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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: $145.00
  • Free Item Included:
  • Sunpak ACC-M1082-01 Ni-MH/Ni-Cd 2650mAh Batteries and Charger Kit ($16.50 Value)
  • B&H # SUPZ42XC
  • Mfr# PZ42XC

Product Highlights

  • For Canon SLR Cameras with E-TTL II
  • Manual Power & Zoom Head Settings
  • Guide No. 138' (42 m)

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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 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.

Fully compatible with E-TTL II capable SLR cameras, but also backwards-compatible with TTL metering for all earlier EOS 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
 
4.4

(based on 107 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (54)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (44)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (7)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

97%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (72)
  • Consistent output (65)
  • Fast recycling (55)
  • Lightweight (50)
  • Good power output (44)

Cons

  • Slow recycling (10)
  • Heavy (7)
  • Heavy / bulky (3)

Best Uses

  • General purpose (79)
  • Fill flash (47)
  • Portraits (47)
  • Night photography (31)
  • Photojournalism (15)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (34), Semi-pro photographer (26), Casual photographer (14), Enthusiast (11), Pro photographer (9)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (51), Yes (4)

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.

VS

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 107 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

Very good!

By Paulosamsam

from New York

About Me Casual Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Durable
  • Easy To Use
  • Powerful Output
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Bulky

Best Uses

  • General Use

Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

I have to say the truth... i just buy it so i didnt use it a lot yet. but by now are being very good...I had a little problem this manual mode 1/2 1/4 1/8 ... but i think is my fault... good flash!

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

Share this review

 
5.0

Works for me

By Amos

from College Station, TX

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

    Cons

      Best Uses

        Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

        Just getting started, very easy to use!

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        3.0

        Great for the price, with one exception

        By Ninga

        from Princeton, NJ

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

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

        Cons

        • Not Interchangeable
        • Slow Focus

        Best Uses

        • Fill Flash
        • General Use

        Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

        Honestly have to say that for the price, the quality of the flash well exceeds its price range. The flash output is consistent and light quality is very good. The swivel head and diffuser make for easy photos in any situation.

        The downsides to this flash are at a minimum but could affect the users photos depending on how they intend to utilize it. As an avid photographer of action sports (or any sports for that matter) the auto-flash, while relatively fast for static images, was not fast enough to make quick changes from foreground to background for very quick shots. Another huge downside that could affect other users is its non-compatibility for use with PocketWizard wireless receiver/transceivers. I was not informed of this issue until i had to call PocketWizard for assistance for how to use the flash as a back-up slave. They ended up explaining that Sunpak and PocketWizard are not compatible and a Canon flash would work the best.

        Overall I would suggest this flash for any novice-photographer who only intends on using it as a mounted hot-shoe external flash and not as a wireless slave, unless they are using transmitters other than PocketWizards.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        seems fine to me

        By myown6

        from central PA

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Easy To Use
        • Fast Recycling

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Fill Flash
          • General Use
          • Portraits

          Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

          purchases as an alternative to Canon's 430; so far seems to work fine on my T1i. I have not had a chance to read the manual but seems easy to use right out of the box. I really love the swivel options (sideways and up and down) It does not seem overly sturdy but for the price I was expecting that. I have taken several pics with it in my home at dusk with no lights and it worked great.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          4.0

          PZ42X for Canon Cameras

          By rcfalcon

          from Corpus Christi, Tx

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

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

          Cons

          • No 2nd curtain sync
          • No hi speed shutter sync

          Best Uses

          • Fill Flash
          • General Use

          Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

          I am just beginning to learn on camera flash. So far this flash does all it is advetised to do. It syncs with my Canon XS and the auto zoom works great. The ETTL-II interface works just fine. About my only complaints are that it doesn't support 2nd curtain sync or high speed shutter sync. 2nd curtain is available for the Nikon version so I'm not sure why it isn't availble for the Canon.

          With fresh batteries the unit cycles in less than a second unless using full power in which case it takes slightly longer. Once the batteries start to run down, cycle times get longer. This is true for any flash.

          The flash is easy to use even in manual mode. So far I am happy with my purchase.

          B&H was also there to answer my questions via chat before I ordered and the service was great.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          3.0

          Works ok on Rebel, Not on Powershot g12

          By Geoff M

          from Lake Tahoe, CA

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Use

          Cons

            Best Uses

              Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

              Seems to work ok on Rebel, but part of the reason I bought it was to have a cheap flash I could take to Europe with my g12(didn't want to lug the expensive Canon ex430). The g12 recognizes the flash(zoom even works), but doesn't make it fire. Oh, well, for a bit more than the 430, I have an ex270(which actually made a good ultra compact mate for the g12, but uses goofy pre-flash on the Rebel) and the Sunpak.

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Nice flash, especially for the price.

              By Mike

              from St. Louis area

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

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

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Fill Flash
                • General Use
                • Portraits

                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.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                1.0

                Broke the first time I used it

                By Rob

                from Treasure Coast, Fl

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Reviewer

                Pros

                • Powerful Output

                Cons

                • Poor quality

                Best Uses

                  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.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  cool flash

                  By jazz

                  from madison,wi

                  About Me Casual Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • General Use
                      • Night Photography
                      • Portraits

                      Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

                      it does the job. easy to operate and feels so sturdy.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      good alternative to more expensive canon

                      By peter

                      from hadley, MA

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

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

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Fill Flash
                        • General Use
                        • Portraits

                        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.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                        (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        5.0

                        I would buy this product again

                        By Vic

                        from Greenwich CT

                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Fast Recycling
                        • Powerful Output

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • General Use

                          Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

                          Amatuer photographer...but serious.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • Yes

                          Share this review

                          (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                           
                          4.0

                          Great flash!

                          By Blakely

                          from Georgetown, SC

                          About Me Casual Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Fast Recycling
                          • Powerful Output

                          Cons

                          • Heavy

                          Best Uses

                            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!

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            4.0

                            Value for the money

                            By Sachin

                            from Land Of Lincoln

                            About Me Photo Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Consistent Output
                            • Easy To Use
                            • Powerful Output

                            Cons

                            • Slow Recycling

                            Best Uses

                            • General Use
                            • Portraits

                            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.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            5.0

                            Nice flash, nice price

                            By Magari Orev

                            from New York

                            About Me Photo Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Versatile

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                                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.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                4.0

                                i would recommed this product

                                By Vijay

                                from phoenix, AZ

                                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Consistent Output
                                • Durable
                                • Easy To Use
                                • Versatile

                                Cons

                                • Heavy
                                • Slow Recycling

                                Best Uses

                                • General Use
                                • Portraits

                                Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

                                Good quality. Easy to use. I would recommed this product.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Share this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                works great!

                                By ahaskin

                                from Doha, Qatar

                                About Me Casual Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                      Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

                                      This Flash is just great, works fine. Highly recommend it.

                                      • Was this a gift?:
                                      • No

                                      Share this review

                                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                       
                                      2.0

                                      Worked great...when it worked...

                                      By APSmomma

                                      from Birmingham, Alabama

                                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Lightweight

                                      Cons

                                      • Slow Recycling

                                      Best Uses

                                        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.

                                        • Was this a gift?:
                                        • No

                                        Share this review

                                         
                                        5.0

                                        Sunpak Flash for Canon Camera

                                        By old salty sailor

                                        from Florida

                                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                        Verified Buyer

                                        Pros

                                        • Easy To Use
                                        • Fast Recycling
                                        • Powerful Output

                                        Cons

                                          Best Uses

                                          • Fill Flash
                                          • General Use
                                          • Night Photography

                                          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.

                                          • Was this a gift?:
                                          • No

                                          Share this review

                                           
                                          4.0

                                          best quality

                                          By fmacias

                                          from Queretaro, Mexico

                                          About Me Pro Photographer

                                          Verified Buyer

                                          Pros

                                          • Durable
                                          • Easy To Use
                                          • Lightweight
                                          • Powerful Output

                                          Cons

                                            Best Uses

                                            • General Use
                                            • Night Photography
                                            • Portraits

                                            Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:

                                            affordable best quality Flash

                                            • Was this a gift?:
                                            • Yes

                                            Share this review

                                             
                                            5.0

                                            So far it's great.

                                            By Dan

                                            from Green Bay, WI

                                            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                            Verified Buyer

                                            Pros

                                              Cons

                                                Best Uses

                                                  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.

                                                  • 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 Canon EOS - 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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