Pentax AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash (Guide No. 53) For Pentax P-TTL

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This Pentax AF160FC Ring Flash is a superb tool for macro photographers seeking clean and controlled light for a variety of close-up subjects.

Ringlights have a control box that sit atop the camera and a circular panel that fits on a lens like a hood. The controller allows for strength adjustment and P-TTL signals from the camera to be applied to the output of the flash.

Additionally, a modeling light helps preview the effect of the flash while simultaneously providing sufficient illumination for autofocus systems to operate.

This lens-mounted ring flash with hot-shoe controller is ideal for macro photography, product imagery, flat-lighting portraits, and medical/dental applications.
Provides smooth, even lighting for the closest subjects, while eliminating vignetting and subject shadow.
Modeling light with 4 white LEDs help preview flash exposure while assisting autofocus operation.
Compatible with P-TTL, TTL, and manual systems.
P-TTL exposure compensation available (+0.5 to -1 in 1/2 stop increments). Manual flash operation at full, 1/4, and 1/16 power.
The kit includes lens adapter rings for 49mm, 52mm, 58mm, 67mm filter threads, as well as a macro adapter for PENTAX D-FA series macro lenses.
Guide No. 52.8' at ISO 100 (16m at ISO 100)
Number of Flashes Lithium - approx. 7s interval = 250 full discharges
Alkaline - approx. 7s interval = 150 full discharges
NiMH - approx. 7s interval = 200 full discharges
Max Usable Diameter Size 67mm
Modeling Light Yes
Angle of Coverage 60° from up/down/left/right (flash output ratio selectable from left, left center, center, right center, right)
Auto f/Stops Not specified by manufacturer
Vari-Power Yes
TTL Dedication Yes
Recycle Time Not specified by manufacturer
Power Source 4 AA batteries
Dimensions Ring Flash - 4.4 x 4.4 x 1.2" (11 x 11 x 3cm)
Controller - 2.7 x 3.3 x 4.5" (7 x 8 x 11cm)
Weight 14.3oz (405g)(without batteries)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash (Guide No. 53) For Pentax P-TTL
 
4.7

(based on 9 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (7)
  • Fast recycling (6)
  • Consistent output (5)
  • Versatile (5)
  • Durable (4)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Macro (6)
    • Fill flash (4)
    • Portraits (4)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Photo enthusiast (8)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (7)

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 9 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-9

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    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Does a good job compared to cheap lights

    By clnoz

    from Sainte-Flavie, QC

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Attach Securely
    • Good Color Value
    • Powerful

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Indoors
      • Macro
      • Outdoors

      Comments about AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash (Guide No. 53) For Pentax P-TTL:

      Somewhat bulky, with stiff cable and box of adapters, but worth it for the even lighting and simple controls. Like others, I played with LEDs and other lights, but finally got this flash to do better macro photography of small organisms.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Excelent tool for very close macro photo

      By Ed

      from Montreal, Canada

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Easy To Use
      • Fast Recycling
      • Lightweight
      • Soft diffused light
      • Versatile

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Macro photography

        Comments about AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash (Guide No. 53) For Pentax P-TTL:

        I bought this flash just recently. I have not taken 'real' macro photos yet, because it is still early April here in Montreal and there are no flowers or insects yet. However, I did a few tests at home and I can say that this is a very effective tool.

        I like the separate semi-circular elements with 5-position switch providing full light on both segments , 3:1 or 1:3 ratio, and full:0 or 0:full combinations. You can also rotate the hole light ring, and position the 2 elements vertically, horizontally, or at an angle of your choice.

        The light is soft and works very nicely. I like the LED modeling light, it helps you preview the lighting at your choice. It also has full and +/-flash exposure compensation. The guide number is 16, so you don't get washed-out pictures.

        The texture and detail you get are very nice. I tried it with a 100mm macro lens and the results are excellent.

        I can't wait to go after the bugs. I hope they are not photo shy...

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Macro photography with or without tripod

        By KCSmith

        from Redmond

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Use
        • Versatile

        Cons

        • Cost

        Best Uses

        • Macro
        • Portraits

        Comments about AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash (Guide No. 53) For Pentax P-TTL:

        Price was only reason for 4 star instead of 5. Very nice quality flash kit with storage. Great addition to my Pentax 100mm Macro lens. Would have liked to have seen a removable cord between the light and base and the option to have a coiled cord instead.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        Solve your close-up flash problems

        By BJD

        from NY

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Easy To Use
        • Fast Recycling

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Macro flash

          Comments about AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash (Guide No. 53) For Pentax P-TTL:

          I bought this to supplement my DFA 100mm f/2.8 macro lens - great partnership. The kit comes in a nice looking container with protective foam cutouts for all parts. A set of ring adapters provides compatibility with a range of lens sizes. The flash pairs perfectly with my K-5's P-TTL flash system, and provides effortless shadowless flash results. Simple button controls vary the flash output on either side, allowing varied strength directional flash if you wish to show more texture or shadow. Exposure is also quickly and easily varied with the camera's flash output controls. The modeling light control is useful for focusing in low light, and preview. Highly recommended.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Great addition to the flash collection

          By JoePag

          from Ambler PA

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

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

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Fill Flash
            • General Use
            • Macro
            • Night Photography

            Comments about AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash (Guide No. 53) For Pentax P-TTL:

            This product is typical Pentax build quality. Solid. Opens up a whole new way of recording images. Macro is only one of the uses.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Photography Club Members are ENVIOUS!

            By J Retiree

            from VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA. GODS COUNTRY.

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Reviewer

            Pros

            • Can rotate around lens
            • Consistent Output
            • Durable
            • Easy To Use
            • Fast Recycling
            • Light horizontvertical
            • Lightweight
            • Powerful Output
            • Versatile

            Cons

            • 2 easily rotates on lens

            Best Uses

            • Fill Flash
            • Macro
            • Portraits

            Comments about AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash (Guide No. 53) For Pentax P-TTL:

            this light can give superb shadowless macro shots as well as left or right dominance of flash. It works well with portrait work as well.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            "If you shoot Macro, a must have"

            By Steve the b

            from Melbourne,Australia

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Easy To Use
            • Fast Recycling

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Fill Flash
              • Portraits

              Comments about AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash (Guide No. 53) For Pentax P-TTL:

              Although a bit pricey, upon opening the box it was clear (looking at the build quality) that it was up to the job. I'm no longer dependent on the sun to get the aperture closed down for that close up shot that requires good D.O.F.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Comment on this review

              (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              Great flash but expensive

              By twokatmew

              from Michigan

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Durable
              • Easy To Use
              • Fast Recycling
              • Lightweight
              • Powerful Output
              • Versatile

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Fill Flash
                • Macro close-up
                • Portraits

                Comments about AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash (Guide No. 53) For Pentax P-TTL:

                I tried all sorts of cheaper solutions since I'm just starting out with macro/close-up photography. None were satisfactory. I finally broke down and spent the many $$ for this flash, and I'm not sorry. It's smaller and lighter than the Sigma option, and it has sturdy metal ring adapters that actually stay on the lens while shooting at a downward angle.

                Comment on this review

                (4 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Easy to use and no problems

                By Chuey

                from Thousand Oaks, CA

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Works without any hassles

                Cons

                • A Little Pricey

                Best Uses

                • Macro photography

                Comments about AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash (Guide No. 53) For Pentax P-TTL:

                At the moment I use it for macro photography especially with a moving subject. Example: Butterflies
                It works great, and I didn't experience any issues with this piece of equipment.

                Comment on this review

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                Batteries & Power

                Required item:

                Varta -  High-Energy 1.5 V AA E91 Alkaline Battery - 4 Pk
                • Price: $1.50
                 
                Pearstone -  NM-4H23 4 AA NiMH Batteries (2300mAh) with 4 Hour Charger (110-240V)
                • Price: $13.99
                 

                Books & Tutorials

                Amphoto -  Book: Mastering Flash Photography
                • Price: $18.82
                 

                What's in the Box

                Pentax AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash (Guide No. 53) For Pentax P-TTL
                • Lens Adapter Rings
                • 1-Year Warranty
                 
                 
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