The Sunpak RD2000 Digital Shoe Mount Flash is a compact and ultra-low profile flash, which fully supports TTL flash operation with digital SLR cameras. This version is dedicated to the Canon digital SLR camera line, and fully supports Canon's E-TTL II flash operating system.
The flash is only powered by two AA batteries, which keeps it compact and lightweight. At the same time, it provides up to 200 flashes at full power. Following a low profile design, this flash barely extends 2" above the camera. It can also be used fully vertical, for ceiling bounced shots. Its light output can be adjusted with a range of +/-1 EV in 0.5 increments (5 settings).
When you are done shooting the shoe can be rotated into the body making it very convenient to carry around. The RD2000 is a handy flash that complements the compact design of digital SLR cameras.
Note:This flash is compatible with the 5D II. Some older units may require a firmware update. Contact Sunpak for free servicing.
| Mount | Shoe |
| Guide No. | 65' (19.81 m) ISO100 at 35 mm position |
| Vari-Power | None |
| TTL Dedication | Yes |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | None |
| Off Camera Terminal | None |
| Recycle Time | Approximately 4 - 5 seconds |
| Power Source | 2x AA Alkaline, NiCad, Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 1.8 x 2.4 x 3.5" / 4.57 x 6.10 x 8.89 cm |
| Weight | 7.0 oz / 198 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Great small and lightweight flash!
I bought this small flash for its portability and ability to allow ceiling bounced shots.
This flash is very light and compact and fits well atop my Canon G10. I also own...Read complete review
I bought this small flash for its portability and ability to allow ceiling bounced shots.
This flash is very light and compact and fits well atop my Canon G10. I also own the 420EX flash, but its size and weight makes the G10 difficult to hold and balance.
It works great in full auto ETTL-II mode as well as in manual mode. Along with an external test button, it also has external EV buttons for quickly adjusting the power output (-1 to +1 in half stops).
Power is a bit better than the built in flash, but its ability to tilt up to bounce for softer fill is what sets this flash apart.
Overall, a great compact, affordable, and versatile piece of kit to have.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Unique but Imperfect
I bought the RD2000 to use as a highly portable fill flash for my Canon 40D, with the added benefit that moving flash duties to an external device would improve camera battery life and provide...Read complete review
I bought the RD2000 to use as a highly portable fill flash for my Canon 40D, with the added benefit that moving flash duties to an external device would improve camera battery life and provide a little more light than the built-in flash. In that respect, the flash does the job: folded up, it is small and sleek and slips easily into a pocket, and it is an effective fill flash in all but the brightest backlit situations.
It's not perfect, however. The flash arrived with the button/LED overlay half peeled off, and although I was able to reposition it, it doesn't look like it will be permanent. The tilt mechanism feels flimsy- the detents are vague, although it does work. The big issue is that the flash easily migrates out of position in the flash shoe, and "locks up" until it is repositioned and powered off/on. SunPak could readily fix this by using a locking pin on the shoe.
One nice thing about the flash's design, though, is that it can be tilted down slightly, so that the light source is very close to the lens axis. That helps eliminate redeye, and makes the light/shadow patterns easy to predict.
So, although I have doubts about the product's durability (particularly if it keeps falling out of the hot shoe,) its compact design is unique and extremely useful.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 74 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
I use this for a bounce flash with my canon G 15,folds up to fit in my pocket,recycles in aprox. 2 seconds in the aplications I use it for.perfect match for my G 15.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
This flash is just the right size to carry in
my pocket and use with my 6D. Have taken a few
indoor shoots and seems to work quite well.
I like the bounce feature and power select.
Not for rapid fire use. Inexpensive choice for
flashless cameras.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
I use it on my Canon G-12 great output for this little flash I usually take it with me on my Cruises dont bring my EOS 30D anymore it is way to bulky
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
I got the flash to use with the EOS Mark III. It puts out good enough flash, has bounce capabality, and very compact in size.
I am very happy with the purchase.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
It is light and easy use. The most importance is provided nice light source for ndoor photo. I highly recommend for everyone.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
Unit worked as advertised. Mounting simple and secure.You would need to work at it to make it break. Battery compartment a little tricky to open but not really a problem. Various flash settings useful. Does the trick for a small, easily portable "fill-in" flash with 5DII. Much more reasonably priced than Canon.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
This compact flash, combined with the extension cord I bought with it, allows off camera use. I use it hand held for macro photography and on the camera for bounce flash. The built in flash on my t3i won't do either job. The flash has easy adjustment of power. It is not powerful, as advertised. Build quality is pretty good. It is really small.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
great little walkaround flash for my 5D2. Use at ASA1600. Do have to adjust power level sometimes.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
This is a vey small and handy flash. I use it with my Canon 5D Mark iii. It is powerfull enough for most uses indoor or as flash fill for backlit pictures during the day.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
Pros:
Excellent flash, I have used three of them for years now. It's compact and light, it's reliable and it can take a drop onto concrete and keep working. It folds up small. It recharges within 4 seconds or less with eneloop batteries and run all day. (I typically run it -1,-2 stops so it cycles/lasts faster/longer.) The controls are easy to use/understand but I control it with the camera settings. The built-in diffuser is OK but I strongly suggest the Sto-Fen diffuser made for this flash + a bit of gaffer tape to secure it. (Remove the diffuser outdoors if necc.)
Cons:
My main gripe is that it has no locking pin in the shoe mount. It relies on a threaded collar ring to stay in place with friction and this will work its way loose over time and you will get underpowered flashes until you push it forward again and retighten. Second gripe is that the Ready light is extremely bright and stays on or blinks constantly which is a problem at night. I covered mine with black gaffer tape with a few pin holes so I can still see the indicator. Simple fix. Last minor gripe would be no swivel, but the flash doesn't stick up enough for this to be as effective as a larger/taller flash anyway. Lastly, I wish it worked with Pocket Wizards but alas, it doesn't. Bummer.
Other thoughts:
I use three of these all the time on a G12, 5D, 30D, 40D and 60D. I have a Sto-Fen Diffuser on two with one using an amber gel, a third as-is w/o diffuser for more power/reach usually outdoors. In most situations, the diffuser is a key part. Get it. Most of my photography is journalism/candid lifestyle indoor/outdoor in all kinds of conditions. Wide to mid reach lenses. This flash is great for fill on faces, short range bounce, etc. It's not meant to replace a large 580 flash, it's an improvement over pop-up flash and provides a nice small flash on FF cameras that is less obtrusive and doesn't get in the way. If you don't get good results with this flash, rethink how you use flash. Most people misunderstand how flash should be used and expect too much. This flash isn't meant to light a large group, a big hall or reach 50 feet. It's best within 10-12 feet to fill shadows on faces, etc. At [$] you can't go wrong and if it takes a hit and dies, it's cheap to replace. Also, I'll disclose that Tocad America replaced one of these for me out of warranty when I inquired about repair after 2+ years of heavy use. That was super cool!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
DSLR camera flashes are to weak for some night pix. So, this Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash is strong enough to brighten the scene without "washing" the picture.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
I purchased this Sunpak RD2000 flash with great expectations but I am sorry to report that it is a big disappointment. The flash when mounted to the hot shoe on most cameras sits too close to the lens axis and as a result creates far too much red eye when pointed directly at the subject. It is not worth the extra effort required to post process your photos for the purpose of removing red eye reflections. My recommendation is to select a different flash.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
This sunpak little flash is the best way to upgrade the built in flash on any camera, Its small and yet powerful.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
Nice for indoor shots and for family pixs.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
It's good enough for pictures to be taken in indoors and to take family pics,refresh rate is slow, overall small and compact and easy to take anywhere.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
used for suppliment to my g12 popup flash. great for fill outdoors also.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
This flash is great, it gets the job done.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
Bought this flash for photojournalism. I use a Canon 7D in the field and needed a little extra flash for fill light and across the room. I thought this lightweight flash would fit the bill and not attract a lot of attention that larger flashes do. No such luck! You get what you pay for. This flash is no more powerful than the built in flash on the 7D in spite of it's claims to be twice as bright. This flash is also sickeningly slow which makes it useless for just about anything. The small compact design makes it easy to take home and send back.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
I needed this flash where the build in flash on my Cannon Rebel XT wasn't giving enough light in certain situations. This was a low cost solution. It may not be excellent in all situations, but in most it is just what most average people need. It was worth the money especially since rechargeable batteries and a charger came with it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
Pros: The TTL flash control is very accurate. It is compact and its cycle time is short.Cons: The built quality is only decent. Plastic shoe mount. The wide angle adapter is very thin, and it will not stay in one position.Overall: a decent flash for its price. For [$], it may be the best value flash on the market.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Great small and lightweight flash!
I bought this small flash for its portability and ability to allow ceiling bounced shots.
This flash is very light and compact and fits well atop my Canon G10. I also own...Read complete review
I bought this small flash for its portability and ability to allow ceiling bounced shots.
This flash is very light and compact and fits well atop my Canon G10. I also own the 420EX flash, but its size and weight makes the G10 difficult to hold and balance.
It works great in full auto ETTL-II mode as well as in manual mode. Along with an external test button, it also has external EV buttons for quickly adjusting the power output (-1 to +1 in half stops).
Power is a bit better than the built in flash, but its ability to tilt up to bounce for softer fill is what sets this flash apart.
Overall, a great compact, affordable, and versatile piece of kit to have.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Unique but Imperfect
I bought the RD2000 to use as a highly portable fill flash for my Canon 40D, with the added benefit that moving flash duties to an external device would improve camera battery life and provide...Read complete review
I bought the RD2000 to use as a highly portable fill flash for my Canon 40D, with the added benefit that moving flash duties to an external device would improve camera battery life and provide a little more light than the built-in flash. In that respect, the flash does the job: folded up, it is small and sleek and slips easily into a pocket, and it is an effective fill flash in all but the brightest backlit situations.
It's not perfect, however. The flash arrived with the button/LED overlay half peeled off, and although I was able to reposition it, it doesn't look like it will be permanent. The tilt mechanism feels flimsy- the detents are vague, although it does work. The big issue is that the flash easily migrates out of position in the flash shoe, and "locks up" until it is repositioned and powered off/on. SunPak could readily fix this by using a locking pin on the shoe.
One nice thing about the flash's design, though, is that it can be tilted down slightly, so that the light source is very close to the lens axis. That helps eliminate redeye, and makes the light/shadow patterns easy to predict.
So, although I have doubts about the product's durability (particularly if it keeps falling out of the hot shoe,) its compact design is unique and extremely useful.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 74 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
I use this for a bounce flash with my canon G 15,folds up to fit in my pocket,recycles in aprox. 2 seconds in the aplications I use it for.perfect match for my G 15.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
This flash is just the right size to carry in
my pocket and use with my 6D. Have taken a few
indoor shoots and seems to work quite well.
I like the bounce feature and power select.
Not for rapid fire use. Inexpensive choice for
flashless cameras.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
I use it on my Canon G-12 great output for this little flash I usually take it with me on my Cruises dont bring my EOS 30D anymore it is way to bulky
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
I got the flash to use with the EOS Mark III. It puts out good enough flash, has bounce capabality, and very compact in size.
I am very happy with the purchase.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
It is light and easy use. The most importance is provided nice light source for ndoor photo. I highly recommend for everyone.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
Unit worked as advertised. Mounting simple and secure.You would need to work at it to make it break. Battery compartment a little tricky to open but not really a problem. Various flash settings useful. Does the trick for a small, easily portable "fill-in" flash with 5DII. Much more reasonably priced than Canon.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
This compact flash, combined with the extension cord I bought with it, allows off camera use. I use it hand held for macro photography and on the camera for bounce flash. The built in flash on my t3i won't do either job. The flash has easy adjustment of power. It is not powerful, as advertised. Build quality is pretty good. It is really small.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
great little walkaround flash for my 5D2. Use at ASA1600. Do have to adjust power level sometimes.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
This is a vey small and handy flash. I use it with my Canon 5D Mark iii. It is powerfull enough for most uses indoor or as flash fill for backlit pictures during the day.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
Pros:
Excellent flash, I have used three of them for years now. It's compact and light, it's reliable and it can take a drop onto concrete and keep working. It folds up small. It recharges within 4 seconds or less with eneloop batteries and run all day. (I typically run it -1,-2 stops so it cycles/lasts faster/longer.) The controls are easy to use/understand but I control it with the camera settings. The built-in diffuser is OK but I strongly suggest the Sto-Fen diffuser made for this flash + a bit of gaffer tape to secure it. (Remove the diffuser outdoors if necc.)
Cons:
My main gripe is that it has no locking pin in the shoe mount. It relies on a threaded collar ring to stay in place with friction and this will work its way loose over time and you will get underpowered flashes until you push it forward again and retighten. Second gripe is that the Ready light is extremely bright and stays on or blinks constantly which is a problem at night. I covered mine with black gaffer tape with a few pin holes so I can still see the indicator. Simple fix. Last minor gripe would be no swivel, but the flash doesn't stick up enough for this to be as effective as a larger/taller flash anyway. Lastly, I wish it worked with Pocket Wizards but alas, it doesn't. Bummer.
Other thoughts:
I use three of these all the time on a G12, 5D, 30D, 40D and 60D. I have a Sto-Fen Diffuser on two with one using an amber gel, a third as-is w/o diffuser for more power/reach usually outdoors. In most situations, the diffuser is a key part. Get it. Most of my photography is journalism/candid lifestyle indoor/outdoor in all kinds of conditions. Wide to mid reach lenses. This flash is great for fill on faces, short range bounce, etc. It's not meant to replace a large 580 flash, it's an improvement over pop-up flash and provides a nice small flash on FF cameras that is less obtrusive and doesn't get in the way. If you don't get good results with this flash, rethink how you use flash. Most people misunderstand how flash should be used and expect too much. This flash isn't meant to light a large group, a big hall or reach 50 feet. It's best within 10-12 feet to fill shadows on faces, etc. At [$] you can't go wrong and if it takes a hit and dies, it's cheap to replace. Also, I'll disclose that Tocad America replaced one of these for me out of warranty when I inquired about repair after 2+ years of heavy use. That was super cool!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
DSLR camera flashes are to weak for some night pix. So, this Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash is strong enough to brighten the scene without "washing" the picture.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
I purchased this Sunpak RD2000 flash with great expectations but I am sorry to report that it is a big disappointment. The flash when mounted to the hot shoe on most cameras sits too close to the lens axis and as a result creates far too much red eye when pointed directly at the subject. It is not worth the extra effort required to post process your photos for the purpose of removing red eye reflections. My recommendation is to select a different flash.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
This sunpak little flash is the best way to upgrade the built in flash on any camera, Its small and yet powerful.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
Nice for indoor shots and for family pixs.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
It's good enough for pictures to be taken in indoors and to take family pics,refresh rate is slow, overall small and compact and easy to take anywhere.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
used for suppliment to my g12 popup flash. great for fill outdoors also.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
This flash is great, it gets the job done.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
Bought this flash for photojournalism. I use a Canon 7D in the field and needed a little extra flash for fill light and across the room. I thought this lightweight flash would fit the bill and not attract a lot of attention that larger flashes do. No such luck! You get what you pay for. This flash is no more powerful than the built in flash on the 7D in spite of it's claims to be twice as bright. This flash is also sickeningly slow which makes it useless for just about anything. The small compact design makes it easy to take home and send back.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
I needed this flash where the build in flash on my Cannon Rebel XT wasn't giving enough light in certain situations. This was a low cost solution. It may not be excellent in all situations, but in most it is just what most average people need. It was worth the money especially since rechargeable batteries and a charger came with it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak RD2000 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS w/E-TTLII:
Pros: The TTL flash control is very accurate. It is compact and its cycle time is short.Cons: The built quality is only decent. Plastic shoe mount. The wide angle adapter is very thin, and it will not stay in one position.Overall: a decent flash for its price. For [$], it may be the best value flash on the market.