Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax 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 17 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
88%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (13)
- Fast recycling (11)
- Versatile (11)
- Lightweight (9)
- Good power output (8)
Cons
Best Uses
- General purpose (17)
- Portraits (11)
- Fill flash (7)
- Night photography (7)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (7), Enthusiast (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (7)
Most Liked Positive Review
Good dedicated flash for the enthusiast
I was really intrigued by the features found on this flash. I was on a budget, but I knew I wanted P-TTL metering, bounce/swivel head and rear curtain sync for creative night shots...Read complete review
I was really intrigued by the features found on this flash. I was on a budget, but I knew I wanted P-TTL metering, bounce/swivel head and rear curtain sync for creative night shots. This was one of the only flashes I could find under $200 that had it all.
In addition, the AF assist beam and built in diffuser and deflector panels are great because they're always with you.
I like that it has power adjustments all the way from full power to 1/16th in manual mode. I actually found that I prefer to use it in manual mode. The P-TTL is accurate when used head on, but it gets a little tougher when bounced or swiveled. I found many shots underexposed, but it's easy to fix with a little compensation.
Build quality seems okay. The battery door is a very strange design, and feels like it's going to snap every time I open it. The plastic hotshoe foot also worries me when inserting it into the hotshoe. It seems very flimsy. Besides that, all else seems well built.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Serious manufactoring flaw
I had this flash for a whole 30 minutes before boxing it up and sending it back. The problem lies in the flashes mounting foot. It loses contact with the data pins on the ...Read complete review
I had this flash for a whole 30 minutes before boxing it up and sending it back. The problem lies in the flashes mounting foot. It loses contact with the data pins on the camera causing the flash zoom to lock up and the P-TTL to allow severe overexposure because it fires full power. Vivitar needs to cut a relief in front of the mounting foot to allow the foot to go all the way into the flash shoe on the camera; The slightest movement causes the flash to stop working.I had mine mounted on a Pentax K10D. If you look at the K10D's shoe it has a rectangular protrusion in the fromt on the shoe that does not match the flashes mounting foot. If Vivitar fixes this it will be a nice and capable flash.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 17 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-17
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- 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 Pentax TTL:
I do light amateur photography, and I wanted a flash that had TTL, could swivel and bounce, zoom etc, but I didn't have the money for a pro flash. This flash was a crazy good deal for the money. It is pretty intuitive to use, and has all the power I need.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
Fantastic features for what is a relatively inexpensive flash. Equivalent product from other manufacturers are twice the price! Syncs well with Pentax camera, good auto and manual features.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
I bought this to photograph an indoor art exhibit and awards ceremony and the flash worked very very well. Re Charge is fast - controls are easy to use and you can synch it to the Pentax camera easily (I use K2000)
I would recommend this as an inexpensive flash that performs well.
I used the swivel function to bounce light off a white wall and grab great shots of art work and the folks being honored
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
The Vivitar 383 flash worked great :) however I was having camera issues with my Pentax :( so I did not get the full effect of the flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
ITS MAIN USE SO FAR HAS BEEN FOR FILL IN FLASH, BOTH OUTDOOR AND INDOORS. HOWEVER I DO LIKE THE WAY IT WORKS SRAIGHT ON WITH MY CAMERA TTL.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
- Sports Photography
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
I have used this flash quite a bit now and it has never let me down. The contact points are accurate and always attach correctly. I use it all the time. On 1/8 power and even 1/4 it has very fast recycling time. This dedicated unit gives the expensive brands a run for there money. Alas it has a downfall. The autofocus assist lamp built into the flash is a little weak, and the zoom feature is a little slow and noise, but not to bad. I basically use this flash for all my photographs. Sports, portraits etc.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
I was looking for a swivel head bounce flash for my Pentax K2000 DSLR. The PENTAX hot-shoe flash for this camera was three times the price as this one for the same features.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
Got this for Christmas. It works great with my K7
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not Durable
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
I bought this flash 2 months ago and today just stopped working. It's not firing anymore. I've seen some reviews and red about this problem before buying this flash but i hopped that it wouldn't happen to me. Well, it did today. I hope the replacement will last much longer than this one.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
I searched high and low looking for a flash that had the features of the DF-383 and couldn't come close to finding something that had them, at the price it was selling for.
Even with the good reviews I've seen for this model, I'd still suggest buying the extended warranty. You never know when you're going to have an issue, and for the price, it's great piece of mind.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
Sync with my K200 too easy
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
I picked up this unit to replace an aging Sigma 500 EF. While it does not have the guide number of the Sigma, it does offer more feature, for example having a slave function as well as an illuminated panel. Other nice feature is the reflector. Only thing that may be a concern is the battery door, it does feel flimsy and feels like I will break it every time I open it.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Contact pins do not mate
- Poor pin alignment
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
General purpose flash photography
The flash has a major problem with the contact pins on the flash not mating with the camera correctly; this causes the flash zoom to freeze up or cause a washed out exposure because to TTL signal is lost from the camera; Any slight movement in general operation will cause this to happen.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Useful Lighted LCD
- Versatile
Cons
- Design Flaw In The Foot
- Flismy Mounting Foot
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
I had this flash for a whole 30 minutes before boxing it up and sending it back. The problem lies in the flashes mounting foot. It loses contact with the data pins on the camera causing the flash zoom to lock up and the P-TTL to allow severe overexposure because it fires full power. Vivitar needs to cut a relief in front of the mounting foot to allow the foot to go all the way into the flash shoe on the camera; The slightest movement causes the flash to stop working.I had mine mounted on a Pentax K10D. If you look at the K10D's shoe it has a rectangular protrusion in the fromt on the shoe that does not match the flashes mounting foot. If Vivitar fixes this it will be a nice and capable flash.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- 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 Pentax TTL:
I was really intrigued by the features found on this flash. I was on a budget, but I knew I wanted P-TTL metering, bounce/swivel head and rear curtain sync for creative night shots. This was one of the only flashes I could find under $200 that had it all.
In addition, the AF assist beam and built in diffuser and deflector panels are great because they're always with you.
I like that it has power adjustments all the way from full power to 1/16th in manual mode. I actually found that I prefer to use it in manual mode. The P-TTL is accurate when used head on, but it gets a little tougher when bounced or swiveled. I found many shots underexposed, but it's easy to fix with a little compensation.
Build quality seems okay. The battery door is a very strange design, and feels like it's going to snap every time I open it. The plastic hotshoe foot also worries me when inserting it into the hotshoe. It seems very flimsy. Besides that, all else seems well built.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
Got mine today and it grossly over-exposed at first, plus power zoom didn't function. Contact misalignment. With that corrected exposure seems right on. Just needs Auto option in slave mode. Why did I sell my 285? Would have made a better slave with added sensor.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Weak Output
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Vivitar DF 383 Series 1 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Autofocus Flash for Pentax TTL:
The Flash is great straight ahead. Nice colors. The problem lies with the bounce, it is weak when used in P-TTL mode. You can use bounce in manual and it works rather well.
Displaying reviews 1-17
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: $14.19
-
- Original: $39.95
- Save: $3.99
- Price: $35.96
Flash Pouch
- Price: $24.99
Flash Accessories
-
- Original: $19.95
- Save: $1.99
- Price: $17.96
What's in the Box
- Soft Case
- 1-Year Warranty
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