Batteries are not included. Please make sure to purchase batteries to operate the device.
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 Canon E-TTL II 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.
| Type | Shoe Mount |
| Guide No. |
|
| Angle of Coverage | 84° to 23° (24-105mm in 35mm format) |
| Vari-Power | Full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 & 1/64 |
| TTL Dedication | Yes, including E-TTL II |
| Swivel Head | Yes (with 180° left, 120° right) |
| Bounce Head | Yes (90° tilt) |
| Off Camera Terminal | No |
| Zoom Head | 24-105mm auto-zoom (flash senses focal length & adjusts), with Manual override |
| Recycle Time | 3.5 Seconds with fresh alkaline batteries & full power |
| Power Source | 4 1.5V AA batteries |
| Dimensions | 2.6 x 4.6 x 4.1" (66 x 117 x 104mm) WxHxD |
| Weight | 9.1 oz (258g) [without batteries] |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Great product
I mostly use this flash on and off camera in manual mode. I love the 180º of swivel, auto/manual zoom, back light, ease of use, and size.
The...Read complete review
I mostly use this flash on and off camera in manual mode. I love the 180º of swivel, auto/manual zoom, back light, ease of use, and size.
The thing I really dislike is the way the LCD cycles through the various mode functions in only one direction (e.g. if your in manual mode at full power and you want to set it at say 1/4 power and you accidentally set in 1/8 power you have to cycle through all power settings until you get back to 1/4--you can't just go back).
I'd really love to see a PC connection on this flash for off-camera use. These limitations notwithstanding, this is an excellent little flash for those who don't wish to pay as much for a Canon 580 flash.
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Most Liked Negative Review
No E-TTL with Canon T1i
The E-TTL will not work with the T1i. It works fine in manual mode but the menu controls make it hard to adjust the exposure up and down. This is fine for portraits and ...Read complete review
The E-TTL will not work with the T1i. It works fine in manual mode but the menu controls make it hard to adjust the exposure up and down. This is fine for portraits and other controlled situations but not good for spontaneous or less predictable lighting situations. It did work fine down to 1/320 sec for sports.
Reviewed by 101 customers
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
So far this has been a great flash, especially for the price. It works like a charm and I've been quite happy with it since it arrived. I couldn't afford the Canon and this is a great alternative. The recycle time has been very fast so far.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Used it on a beach shoot the first time I brought it out and it failed within 1 hr. I don't know if it was the salt air or a defect in materials or workmanship but it should have lasted longer then that. The new Canon Camera I bought with it is fine. Of course it was 13 days after B&H 30 warranty so they were happy to provide me with the manufacturers phone number to let them deal with it instead of taking care of the customer. Thank goodness for Amex.90 day damange / theft policy.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
it does the job. easy to operate and feels so sturdy.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
It does what it says it does, good bounce, fast recovery,long battery life,not too heavy. I have used it for 3 jobs and have no complaints. The re charger and batteries that were a bonus package were inconsistently recognized by the flash and I don't use them.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Amatuer photographer...but serious.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I have really enjoyed this flash. I am never scared that it wont fire up or cut off on me. And it has a great recycle time!
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I got this flash 3 weeks back and I could see the diference in my pictures. This external flash allowed me to use f5.6 and 1/180 sec. shutter speed in very low light room with my Canon T2i camera. The picture were sharp, clear and well lit. The TTL does work.
Drawbacks:
1. you cannot use this flash off camera
2. build quality is OK but not great
3. Recycle time is 10 seconds
But people like me who are on tight budget can definitely give it a try.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I am an enthusiastic photo user who wants to became a pro but doesn't have the possibility to buy very expensive material in the way so this flash is perfect. It is reliable, and ir works very well so I am learning a lot about lighting.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Good quality. Easy to use. I would recommed this product.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
This Flash is just great, works fine. Highly recommend it.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
This product worked great and got the job done...until it stopped working on me half way through shooting a wedding. It just stopped flashing and wasn't communicating with my camera. The batteries were brand new and the flash was turning on and the camera was recognizing that it was attached, but it wouldn't flash. I will be returning this product and purchasing the Canon brand. I was giving Sunpak that benefit of the doubt because of the other great reviews, but I can't have a product quit functioning during a shoot.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Smooth operation, modes/options very easy to use. Tried with both wide angle and zoom lens. Very satisfied with its preformance.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
affordable best quality Flash
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I bought this to replace my Metz 36, which tilted but did not swivel. Being able to swivel this flash makes it easy to bounce flash even in portrait orientation. So far the power of this flash has been adequate for shooting large interior spaces (e.g., real estate photography) even when bouncing the flash, and the TTL exposure seems pretty accurate. So far I'm loving this flash.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I consider myself a photo enthusiast. Wanted more control when using flash especially with macro photography. Have ring flash but on occassion did not quite meet needs. Used unit about 4 times and am pleased. Perhaps a little heavy, however, 4 triple A batteries contributes significantly to unit weight. Am contemplating the purchase of a second unit.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Comparing what it costs to what it does, I would say it's a bargain. Perhaps it does not have some fancy features of the Canon flashes, but for an average amateur photographer this flash offers more than enough. Its longevity remains to be seen, I just started to use it, but otherwise it's a nice addition to my Digital Rebel. Recommend!
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
HAhaha I have just bought it 3 hours ago, tried it in my studio and outdoors in the shade with a 100cm umbrella. It's doing it's job in slave mode just fine :)
It has pretty much power for it's size too.
When you touch it it feels like it's been hand made buy kids for their school project hahahaha but works fine like a charm!
The recycling time is a little bit slow when you use it on 1/1 power, but at lower power settings it's quick enough.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Perfect second flash for a studio. Feel a little bit cheap but it works well.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I purchased two of these to test for off camera usage. These are excellent for on on camera use: relatively inexpensive, good power, fast recycle time. These would be great for off camera use only if there was an option to turn off the auto sleep function. An article on the internet says that if you hold both buttons and turn on the power it will disable the auto sleep mode, but this is NOT true.
Other than that, it's an excellent budget flash.
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
This strobe physically was a little smaller than I thought it would be, which is fine because its power is what I needed, not its footprint. It works well, but its instruction guide could use some work. Not that its not easy, just not easy enough; I am a photographer, after all.
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