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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 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.
| 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®
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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 107 customers
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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!
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Comments about Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Just getting started, very easy to use!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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