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Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash

  • Free Item Included:
  • Sunpak ACC-M1082-01 Ni-MH/Ni-Cd 2650mAh Batteries and Charger Kit ($16.50 Value)
  • Price: $139.95
  • Free Item Included:
  • Sunpak ACC-M1082-01 Ni-MH/Ni-Cd 2650mAh Batteries and Charger Kit ($16.50 Value)
  • B&H # SUPZ42XN
  • Mfr# PZ42XN

Product Highlights

  • For Nikon i-TTL & D-TTL Enabled Cameras
  • Guide No. 138'/42 m (at 35mm)
  • Suitable for Portrait Photography

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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 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.

Fully compatible with i-TTL capable SLR cameras
AF Assist Light supports better autofocus performance in the dark (up to 16')
EV adjustment (-1.5, -1, -0.5, 0, +0.5, +1, +1.5)
Large panel with bright, easy-to-read LCD display
Flash-coverage scale on LCD screen
Automatic Shutdown mode shuts off flash from inactivity after several minutes
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 PowerReviews
SunpakPZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash
 
4.1

(based on 46 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (22)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (16)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (4)

84%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (31)
  • Fast recycling (30)
  • Good power output (28)
  • Consistent output (27)
  • Lightweight (22)

Cons

  • Not interchangeable (3)
  • Slow recycling (3)

Best Uses

  • General purpose (38)
  • Fill flash (28)
  • Portraits (20)
  • Night photography (13)
  • Photojournalism (9)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (16), Casual photographer (8), Semi-pro photographer (8), Enthusiast (5), Pro photographer (4)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (27)

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).

VS

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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Displaying reviews 1-20

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4.0

Great all-around

By Joe

from Atlanta, GA

About Me Casual Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

    Cons

      Best Uses

        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.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        4.0

        Decent flash for the money

        By Bob B

        from Washington DC

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Use
        • Powerful Output

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • General Use

          Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

          Works welll with both my D60 And D7000 Nikon cameras

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Excellent value for the money.

          By Photofan

          from Montreal, Canada

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

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

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Fill Flash
            • General Use
            • Photojournalism

            Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

            It's light, easy to use, and powerfull enough for any situations.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            4.0

            Good Flash for the price!

            By cwilburt

            from Boca Raton, FL

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Use
            • Lightweight
            • Versatile

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Fill Flash
              • General Use

              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!

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              2.0

              Not for D3100

              By Zack

              from New York, NY

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Fast Recycling

              Cons

              • Not compatible with D3100
              • Not Interchangeable

              Best Uses

              • Fill Flash
              • General Use

              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.

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              I would buy this product again

              By Divop

              from Cape Coral FL

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Fast Recycling
              • Versatile

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Fill Flash
                • General Use
                • Portraits

                Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

                Easy to use and good lighting.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • Yes

                Share this review

                 
                4.0

                Great flash for the price

                By Fsquare

                from Montreal, QC

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                See all my reviews

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easy To Use
                • Powerful Output

                Cons

                • Plastic Hotshoe
                • Slow Recycling

                Best Uses

                • Fill Flash
                • General Use
                • Portraits

                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.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                1.0

                A disappointment

                By Al

                from Oregon

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Pros

                  Cons

                  • Slow Recycling
                  • Weak Output

                  Best Uses

                  • General Use

                  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.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Better than expected!

                  By Mr. T.

                  from USA

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Fast Recycling
                  • Powerful Output

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

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

                    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.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                    (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    REAR CURTAIN FLASH

                    By FrankB

                    from Tuenersville NJ

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Reviewer

                    Pros

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

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Fill Flash
                      • General Use
                      • Night Photography

                      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.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                      (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      2.0

                      Inconsistant with Nikon D5100

                      By NuclearRoy

                      from Pittsburgh, PA

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Fast Recycling
                      • Lightweight
                      • Powerful Output

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                          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.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Great Product

                          By paddymelt

                          from Plymouth, Michigan.

                          About Me Casual Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Consistent Output
                          • Easy To Use
                          • Fast Recycling

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Fill Flash
                            • Portraits

                            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.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Excellent Flash

                            By Jim

                            from Jackson, WY

                            About Me Pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

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

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Fill Flash
                              • General Use
                              • Portraits

                              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.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                              (2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

                               
                              1.0

                              Beware if you intend to use for bouncing

                              By sxd9mm

                              from Rochester, NY

                              About Me Photo Enthusiast

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Easy To Use
                              • Powerful Output

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Fill Flash
                                • General Use

                                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.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                4.0

                                Light and powerful

                                By Philoh

                                from Mt. Vernon, NY

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

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

                                Cons

                                • No off camera TTL

                                Best Uses

                                • Fill Flash
                                • General Use
                                • Night Photography
                                • Portraits

                                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.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                4.0

                                Solid Flash

                                By Flash newbie

                                from McLean, VA

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Easy To Use
                                • Fast Recycling
                                • Lightweight

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • General Use

                                  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.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Love this flash!

                                  By With an H

                                  from Vancouver, WA

                                  About Me Casual Photographer

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

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

                                  Cons

                                  • Heavy

                                  Best Uses

                                  • General Use

                                  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!

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Share this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  THE BEST

                                  By ALBERTO

                                  from PONCE, PR

                                  About Me Pro Photographer

                                  Verified Reviewer

                                  Pros

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

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • General Use
                                    • Night Photography
                                    • Portraits

                                    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.

                                    • Was this a gift?:
                                    • No

                                    Share this review

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    performed as expected. great value

                                    By khan

                                    from north dakota

                                    About Me Casual Photographer

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                    • Easy To Use
                                    • Powerful Output

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                      • General Use
                                      • Night Photography

                                      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.

                                      • Was this a gift?:
                                      • No

                                      Share this review

                                       
                                      5.0

                                      Correction - It does work with Flash EV

                                      By Aloha Al

                                      from Washington, DC

                                      About Me Casual Photographer

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                        Cons

                                          Best Uses

                                            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).

                                            • Was this a gift?:
                                            • No

                                            Share 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
                                             
                                            Pearstone -  NM-4H23 4 AA NiMH Batteries (2300mAh) with 4 Hour Charger (110-240V)
                                              • Original: $13.99
                                              • Save: $1.40
                                            • Price: $12.59
                                             

                                            Flash Diffusers

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

                                            Reflectors

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

                                            Sync Cords & Flash Remotes

                                            Vello -  TTL-Off-Camera Flash Cord for Nikon SLR - 3' (1 m)
                                            • Price: $14.99
                                             
                                            View all Accessories

                                            What's in the Box

                                            Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash
                                            • 1-Year Warranty
                                            Included Free
                                             
                                             
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