Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony 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 18 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
89%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (16)
- Good power output (9)
- Consistent output (8)
- Fast recycling (8)
- Lightweight (7)
Cons
- Heavy (3)
- Slow recycling (3)
Best Uses
- General purpose (16)
- Fill flash (12)
- Portraits (9)
- Night photography (4)
- Photojournalism (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (7), Enthusiast (6), Casual photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (8)
Most Liked Positive Review
FANTASTIC DEAL------BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS
This flash is a fantastic bargain. I use it with my Alpha 700 and it is a dramatic improvement over the built in camera flash. It is also priced at less than half of ...Read complete review
This flash is a fantastic bargain. I use it with my Alpha 700 and it is a dramatic improvement over the built in camera flash. It is also priced at less than half of other comparable flashes. In fully automatic mode, it takes wonderful pictures. I would highly recommend this unit.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
OK for snapshots
Feels cheaply made and AF assist is completely useless. TTL auto-stuff works fine with no issues. Doesn't come with a sony-to-1/4" adapter, so you'll have to get one separately if...Read complete review
Feels cheaply made and AF assist is completely useless. TTL auto-stuff works fine with no issues. Doesn't come with a sony-to-1/4" adapter, so you'll have to get one separately if you want to take it off the camera and use any kind of stand.
Started firing intermittently after a few months of light use, then stopped firing altogether. Vivitar is supposed to send a replacement...we shall see.
Unless you really need the TTL functionality or optical slave, the 285HV is a much nicer flash (not sure if they make one of those for a Sony hot shoe or if you need an adapter...I use mine with an adapter).
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 18 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-18
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
This flash puts out good light. I was looking for a low priced flash that had good power and I found it in this flash. not disappointed yet.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
Bought the flash a couple weeks ago to take some photographs for a friends anniversary party. This was my first experience using a large external flash and learned a lot just by trying different techniques. By far the best results were bouncing off the ceiling or side walls depending on the angles. I had used some rechargeable Duracell batteries that I had laying around from an old point and shoot camera. They were about 3 years old, gave them a good charge and still got over 300 shots on one charge with no indication of drainage. VERY impressed with battery consumption. It does make the camera heavy, so carrying it around for 4 hours made my neck a little sore, but this is going to be the case with any large flash so it's not really a bad thing about it.I am writing this review to help others[...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
I've owned a Vivitar Flash all my life. I used it with my manual Canon camera and loved it. I am using this flash with my Sony A200 and was very easy to install and uninstall. I've only used this one a few times, but I am very happy with it. I would remommend this flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Fast Recycling
Cons
- No HSS
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
I didn't do all of my research first. I assumed any flash would do High Speed Sync - not until i couldn't figure out how to enable it on my Sony Alpha A350, or how to force the shutter faster than 1/160th did i find out that it never will. Apparently you *have* to have a Sony branded flash to do fill flash in daylight.
It does produce a brighter light then the built in flash. The recycle time is quite fast - I don't even think most of my photos take more than a second to recharge the flash (even on $2 a pack alkaline batteries!) The wireless sync functions - somewhat; it fires the flash but the picture comes out under exposed. In TTL mode, it's flawless - minus missing HSS.
Otherwise, I will be returning this flash for either a HVL-F42AM or HVL-F36AM, for that's about the extent of my budget. The HVL-F58AM would be very nice, but its twice the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
I find the product very useful, especially for portrait photography. Its great because it gives really great light to the subject.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
The DF383 is exactly what I needed to make my Sony A200 perform as I needed it to under very low light conditions. I don't even know why they started putting tiny flash units onto cameras.
I have owned several Vivitar 'shoe' flashes over the past 30 years and have never been let down by them. While there are better units available, it's hard to beat the Vivitar for dollar value.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
Just an ok flash works with limits
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Slow Focus
- TTL Not much help
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
The DF 383 Series 1 works great on my Sony alpha 300. It has several adjustment features to adjust the amount of flash. TTL doesn't seem to work as you would think. I manually adjust it and get past the TTL issues.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
All the features of the more expensive flashes, but for a very reasonable price. The built-in diffuser, and bounce card are a great touch. This is the first "speed light" for me, and I have to say, I couldn't be more pleased with my selection. Great product!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
This is my first flash, and it has exceeded expectations. Consistent, and easy to use. The built in diffuser is a nice little perk too. Great first external flash.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
I bought the flash for occasional times when I shoot things inside. It's great for what I need it for. It automatically detects how far your zoom is focused, has a backlight on the screen, and has a great battery life. The swivel feature is also very nice. I highly recommend this. You can't beat it for the price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
Feels cheaply made and AF assist is completely useless. TTL auto-stuff works fine with no issues. Doesn't come with a sony-to-1/4" adapter, so you'll have to get one separately if you want to take it off the camera and use any kind of stand.
Started firing intermittently after a few months of light use, then stopped firing altogether. Vivitar is supposed to send a replacement...we shall see.
Unless you really need the TTL functionality or optical slave, the 285HV is a much nicer flash (not sure if they make one of those for a Sony hot shoe or if you need an adapter...I use mine with an adapter).
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
I am just starting a very small photography business as a kind of side project and after much review settled on this flash as my first for my sony dslr. The flash is reasonably priced and does do a good job of filling light in my studio. A good value and a good learning flash.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
all and all i am pleased with my flash, it is missing a few toys but for the price im not complaning.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
I am only starting out using the flash but it has been easy to use and works well. I appreciate the tilt features and the ability to bounce off walls as well as ceilings. I looked at several flashes and for the price this one can not be beat.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
This flash has great power and good recycle time! the built in diffuser is a great bonus that produces a nice soft light. Wireless function is great for side lighting effect. The only drawback so far is the AF assist lamp is not very effective beyond 15-20'.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Great price
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
- Uses Alkaline Batteries
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
I bought this for fill flash outdoors and indoor family photos. It was easy to learn and I was up and running quickly. Put it to use Fathers day with good results. It does seem heavy and will chew through batteries. I would recommend for non-pro shooters.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Sony TTL:
This flash is a fantastic bargain. I use it with my Alpha 700 and it is a dramatic improvement over the built in camera flash. It is also priced at less than half of other comparable flashes. In fully automatic mode, it takes wonderful pictures. I would highly recommend this unit.
Displaying reviews 1-18
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: $16.95
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- Original: $16.95
- Save: $1.69
- Price: $15.26
Flash Pouch
- Price: $24.99
Flash Accessories
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- Original: $24.95
- Save: $2.49
- Price: $22.46
What's in the Box
- Soft Case
- 1-Year Warranty
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