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Olympus FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera

  • Price: $499.00
  • GBP 318.60
  • B&H # OLFL50R
  • Mfr# 260116

Product Highlights

  • Wireless TTL
  • (Guide No. 164'/50 m at 85mm)

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Remember the Essentials

Batteries are required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase batteries for this item.

The Olympus FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash is a fully-featured and powerful shoe mount flash that also offers wireless flash operation. Control is possible directly from the camera without the need for cables. This flash unit is the ideal accompaniment to the Olympus E-3, which features a newly-developed RC Data Transfer System that transmits data optically. This significantly reduces the power consumption of the built-in flash when being used as the system commander. Flash control is available in three groups, allowing flash mode and compensation settings to be set independently for each group - thus enabling ultra-precise illumination. Four remote control communication channels can be set by the user to avoid interference with other peripherals in the vicinity.

The FL-50R flash offers all the features a professional wants to produce professional-caliber results. Along with the standard bounce and swivel capability, power zoom and a full range of TTL Automatic, Automatic and Manual flash modes, the FL-50R offers the Super FP Mode. This allows for flash sync at speeds up to 1/4000th second so fill-flash can be used in the brightest of situations. This is achieved by the flash's ability to fire before the shutter opens and stay illuminated until after the shutter closes. Designed specifically for digital photography, the FL-50R flash also has more even illumination with less corner fall-off than traditional film flashes.

Super FP Mode
The Super FP Mode allows for flash sync at speeds up to 1/4000th second so fill-flash can be used in the brightest of situations.
AF Illuminator
Automatically emits light in low illumination when connected to the camera with communications capabilities to assist the autofocus system of the camera in low light.
Illuminated LCD Display
The illuminated Flash Control LCD makes it easy to see what the flash settings are in a low light environment
Mount Shoe
Guide No. 79' (24.08 m) ISO100 at 24 mm position
Angle of Coverage 28° - 101°
TTL Dedication Yes
Bounce Head Yes, -7° to +90°
Swivel Head Yes, 180°
Coverage 12 mm - 42 mm (APS-C format)
Zoom Head APS-C format: 12 mm - 42 mm
Off Camera Terminal None
Recycle Time Approximately 1.3 seconds - 6
Power Source 4x AA Alkaline, Lithium, NiCad, Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries
Dimensions (WxHxD) 3.1 x 5.5 x 4.2" / 7.87 x 13.97 x 10.67 cm
Weight 13.6 oz / 386  g Without batteries

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera
 
4.8

(based on 61 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (51)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (8)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Consistent output (50)
  • Fast recycling (48)
  • Easy to use (43)
  • Good power output (42)
  • Durable (38)

Cons

  • Heavy (10)
  • Heavy / bulky (5)

Best Uses

  • General purpose (53)
  • Portraits (43)
  • Fill flash (40)
  • Night photography (30)
  • Photojournalism (17)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (19), Semi-pro photographer (14), Semi-professional (9), Enthusiast (7), Pro photographer (6)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (16)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

great flash

Great flash when used with the E-3. Wireless works very, very well and can be completely out of sight and still work.Well worth the money to get the "R" version...Read complete review

Great flash when used with the E-3. Wireless works very, very well and can be completely out of sight and still work.Well worth the money to get the "R" version over the regular FL-50. I have both and they perform identical. But the wireless is so nice to have.Recycle time is Excellent using Eneloop batteries. I shot over 1000 flash pictures at a wedding recently and never had any recycle delays. (Actually, I had to buy this flash just for the wedding)[...]

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

I own three of these

I am a wedding photographer. This product works great, however for weddings, we have to be careful to not overheat it by shooting to many times in a row. If this happens too ...Read complete review

I am a wedding photographer. This product works great, however for weddings, we have to be careful to not overheat it by shooting to many times in a row. If this happens too often, it burns it up then off it must go for repairs. This has happened to us 2 or 3 times.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 61 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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3.0

Battery compartment door problem

By Justin Suwintawong

from Santa Barbara, CA USA

About Me Pro Photographer

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Powerful Output

Cons

    Best Uses

    • General Use
    • Photojournalism
    • Portraits

    Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

    Flash itself is good but my problem is battery compartment door is not completely close. I have to use the rubber band tight it :(

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

     
    5.0

    Works well

    By Michel

    from Damascus,SY

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Reviewer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Durable
    • Easy To Use
    • Fast Recycling
    • Powerful Output
    • Versatile

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Fill Flash
      • Portraits

      Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

      I uses it mostly as a fill light for outdoors portraits, it's responsive and recycles quite fast even at full power, I usually uses two of them to compensate the sun light and it can.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Flexible and powerful

      By bcorgey

      from Austin, TX

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Powerful Output
      • Versatile

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Fill Flash
        • General Use
        • Night Photography

        Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

        Nice Range and flexible coverage

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        Very pleased, Olympus Quality as usual

        By Duffy's Dad

        from Long Island, N.Y.

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Easy To Use
        • Fast Recycling
        • Lightweight
        • Versatile

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Fill Flash
          • General Use
          • Night Photography
          • Photojournalism
          • Portraits

          Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

          Simple to use out of the box. Wireless feature is a must have item which makes it's uses endless. Can't rave enough about the flexibility in a single unit combined with ambient light for sensational results.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          Powerful and user friendly

          By Bruno

          from Montreal, QC, Canada

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Durable
          • Easy To Use
          • Fast Recycling
          • Powerful Output

          Cons

          • Heavy

          Best Uses

          • Fill Flash
          • General Use

          Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

          Oly could have figured a better way to install the deflector, the elastic band solution is primitive.....
          Overall very pleased with the quality, handling and performance.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          Works as it should!

          By j

          from woodstock ct

          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Durable
          • Easy To Use
          • Fast Recycling
          • Lightweight
          • Powerful Output
          • Versatile

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Fill Flash
            • General Use
            • Portraits

            Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

            The remote works great

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            Makes flash photography so flexible

            By Bartick

            from Sherwood Park, Alberta

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Use
            • Fast Recycling
            • Lightweight
            • Olympus quality
            • Powerful Output
            • Versatile

            Cons

            • none

            Best Uses

            • Fill Flash
            • General Use
            • Night Photography
            • Portraits

            Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

            After attending a Joe McNally course on flash photography I needed to try it using TTL metering. These units make it easy and being able to control the power from the camera is wonderful. I no longer have to lug around mono lights for most of my sessions. The sensor will pick up the signal bounced off walls so you don't need direct line-of-sight for them to work. Oh, by the way, they work great as slaves for hair light or for kickers.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            works well with Olympus E-30

            By Monte

            from Northwest Minnesota

            About Me Pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Durable
            • Easy To Use
            • Fast Recycling
            • Powerful Output
            • Versatile

            Cons

            • none

            Best Uses

            • Concert venues
            • Fill Flash
            • General Use
            • Night Photography
            • Portraits

            Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

            First let me say that I'm a retired professional photographer. This flash communicates and works well with Olympus E-30. Indoors I use this as a bounce flash for portraits. Outdoors I use the FL-50R mainly for fill in flash when taking photos of people. Also works well for both indoor & outdoor concert venues. I have yet to find a weakness in this flash.

            The bottom line is the FL-50R does what it's supposed to do and well. I would highly recommend this flash to any Olympus owner.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            Bought to replace my Fl-36.

            By Shelly

            from Monroe Twp,NJ

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Easy To Use
            • Fast Recycling
            • Powerful Output

            Cons

              Best Uses

                Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

                The Fl-36 is a toy compared to the Fl-50R

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                LOVE this flash!

                By bpr515

                from Lehigh Valley, PA

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • Durable
                • Easy To Use
                • Fast Recycling
                • Versatile

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Fill Flash
                  • General Use
                  • Night Photography
                  • Photojournalism
                  • Portraits

                  Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

                  When I got my first DSLR, I cheaped out and got a knockoff flash. It was fine for what it did, but I always felt that my flash pictures weren't that good. I broke down and got the FL-50R and couldn't be happier. My flash pictures now look natural and I find myself using the flash for fill instead of adjusting my settings.

                  One of the best features is the ability to compensate how much light is output. I use this feature all the time.

                  I was torn between the FL-50R and the FL-36R, but opted for the 50 because it had a faster recycle time. If this isn't an issue for you, then you may be able to save a few bucks and get the 36R. If you're an Oly shooter, then I feel like this flash is a must!

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Comment on this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Good Flash - Recycles quickly

                  By E.L.

                  from VA

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Use
                  • Fast Recycling

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

                      I am starting to venture into wedding photography. I like the very fast recycle and strong flash. Make sure you use lithium batteries.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Comment on this review

                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      5.0

                      Great Flash

                      By Curly

                      from Calgary, Alberta

                      About Me Casual Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easy To Use
                      • Fast Recycling
                      • Powerful Output
                      • Versatile

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Fill Flash
                        • General Use
                        • Portraits

                        Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

                        As an Amateur Photographer I was delighted to notice the improvement in the quality of my pictures. In contrast to the built in flash on my E-520 the difference was night and day.I was able to take pictures in an almost completely darkened room and my pictures looked like they had been taken with the lights on.The picture quality improved as well with improved contrast and clarity.
                        One of the great qualities of this flash is the ability to aim the flash where you want and use it as a remote wireless instead of being staight on with the built-in flash. This feature practically eliminates red-eye and allows me to adjust the mood of a shot.
                        The initial set-up was easy and I was using it within minutes of removing it from the box.
                        I look forward to learning to use all the features that this unit is capable of.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Comment on this review

                         
                        5.0

                        Great flash for everyday use

                        By Georgi

                        from Sofia, Bulgaria

                        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                        Verified Reviewer

                        Pros

                        • Consistent Output
                        • Durable
                        • Easy To Use
                        • Fast Recycling
                        • Powerful Output

                        Cons

                        • Heavy

                        Best Uses

                        • Fill Flash
                        • General Use
                        • Portraits

                        Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

                        I use this flash with my Olympus E-P2 and the results are excellent. Extremely convenient use as a secondary flash (in slave mode). The high guide number of this flash permits to shoot in large rooms. The quality is very good!

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Comment on this review

                        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        Definitely Worth a 5-Star Rating !

                        By Maz

                        from Toronto, Ontario. Canada

                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Durable
                        • Easy To Use
                        • Fast Recycling
                        • Powerful Output
                        • Versatile

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Fill Flash
                          • General Use

                          Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

                          Had been most satisfied with the FL36 which I have been using for some years on my Lumix FZ50. So had no hesitation in upgrading to the FL50 for use on my new GH1 - mainly for the faster recycle time and greater power. I have not been disappointed. I do a lot of fill-flash and have found the FP TTL AUTO setting to work perfectly at high shutter speeds. The swivel head is great for bounce flash indoors. Adding the diffuser and reflector as standard accessories is a nice touch. Very happy with my choice.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Comment on this review

                           
                          4.0

                          Very easy to use

                          By photography beginner

                          from ms

                          About Me Casual Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Consistent Output
                          • Easy To Use
                          • Fast Recycling
                          • Powerful Output

                          Cons

                          • Bulky
                          • Heavy

                          Best Uses

                          • Fill Flash
                          • General Use
                          • Night Photography
                          • Portraits

                          Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

                          Light is not harsh on eyes especially with the added filter. Very quick to flash.
                          Very Easy to use

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Comment on this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Great Flash!

                          By Nikki

                          from Downingtown, PA

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Consistent Output
                          • Durable
                          • Easy To Use
                          • Lightweight
                          • Powerful Output
                          • Versatile

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Fill Flash
                            • General Use
                            • Portraits

                            Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

                            I have been waiting for this flash for a while (thanks mom!), and I am so happy to use it now with my Olympus E-510. It is powerful, and did a great job capturing photos of my friends wedding, as a guest (not a photographer) in the audience and I was much impressed with that. It also seems to go a farther distance than stated. I've been able to use it taking pictures of people on the other side of a large room. The one thing I'm not so happy about is, having to press the lock button to swivel the head, but that will probably prove beneficial to the life of the flash. The recycling time does seem to be a little slow recently, but I think it is my batteries since I am using generic AA and not photo lithium batteries.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • Yes

                            Comment on this review

                             
                            5.0

                            You can't miss it!

                            By Po-Ming Tsai

                            from Kaohsiung, Taiwan

                            About Me Photo Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Easy To Use
                            • Powerful Output
                            • Versatile

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Fill Flash
                              • General Use
                              • Night Photography
                              • Photojournalism
                              • Portraits

                              Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

                              This Flash Unit is quiet useful for Olympus Users because of its cheaper price, powerful functions and easy operation. It contains FLST-1, for those people who want use flash with a tripod as a slave flash, FLRA-1, in order to refract the ligth to other angle, and FLBA-1, that makes the flashlight more soft. Also, no matter what kind of Olympus camera you used, it support TTL/Manual/High Speed Synchonization/Master/Slave. Indeed, I have to say, Flash light is very important for users to take photos for portrait, and other skill demostration.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Comment on this review

                               
                              5.0

                              A solid product.

                              By sk

                              from Edmonton, AB

                              About Me Photo Enthusiast

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Durable
                              • Easy To Use
                              • Fast Recycling

                              Cons

                              • Bulky

                              Best Uses

                              • General Use

                              Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

                              Needed an external flash for Panasonic GF1. Has many options and so far have only used it in TTL Auto mode. Impressive recycling time. Comes with diffuser. A bit bulky on the GF1, but you get used to this quickly especially when balanced with the very good performance.

                              Comment on this review

                               
                              5.0

                              Star Power

                              By Warren

                              from Vancouver, Canada

                              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Consistent Output
                              • Durable
                              • Fast Recycling
                              • Powerful Output
                              • Versatile

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Fill Flash
                                • General Use
                                • Portraits

                                Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

                                This is a professional quality flash with VERY consistent, repeatable output. The light is bright and even. I use the included diffuser almost all the time, and the reflector adapter works very well also for that extra little bit of fill needed when bouncing the main head.

                                I have used the flash both on camera and as a remote unit without any glitches.

                                Comment on this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                Powerful and controllable

                                By eduerr

                                from Raleigh, nc

                                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Consistent Output
                                • Fast Recycling
                                • Powerful Output
                                • Versatile

                                Cons

                                • Heavy

                                Best Uses

                                • Fill Flash
                                • General Use
                                • Portraits

                                Comments about FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera:

                                I use this flash for people, primarily. I just finished shooting a wedding in Wisconsin and being outdoors it is tough to control the light. This flash gave me that control and allowed me to produce reliable shots. The bounce, the diffusers, the wide angle, the rotational head and the zoom capabilities are awesome. I am just now learning its real capabilities. This thing may be smarter than I am. I am very impressed with this unit. The only issue I have with it is that it burns through batteries pretty quickly. I guess am going to have to invest in a few more rechargeables!

                                Comment on this review

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                                Batteries & Power

                                Required item:

                                Varta -  High-Energy 1.5 V AA E91 Alkaline Battery - 4 Pk
                                • Price: $1.23
                                • GBP 0.79
                                 
                                Pearstone -  NM-4H23 4 AA NiMH Batteries (2300mAh) with 4 Hour Charger (110-240V)
                                  • Original: $13.99
                                  • Save: $1.40
                                • Price: $12.59
                                • GBP 8.04
                                 

                                Flash Diffusers

                                Vello -  Universal Bounce Diffuser
                                  • Original: $9.95
                                  • Save: $2.30
                                • Price: $7.65
                                • GBP 4.88
                                 

                                Reflectors

                                ExpoImaging -  Rogue FlashBender Large Positionable Reflector
                                • Price: $39.95
                                • GBP 25.51
                                 

                                Sync Cords & Flash Remotes

                                Olympus -  FL-CB01 TTL - TTL Cable
                                • Price: $28.95
                                • GBP 18.48
                                 
                                View all Accessories

                                What's in the Box

                                Olympus FL-50R TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Camera
                                 
                                 
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