka flash)
When I set to ETTL mode on the Master flash (or on XSi camera) picture TURN DARK. But if I turn the Opteka flash off and leave the other 2 Speedlite on, picture look good (They work ETTL together)
When I set to MULTI mode on the Master flash (or on XSi camera) The Opteka flash work fine with other 2 Speedlites. The inconvience is you have to run around and set the output power for each flash and for each scene of studio (1/1 to 1/16 for Opteka, 1/1 to 1/128 for 580EX-II, etc...)
Bottom line:
If money is not an issued, paid a couple hundred extra, get the 430EX-II flash and enjoy the benefit of ETTL feature during the studio. Because not only they work well together, you can control the function of each flash from your camera (Canon XSi) without run around because... kids don't want to wait :)
I hope this help to some Canon users.
Excellent Flash
This flash is a steel, I give it a 5 based on price. You can pay more but I doubt you'll do much better. It was recognized by my camera right away in the E-TTL mode. It works great with my rechargeable batteries. I'm using it on my Canon S5IS. I'm getting great results. You quickly learn how to bounce the flash off white ceilings. My favorite feature is the two built in flash reflector and / or the diffuser. It's great because you'll never misplace these items. I also like the flexibility of the swivel in all directions, it allows me to take some great angles.
Great for the G10--more flash for less cash.
If you bought a G10, you know it takes excellent photos in a small package.
In daylight.
Low light screws it up completely, and not just because of the notorious noise of its tightly-packed 14 MP sensor. The built-in flash does not illuminate the entire image, leaving an unlit bar across the top of the shot.
If you shoot in 'panorama' mode or crop your images you can get around this. But it's a glaring weakness I was aware of when I bought the camera. To shoot indoor and night shots, you must have a good flash gun.
I looked like crazy for a flash I wouldn't be afraid to carry with me in the bag. The Canon Speedlites are nice, but they're just too pricey to take out and use without ruining your outing with worry about where you put everything.
At less than half the price and more than 85% of the functionality, this gun is a worthy competitor. I mount it to the hotshoe almost exclusively, though I have the hotshoe extension cord and bracket if I'm headed to the family reunion. We shoot a lot of family shots on sunny days in a shady park with lots of bright sunlight and shadow.
This flash allows the shadows to recede, giving proper detail and exposure to your shaded subjects even on the sunniest of days. It gives you full tilt-swivel action to get your lighting right and the built-in diffuser does just as good a job as the Canon version.
Also, compatibility with Canon's E-TTL II protocol means that it communicates properly with the G10 for exposure, metering and focus. This is crucial if you're allowing the computer to determine your settings for you in auto, or one of the priority modes. My experience with the Opteka is that it is pretty much right on in its decision making. If you don't like the shot you can heat it up or cool it down a bit, just as you can with the Canon.
There is _no_ flash nor camera that will work exactly how you want it to, every time. But this unit has the flexibility to make all needed adjustments in a perfectly straightforward way. No weird Chinese menus or hiding essential functions two menus deep.
Bottom line: If you need only one primary flash and you are trying to save cash, this unit has what it takes to get you the shot.
