Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL
The Vivitar DF-383 Shoe Mount Flash is an economical full-TTL enabled flash with support for digital SLR cameras. It features a powerful Guide Number of 148'/45 m at 85mm, and features a power-zoom flash head that covers a focal range from 24mm to 85mm.
The flash includes a built-in slave function which allows it to be positioned off-camera, and triggered by any second flash. You can also manually adjust the power level of the flash output from full-power down to 1/16th. It is the perfect economical all-purpose flash for any digital or 35mm SLR shooter.
- Bounce, Zoom & Swivel Head
- Flash has vertical bounce of 90° and horizontal swivel of 270°, with automatic or manual zoom settings of 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm
- AF Assist
- Autofocus auxiliary lamp helps the camera to focus in low-light situations
- Remote Triggering
- Built-in optical slave function allows for off-camera operation
- Accepts Light Modifiers
- Includes reflecting plate & wide angle diffuser
- Power Saving
- Circuitry incorporates an auto-off power saving element
| Type | Shoe mount |
| Guide No. | 148' (45 m) at 85mm/ISO 100 |
| Angle of Coverage | 75° to 28° (24-85mm lenses in 35mm/full frame format) |
| Vari-Power | 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 & 1/16th |
| TTL Dedication | Yes |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes |
| Zoom Head | 24-85mm auto-zoom (flash senses focal length & adjusts or manual settings of 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70, and 85mm) |
| Off Camera Terminal | No |
| Recycle Time | 0.5-9.0 seconds |
| Power Source | Four 1.5-Volt "AA" batteries (alkaline, lithium, NiCad & NiMH) |
| Dimensions | 5 x 4 x 3" (125 x 100 x 72mm) |
| Weight | 9.5 oz (270g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 66 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
92%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (49)
- Consistent output (38)
- Lightweight (37)
- Good power output (34)
- Versatile (34)
Cons
- Slow recycling (19)
- Heavy (3)
- Heavy / bulky (3)
- Not interchangeable (3)
Best Uses
- General purpose (57)
- Fill flash (41)
- Portraits (41)
- Night photography (17)
- Photojournalism (13)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (26), Photo enthusiast (20), Casual photographer (10), Pro photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (40), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great Flash/Great Price
I bought two of these flashes to start shooting off-camera flash with. The product is great and it is so much cheaper than a 430ex2 or a 580ex2. The flash is powerful and the ...Read complete review
I bought two of these flashes to start shooting off-camera flash with. The product is great and it is so much cheaper than a 430ex2 or a 580ex2. The flash is powerful and the AF helps so much in low-light situations. Off-camera the wireless optical slave works great indoors but it is usually impractical to use the optical slave in the sun. For this i will order radio triggers in the near future. The only reason I do not give this five stars is because a few days after i got the, one broke and refused to fire under any methods of triggering. This seems to be a totally random problem however because the other flash unit i have still works fine.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Lasted for two hours
Maybe it was just defective. I've read others review this and I was deciding between it and a canon flash. It seems like this one is pretty much hit or miss... I figured...Read complete review
Maybe it was just defective. I've read others review this and I was deciding between it and a canon flash. It seems like this one is pretty much hit or miss... I figured it had the basic features and I could use it to be a slave if I get the more expensive canon flash later. I needed a flash for a shoot at a night club so I ordered this one. Came in fast, on time, and seemed okay. So a couple of days later hours before the shoot, it was working perfectly and I was just doing some test shots to get it down and moments before I actually needed it, it seemed like the thing just shorted out or something... it didn't burn out, just kept making a sound like it was charging up and never released the power to the bulb... [...]My shoot didn't go as planned but luckily half way through, the guy that hired me loaned me his canon 580 EXII... worked awesome but had more features than I needed... but I know now I'm gonna just save up and buy that one. [...]
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 66 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
My first choice was the Canon 430X, but I decided to try this one, was closer to my budget.
I use it with a Canon Rebel T1i, it works great!
I use it mainly for indoor shots, so most of the time I need to tilt the head, the communication with the camera works great.
The battery lasts over 100 takes if you don't shoot them all together in the same day.
I absolutely would recommend this flash if you are on a budget and won't be using it on a studio or to work with multiple speedlites.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
I've owned this for a few weeks now and use it regularly for my indoor pictures. I haven't tried it for outdoor situations yet but the flash is extremely bright and lots of settings to choose from. It is like a new camera when using the flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
In just using the flash everynow and then it seems like a very good alternative to the more expensive flashes, based on other reviews though I did purchase an extended warranty.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
I'm sure part of the reason I'm not fully satisfied with the product is my lack of experience with the controls and other aspects of the unit. But when I hit the right combination and snap the picture the result is excellent. So, although the product may deserve 5 stars, I really can't give that rating until I know that the bad results are surely my fault.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
I have had several flashes in the past, this is my first Vivitar. I love it. All I have to do is mount it and shoot away.
I purchased this same flash about 6 months ago and loved it so much I made a second purchase for my back up camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Not Interchangeable
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
First off: if you have a Canon 60D DO NOT BUY THIS FLASH! IT WILL NOT WORK WITH YOUR CAMERA!
I have two cameras. One is an old Rebel XT and the other is a Canon 60D.
The flash worked well with my Rebel, but only works in TTL with the 60D.
For any serious photographer, shooting in TTL is completely unacceptable.
The power output is good, the recycle speed is... acceptable, the unit itself is visually appealing, but there is another major flaw in this flash unit which gives it a rating of 2 stars:
Sleep mode.
Many times during a photoshoot, you are going have to spend a few minutes to rearrange the shot. After a minute or two, this flash unit turns off.
To my knowledge, there is no way to turn off this "feature."
Its incredibly frustrating.
On the plus side, this unit is pretty affordable and not a bad training unit SO LONG AS YOU DON'T HAVE A 60D.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
I returned the first because the zoom would catch if you took pictures too fast and you had to turn it off. The second unit occasionally did the same & now after 6 months it suddenly won't come to full power and no TTL, It can't be triggered by the camera...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
The DF-383 is a very affordable and highly reliable alternative to expensive Speedlite flashes. I have found the E-TTL and manual functions work consistently well. I just purchased a second (slave) unit for studio, off-camera use with a tripod and umbrella. Also use with my Honl reflector snoot and LumiQuest diffuser.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
This is a great little flash, and a lot cheaper than the Canon models. It performs well as a fill, zoom and bounce flash unit, and is lightweight & easy to store in my gear bag. It's not as rugged a feel as other flash units, but I think that has more to do with the lightweight plastics used in the housing more than enything else.
The TTL metering seems to work well and the bounce/swivel add to it's versatility.
If you're into major brand names stick with Canon, but if you're looking at a great little economical flash unit, this is it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
I have not had this very long but it work well for me. O have used it succesfully ttl manual and as a slave with no problems. I will probably be picking up a few more and a wireless trigger system. I am very happy with what I got for the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
I use this for casual portraits of family. While it works, in retrospect, I would have saved my money and bought the 580Ex2, but this flash is decent for what it costs.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
The general purpose of this flash for me - shooting with some wireless trigger to use it with umbrella and light stand. Sometimes I shoot with this flash in TTL-mode and there was no something disappointing for me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
- Weddingevent photography
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
Bought a set of two 383's in combination with with an umbrella stand kit and powersyncs. Cheap overall set, and works great in combination with each other.
Already used on location for an outdoor wedding with great results.
I would recommend using in 32" umbrellas, which are a little small, but hand over foot better than simply putting a flash on the hotshoe and letting TTL make your decisions!
At higher power levels the slow recycle can become frustrating.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
Use for portrait off camera flash utilizing cheap radio triggers. Works great-- slow recycling but high output.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
Bought this for my Canon T1i and am very impressed. Chose it over the Canon Speedlite which is almost double the price. The Vivitar provides excellent illumination whether subject is at a distance in a room or close up at 2-3 feet. Not a substitute for a ring flash but acceptable. Recycling time is much shorter than my old Vivitar 283. the TTL feature is awesome! Includes a pull-out diffuser too!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
After using 580exII's at my work (news photographer) my standards were set rather high, but for my own personal use, I wasn't up to paying the price. Instead, I opted to take the risk on two 383's from Vivitar, and I couldn't have been more pleased! I actually prefer Vivitar's navigation and buttons to Canons. it's very easy to use. The only major differences that I can complain about is the lack of radio slave capability as compared to Canon's, but you can buy a radio kit(which I did), and still be under budget for the price of one 580exII.
The one major con that is of concern is the slow recycle time, but if you're not a photojournalist or have any other need for the 3-4 second difference, this flash will do just fine.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
I liked the light this was providing, and the price was right. But the cheap plastic piece that connected it to my hot shoe broke off in the second hour of use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Photojournalism
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
I read some less than positive reviews on the lower end Vivitar flashes so I decided to spring for this one. I like the slave feature- it will set off with the pop-up flash. Worth the extra $ and still pretty cheap.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast Recycling
- Features
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Customer support
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Off camera slave
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
Brought this as a cheap alternative to Canon 430EXII for use with my T2i and 60D. The unit didn't seem to work in eTTL mode and eTTL/TTL modes failed after a month of use resulting in severe overexposure. Ended up purchasing a Canon 430EX II as a replacement.
As a result, I use the unit now as a slave flash in optical mode. Works great as a slave flash but that's not why I bought it.
BTW, Vivitar doesn't seem to answer their web support emails.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Canon TTL:
This flash is a simple to use, easy to carry, and works just fine. The tilting and swivel flash head beats my old flash hands down.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
Required item:
- Price: $1.50
-
- Original: $13.99
- Save: $1.40
- Price: $12.59
Flash Diffusers
-
- Original: $9.95
- Save: $2.30
- Price: $7.65
Reflectors
- Price: $39.95
Brackets
- Price: $34.98
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $14.50
- Price: $14.99
Flash Pouch
- Price: $24.99
Flash Accessories
-
- Original: $99.95
- Save: $9.99
- Price: $89.96
What's in the Box
- Soft Case
- 1-Year Warranty
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