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The Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash is a flash unit designed to fully support current advanced digital SLR cameras. It is fully compatible with Nikon i-TTL and D-TTL enabled cameras.
The PZ42X has many advanced features, such as: automatic zoom head from 24-105mm, bounce and swivel capabilities, built in wide angle diffuser, and AF assist. It also offers several manual controls for the experienced photographer. It offers a bright and easy-to-read LCD display and easy-to-use controls for manual flash output, digital or film lens coverage and zoom head settings.
For a more detailed camera/features compatibility chart, please click here.
| Mount | Shoe |
| Guide No. | 112' (34.14 m) ISO100 at 50 mm position |
| Angle of Coverage | 84° - 23° |
| Vari-Power | 1/1 - 1/64 |
| TTL Dedication | Yes |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes, 300° |
| Coverage | 24 mm - 80 mm (Full frame) |
| Zoom Head | Full frame: 24 mm - 105 mm |
| Off Camera Terminal | None |
| Recycle Time | Approximately 3.5 seconds - 4.5 |
| Power Source | 4x AA Alkaline Batteries |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.6 x 4.6 x 4.1" / 6.60 x 11.68 x 10.41 cm |
| Weight | 9.1 oz / 258 g Without batteries |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
A great flash for the buck
Bought this to increase the range of flash for Nikon D80. A little less than the SB-600, it delivers range comprable to the SB-800 or better. Doesn't have all the whiz-bang of...Read complete review
Bought this to increase the range of flash for Nikon D80. A little less than the SB-600, it delivers range comprable to the SB-800 or better. Doesn't have all the whiz-bang of either, but it does work well with the i-TTL of the Nikon - which was not true (for me) with the PZ40X. Very happy with both indoor and outdoor results. Of course, I've had to play around a bit to understand some of it (instead of reading the adequate enclosed instructions), but that's the joy of it. It is auto to ~70' - anything further you need to go manual. Seems to manage the 138' guide number, but perhaps not at ISO 100 (~400 seems to do it).
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Most Liked Negative Review
Inconsistant with Nikon D5100
Nice flash, but inconsistant with my D5100. Bounce seemed to i-TTL well every time, but straight on many of the images were well under exposed.
IR Auto-Focus Assist lamp not as stron...Read complete review
Nice flash, but inconsistant with my D5100. Bounce seemed to i-TTL well every time, but straight on many of the images were well under exposed.
IR Auto-Focus Assist lamp not as strong as SB-600.
I returned this flash and bought a referb Nikon SB-600 for only a few dollars more. I am very happy with the Nikon.
If it weren't for the i-TTL issues this would be a great unit. Powerful, adjustable, and the cool red backlight.
Reviewed by 46 customers
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Pros
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Compared to the pricey camera brands, this Sunpak flask delivers the features for so much less cash.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Works welll with both my D60 And D7000 Nikon cameras
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
It's light, easy to use, and powerfull enough for any situations.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
This flash works well! I did not use the rechargeable batteries that came with it yet and was recommended by someone else to get better rechargable batteries for it. The only problem I had was it was slow to charge when I took a couple pics in the beginning, but since then has charged very quickly. I used this on a D70 and D5100 with several different lenses.
So for price I would give it an A!
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I used this flash for about a day before returning it. I shoot with a Nikon D3100, and this flash did not communicate well with the iTTL of the camera. The flash did a get job, but only in full manual settings, a sacrifice I wasn't interested in. IT may do better with other bodies; I had seen one other review that complained of poor communication when bounced.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Easy to use and good lighting.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Gave it whirl both on camera and off camera. Works great, only real issue is some shots ended up a little hot even when using TTL which i never experienced with any of my SB speedlights.
One word of caution, buy some good rechargeable batteries. The Sunpak batteries that came with it are real garbage. I'd get 30 shots max and had to recharge. Switched over to Pearstone, wasn't even able to get them fully charged because i ran out of time but they lasted well over 50 shots and still going.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
The batteries that came with the flash were would not hold a charge and if you are use to using a Nikon flash you will be seriously disappointed with this flash. It is very underpowered, slow and over/under exposure is very limited. Only consider buying this if you are a beginner and not looking to shoot anything important in low light.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Other than no wireless or external power, this flash is great. Not much in the manual or online about using this flash with Nikon cameras. A few quirks/subtleties; once learned the results are predictable. Nikon i-TTL and auto zoom exposures are accurate. The read out of auto zoom numbers on the flash do not always match the lens focal length exactly but are close; exposure is correct for the focal length and distance. Changing the flash-head position to bounce eliminates distance metering and requires some thought. Bounce mode with a diffuser set to i-TTL changes the exposure and requires -1 to -2 flash compensation on the flash or camera flash setting for 10' ceilings in normal house size rooms. Once set for a room or an area at night outside it exposes well. With a light-sphere it will light a not too big event room or an outdoor area at night, no problem. With good batteries, i-TTL, and not too far and dark, it will shoot 3-4 frames and be back in a few seconds. Flash menu buttons are fiddly, but stay at last setting area, like compensation. Not sure about build quality, just have to see. Only tested in A and M modes. Wish it had an external power supply or changeable battery modules. Infrared focus works well at night. Good for backup or budget main flash if the build holds up.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Rear curtain flash is a function of the camera, not the flash. The flash only does what the camera tells it to do. In your Nikon user manual look under "Flash Sync." for instructions for the various sync modes. Sunpak wouldn't know to make an inferior product. I have been using them for a long time and never hesitated to buy an upgraded version.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Nice flash, but inconsistant with my D5100. Bounce seemed to i-TTL well every time, but straight on many of the images were well under exposed.
IR Auto-Focus Assist lamp not as strong as SB-600.
I returned this flash and bought a referb Nikon SB-600 for only a few dollars more. I am very happy with the Nikon.
If it weren't for the i-TTL issues this would be a great unit. Powerful, adjustable, and the cool red backlight.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Great control of intensity of light. The bounce feature provides great alternatives for lighting.Very limited skill required. Mount and shoot for better pictures.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
This is the second Sunpak flash that I've purchased and it works flawlessly. Completely compatible with my D300 and far more reasonable in price than a Nikon.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I have Nikon D3100. Tried to save some money and instead of buying the Nikon flash decided to go with this one. Well, worked well untill I tried to bounce off 90 degree of the ceiling. The flash losing the sync with the camera and shoots the full power. Same with the bouncing off of the wall. Since the bouncing was the main purpose of this purchase I had to return it. Too bad.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
At 1/3 the price of the SB 700, this flash provides similar power and ease of use. Unfortunately, TTL is not available when used off camera. Nor can commander mode be used.
I am using these for portraits, in manual mode with CT-04 triggers and receivers. They work very well with a wide range of manual settings and have a fast recycling time. I'm very pleased with them.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Used mainly as a TTL flash (bounced). Generally need to dial down the power, otherwise the photos seem overexposed. Still a solid flash - especially considering the price difference with the nikon speedlights.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I am a total camera noob, but my friend used to sell them years ago. He said to stay away from Nikon brand flashes because you're mostly paying for the name. He recommended a Sunpak and said that's what he'd buy if he was getting a flash today. I took his recommendation and couldn't be happier!
The recycle rate is plenty fast for me and I love that the focal length on the flash automatically changes when you zoom in/out on the camera.
I'd recommend this flash to anyone looking for a decent general use flash.
I don't know enough about cameras and flashes to know if this is good for professional use, but it works great for me!
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I ALLWAYS USE A SUNPAK FLASHES WITH MI CAMERAS. BUT THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I BUY A SUNPAK DEDICATE FLASH. THIS FLASH IS THE BEST I HAVE. IT IS FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH MY NEW NIKON D7000. I LOVE THIS FLASH. EASY TO SET AND USE. JUST ATACH TO THE CAMERA, SELECT THE MODE AND READY TO GO. YOU DONT TO PAY A LOTS OF MONEY TO GET A HIGH QUALITY FLASH.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
compared to a similar nikon flas its 1/4th the price and performs as well. highly recommend.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
The flash is great; powerful, great coverage, even, throws fast focusing amber focus assist instead of camera's white light which is slower (D7000), uses camera's Flash EV setting, light/compact. Does not support slave mode, or come with stand as depicted (minor in my review).
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