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Vivitar 285HV Flash
- Price: $85.00
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # VI285HV
- Mfr# 233965
Product Highlights
- Guide No.120' (37 m) ISO 100 @ 50mm
- Zoom Flash Head
- Auto Bounce Control
- Thyristor Battery Saving Circuit
- 4 Auto f/Stops
- Built-In Vari-Power Control
- Accepts Variety of Power Sources
Remember the Essentials
Batteries are required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase batteries for this item.
The Vivitar 285HV Flash is a powerful non-dedicated shoe-mount unit with a Guide Number of 120' (37 m) ISO 100 @ 50mm and has an auto exposure range up to 70' (21.3 m). This flash unit has 4 auto f/stop settings and built-in variable power to deliver accurate exposures and convenient fill-flash. The zoom head adjusts to 35mm, 50mm, and 105mm and can be set to bounce at 0°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. The unit has an easy-to-read lighted calculator dial so you can work under most lighting conditions, and it accepts optional high-voltage power sources for faster recycle time and more flashes.
- Guide number 120' ISO 100 @ 50mm
- Automatic exposure range to 70'.
- Accepts optional high-voltage power sources for faster recycle time and more flashes.
- Four auto f/stop settings for controlling depth-of-field and maximum auto flash range.
- Zoom flash head has three positions for covering 35mm, 50mm and 105mm camera lenses.
- Bounce flash capability for softer lighting.
- Removable sensor can be camera mounted with the optional sensor cord permitting automatic exposure when using side bounce flash photography.
- Built-in vari-power for convenient fill flash and rapid sequence photography.
- Auto Thyristor circuitry for faster recycle time and greater number of flashes.
| Mount | Shoe |
| Guide No. | 120' (36.58 m) ISO100 at 50 mm position |
| Angle of Coverage | 70° - 27° |
| Vari-Power | 1/1 - 1/16 |
| TTL Dedication | No |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | None |
| Coverage | 28 mm - 105 mm (Full frame) |
| Zoom Head | Full frame: 28 mm - 105 mm |
| Off Camera Terminal | PC |
| Recycle Time | Approximately 4.8 - 10.4 seconds |
| Power Source | 4x AA Alkaline Batteries |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.0 x 5.2 x 4.2" / 10.16 x 13.21 x 10.67 cm |
| Weight | 14.9 oz / 422 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 262 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
94%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Consistent output (157)
- Durable (139)
- Easy to use (134)
- Good power output (104)
- Fast recycling (91)
Cons
- Heavy / bulky (43)
- Slow recycling (30)
- Heavy (29)
- Weak casing (6)
- Flimsy (3)
Best Uses
- General purpose (172)
- Portraits (123)
- Fill flash (105)
- Night photography (70)
- Photojournalism (53)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (53), Photo enthusiast (46), Semi-pro photographer (38), Pro photographer (33), Semi-professional (32)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (89), Yes (6)
Most Liked Positive Review
New Ideas Come to Light
The one area of photography I have avoided since the beginning, seven years ago, is flash photography. In fact, I refused to use flashes, I would disable the flash on my cameras instead...Read complete review
The one area of photography I have avoided since the beginning, seven years ago, is flash photography. In fact, I refused to use flashes, I would disable the flash on my cameras instead opting for ISO 1600 or even blurry photos. You can only pass off photos filled with tracers as artistic so many times before it gets old.I believe it was[@] and some amazing photos on flickr that give me the kick start I needed to venture into the unknown world of flash photography. Not only can you get amazing results using flash, but the technicality of it all appeals to me. So after days of research and reading dozens of reviews, I decided that the Vivitar 285 HV was the way to go. Actually, I had strongly considered getting a Sunpack Super 383, but based on my research, the zoom head on the Vivitar would be more useful than the swivel head on the Sunpack 383. I was planning on using the flash off camera with Cactus/[...] triggers anyways, so there was no need for a swivel head. Also, I liked the look of the Vivitar, the super cool analogue calculator, and B&H only had one Sunpack 383 in stock at the time.The Vivitar 285HV is a robust piece of gear. Yes, it is bulky, but if you're using in a studio like environment it's not really an issue. The first thing I did when I got it was read the manual. I found it to be superbly written, it wasn't JUST a manual but rather a guide to flash photography. They could have simply labeled the buttons on a diagram and told us how to power the thing on and off, but instead, they laid out comprehensive examples, and explained how to choose the appropriate setting and why. I suppose is was more like a tutorial than a manual and I enjoyed the read.I've only had the flash for close to a month but so far it has functioned flawlessly. I ordered 285s and trigger them wirelessly most of the time. I must have taken over 200 shots now and have not yet changed the 4AA Kirkland alkaline batteries I started with. I love the vintage feel and functionally of the flash. It feels well built, the zoom/tilt head clicks nicely into place, the calculator works great and the light metering seemed to work well the few times I used it. Most of the time I shoot in manual mode. Just the fact you can pull off the light meeter all together is cool! It's kinda like the cars they used to make in the 60's, simple, strong and versatile.An added bonus is that the flash comes with a pc sync cable and wide angle lens. The Vivitar puts out a lot of light for the money and I think it's way more fun, and educational, working out lighting yourself rather than letting TTL do it for you. That being said, if you're shooting an event and gotta take fast, candid photos, then TTL would be ideal. But ask yourself as I did, is it really worth spending $400+ bucks on a Canon 580 EX just for TTL. I was all set to shell out for a 580 EX before doing my research. In fact, I did, but luckily it was reimbursed by my company and it's now in their hands. Rather than I 580 EX, I now have an ExpoDisc, an umbrella, two umbrella mounts, two receivers + a transmitter and two Vivitars which are brighter, more versatile and more reliable. It all came to Korea in a giant box for less money!Vivitar 285 HV Pros:-Well built-Versatile-Simple/intuitive-Bright-Decent battery life-Great instruction manual - perfect bedtime reading!-CheapVivitar 285 HV Cons:-Very bulky-No swivel headConclusion:If your just getting into flash photography I would highly recommend this product. It's a price-point where you can afford to get the flash plus some extras like wireless triggers, umbrellas and mounts to see if you are really interested in perusing flash photography. If you want to upgrade to pocket wizards and such later you always can, but there's no reason you can't get professional images using these flashes[@]
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Reportedly discontinued production
I have owned this flash for approximately 6 months after receiving it as a gift and certainly liked it well enough. I recently encountered a problem where the capacitor would charge but the flash wouldn't...Read complete review
I have owned this flash for approximately 6 months after receiving it as a gift and certainly liked it well enough. I recently encountered a problem where the capacitor would charge but the flash wouldn't fire, so I called Vivitar for technical support. I was told that they had stopped producing flashes and would, at best, be able to offer a refund.
My problem is not unique, and presumably the build quality on ones that B&H may have in stock is less than stellar. I don't know what alternative flashes to recommend, but I sadly have to suggest staying away from this one.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 262 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Racing photo use, I now have 4 of these! Great use and flash range... Easy to set-up and fire via Pocket Wizards!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Cheap
- Reliable
Cons
- Lacks Functionality
Best Uses
- In The Studio
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Cheap, clunky, but great for multiple flash setup.
Unfortunately it cannot get below 1/32 power and that is a deal-breaker for me.
Pros
Cons
- Poor Performance
Best Uses
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Product was returned as it would not trigger from the pc cable connection. It only triggered with its own the test button or directly on the camera body. I had an older one that works fine but I wanted to work with a second. The old works perfectly at all configurations and even the old strobe test button would trigger the new flash when connected with adapters, but only the old one responded to the camera shoe. I used the Wein Safe-Sync Hot Shoe to Hot Shoe with my canon SLR and the pc cable connection. I wanted this to work but I felt that I would have to start taking it apart to fix it. I suspect that two possibilities: the newest version has a different threshold voltage larger than what my canon can produce or there was a medium impedance short that would only respond to the lager voltage generated by the old version of the flash.
The b&h tech support was great and worked with me to quickly get an rma. Thanks.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- In The Studio
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Great flash for all types of photography. I have 6 of them I use for fill, accent, rim, hair, background, and main lighting triggered all at once by a popular radio slave, I am not limited by any location shooting or lighting conditions.
Tough and durable, even survived a beach wave that totaled other photographer's flashes. After drying it out completely in the sun and knocking out the tablespoon or so of sand from its interior it contiunes to work to this day.
By far the best flash I have ever bought!!
I also use the 580EXII on my 5DmkII and the SB-800 on my FugiS3.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Nisha HOT SHOE w/16, Medalight PGSH UNIVERSAL HOLDER
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Off Camera Flash
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I have been using the 285HV flash unit for more than a year now. Never had any issues with it. I was planning on spending some serious $$ on Canon 580ex II flashes but it was going to hurt my budget. A friend of mine recommended me to check out 285HV.. It was well worth it. You can't beat this flash unit when it comes to reliability with this price range. I highly recommended...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Using several of these flashes work great for photographing humming birds in flight.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
This a great speedlite for the money! I use a couple of these for lighting real estate photography and they're great, no complaints here.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I owned a Vivatar 285 years ago that I used with my Pentax MX cameras. In looking for an off-camera flash for my Cannon T2i I went straight to the Vivitar 285. I think it's a great value in a flash.
However, I'm still working on finding a compatible sync. cord and what camera features are not compatible.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Weak hot shoe mount
Best Uses
- Candid And Event Coverage
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I have owned 5 of these flashes over time. I shoot on Canon cameras and absolutely trust and rely on this flash to get the job done. I have had a Canon 430ex, 550ex and 580ex and they all collect dust and sit on my shelf. I can put this flash on my camera and take one test shot and run with it. Any lens any distance that I am using or shooting at, this flash is perfect on every exposure. No more adjusting for a black suit and whit shirt. To me the ETTL is a waist of time. I have tried and tried to make it work with no luck. It always seems to wash out skin tones on anyone wearing dark clothing. The only thing that I have issues with is breaking the shoe on the flash. It's the weakest part and could be improved. I know it's to protect your camera body, but it needs a little reinforcement.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavy
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
this flash is simple and easy to use. Good auto and manual mode The size of the flash is too big and it recycles too slowly
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Bulky
- Cheap build
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I guess if you need a powerful flash on a budget this might work to a certain extent but, that being said, I was taken back by the build quality or should I say the lack thereof. If I paid $20 I would be accepting, at [$]I am sorry there are better options. Mine is going back asap.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I use this flash as well as all of my flashes off camera. I have 2 of these and they work flawlessly. The only downside is they are manual but really not a big deal. Super powerful and light. A tad bulky but fantastic speed lights and I can't wait to get more
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Use this flash for product photography, and events. It is quite large for a flash. But it is manual which I like I have a lot of control with it. It is graet flash for under $ new.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I've been using three Vivitar 285HV flashes simultaneously during the wedding ceremony and reception as radio slaves powered by Quantum Turbo batteries for many years. When I recently had to purchase the newly manufactured version of the 285HV from B&H to replace one that died on me, I saw a distinct difference in color temperature between it and the two older ones when used simultaneously to light up the altar return groupings. Also, I had to go through two defective units before I received one that worked properly. As usual, B&H was very gracious in issuing me an RMA. I've decided to continue purchasing used versions of the older model for color temperature consistency.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Plastic foot
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Can't go wrong with purchasing one of these little workhorses. This is my second one of these and they work great for portable auxiliary flashes. Only suggestion is buy the metal hotshoe because the plastic will break.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
Very good backlight flash
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
I decided to purchase this product after reading so many rave reviews and it doesn't disappoint. Love that I got this for half the price of a Canon.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
When I took it out of the box and set it up it worked great and this was what I was looking for.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
first the good: they are cheap in price, they are very powerful, and very easy to use anywheres
now the bad: they are cheaply made... especially the foot ....if it breaks ...do not buy the plastic replacement...just go on an auction site and find some metal foots to replace...also the port for the sync cord is odd...so you have to buy the cord to plug into you pw or cybersyncs which is overpirced.....i did like them but strobist . com showed me another speedlite that is twice are much but built better
note... after a bgust of wind cought the umbrella and the flash hit the ground and stoped working...so buy some sandbags....i am tough on my gear and do not recommend these if you are the same...but I DO RECOMMEND THEM if you are carefull and if you are learning about using flash and do not have a lot of money to spend
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Vivitar 285HV Flash:
This is so nice to be used at home taking pictures of family and people at art exhibition.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Batteries & Power
Show more >Required item:
- Price: $1.23
- Price: $14.50
Flash Diffusers
Show more >
- Price: $9.95
Softboxes
Show more >
- Price: $20.75
Bouncers
Show more >
- Price: $14.95
Reflectors
Show more >
- Price: $24.95
Flash Mounting
- Price: $7.95
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $14.95
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