Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash

  • Price: $91.59
  • GBP 57.89
  • B&H # ZE680EX
  • Mfr# ZE-680EX

Product Highlights

  • For Canon EOS Cameras

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Batteries are not included. Please make sure to purchase batteries to operate the device.

The Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash is custom designed for Canon EOS digital cameras. The ZE-680X features an automatic and manual power zoom, a swivel flash head with 30, 45, 60 and 75° tilt movements, and provides 7 different power ratio levels. It has a Guide Number of 185 (ISO 100) and supports current versions of TTL & E-TTL. The unit is controlled by a series of buttons on its back, and has an LCD display to provide photographers with valuable exposure information.

Special Professional Edition Series
Supports current versions of TTL & E-TTL
7 power ratio levels
Horizontal/vertical tilting auto-manual power zoom head
Head swivels for additional bounce flash options
Guide Number 185 (ISO 100)
Digital LCD display
Type Shoe mount
Guide No. 185 (ISO 100)
Angle of Coverage Not Specified by Manufacturer
Vari-Power 7 power ratio levels
TTL Dedication TTL & E-TTL
Bounce Head Yes (30, 45, 60, 75°)
Swivel Head Yes
Zoom Head Yes
Off Camera Terminal Not Specified by Manufacturer
Recycle Time Not Specified by Manufacturer
Power Source 4 x AA Alkaline or rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries (not included)
Dimensions (WxDxH) 3" x 2" x 7.5" (7.62 x 5.08 x 190.5mm)
Weight Approx. 11.0 oz (311.84 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash
 
3.5

(based on 17 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (8)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (4)

76%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Good power output (13)
  • Easy to use (10)
  • Fast recycling (7)
  • Lightweight (6)
  • Consistent output (5)

Cons

  • Noisy (3)

Best Uses

  • General purpose (13)
  • Portraits (10)
  • Fill flash (8)
  • Night photography (4)
  • Photojournalism (4)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Semi-pro photographer (6), Photo enthusiast (5), Pro photographer (4)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (8)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Powerful Flash

I really wanted the Canon Speedlite. I just could not justify 4 time as much money for it over the Zeikos. I was concerned how it would perform on my Canon 50D.
Read complete review

I really wanted the Canon Speedlite. I just could not justify 4 time as much money for it over the Zeikos. I was concerned how it would perform on my Canon 50D.

No problem! It performs beautifully with the ETTL system on the Canon. More power and bouce capabilities really improve my results with subject that require a flash. Mu exposures are correct 90+ percent of the time I am learning the best ways to use this unit.

The zoom motor is a little noisy. If there is any ambient noise this should not distract people around you. Swivel head clicks into place firmly. The focus assist light comes on when needed.

The only problem I had was when using the multi-flash mode. I got an error 20err on the 50D which required me to power cycle the camera. Seems I did not have the shutter speed set for a long enough duration for the frquency and repitition to which I had set the flash. Not a very elegant way to tell me!

Overall I am very please with this purchase and look forwar to many years of use from it.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Buy a better unit such as Canon or Sigma

I have this flash and it fell apart. One day it would not flash. Taking it apart I discovered the light sensor behind the big ref window is attached to the base with two ...Read complete review

I have this flash and it fell apart. One day it would not flash. Taking it apart I discovered the light sensor behind the big ref window is attached to the base with two screws and the plastic had disintegrated around the screws.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 17 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-17

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5.0

Great for the price

By harryv27

from Nicosia Cyprus

About Me Photo Enthusiast

See all my reviews

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Attach Securely
  • Durable
  • Good Color Value
  • Long-Lasting
  • Powerful

Cons

    Best Uses

    • General Use
    • Indoors
    • Low Light

    Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

    I am no photogrpahy guru, and i would say i am the beginner level. But this flash keeps surprising me in a good way. Its 1000 times better than the pop up flash, and is definately something an amateur or just a photo enthusiast should consider.

    I was advised by a pro that this is a good flash as a back, even though mine is my only flash.

    So far im very pleased with my purchase.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    4.0

    A lil noisy but works great so far!

    By Heatger

    from fl

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Powerful

    Cons

    • Loses Charge Quickly

    Best Uses

    • Low Light

    Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

    Used this at a wedding so far and loved it! It didn't let me down. Seemed to go threw alot of batteries but you will have that with most flashes. Great product for the money.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    4.0

    Zeikos vs 580 EX ii

    By Mateo

    from Pt Pleasant

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Reviewer

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Long-Lasting
    • Powerful
    • Reliable

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • General Use
      • Indoors
      • Low Light
      • Night Time
      • Outdoors
      • Portraits
      • Special Events
      • Weddings

      Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

      Wedding
      Portraits

      I use my Zeikos on my second camera (5D MKii) along side the 580EXii on my 1D MKiii.
      The Canon is quieter and does recycle a bit faster.
      That said, the Zeikos is an extremely capable flash, that also allows for all Pro needs.
      As a pro shooting every weekend, I know I can count on it's abilities & reliability.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      1.0

      WASTE OF MONEY

      By A BEDI

      from Costa Mesa, CA

      About Me Pro Photographer

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

        Cons

        • Flimsy
        • Loses Charge Quickly
        • Runs Hot

        Best Uses

          Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

          I purchased this flash in January. Worked great for the first 100 odd pictures. After that it stopped working. The Manufacturer sent me a replacement after 2 months. Never worked from Day 1. They sent me another replacement after 3 weeks. Worked great for exactly 51 shots, then it broke down. I have decided not to waste my time with this flash unit and this company. I shall buy another make.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          4.0

          I would buy this product again and again

          By Louis

          from NY

          About Me Casual Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Powerful

          Cons

          • Noisy

          Best Uses

          • General Use

          Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

          I have been using this flash and it really makes a big difference on my pictures. And the price is significantly lower than Canon brands.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          I would buy this product again

          By Jer

          from Kenton Oh

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

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

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Fill Flash
            • General Use
            • Photojournalism
            • Portraits

            Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

            It works great with my 60D saved me money by not buying the Canon version

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            4.0

            Cheap but Effective.

            By A BEDI

            from Costa Mesa, CA

            About Me Pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

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

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Fill Flash
              • Night Photography

              Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

              Works well. Has a funny protrusion on top, housing the useless diffuser.(I managed to remove it) Cheaply made, but Focuses fast, which is the most criticaly important feature in an on camera flash. Power output is good.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              3.0

              good flash for the money

              By Ms. BombParties

              from New York NY

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Durable
              • Fast Recycling
              • Lightweight
              • Powerful Output

              Cons

              • Slow Focus

              Best Uses

              • General Use
              • Portraits

              Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

              I purchased this flash for use in night/and dark indoor settings and it is a good flash, it cycles in seconds and is ready for the next shot quickly. i recommend rechargeable batteries because alkaline battery use runs out relatively quickly. in the darkest of settings it sometimes doesn't fire and tat is a concern

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              Not bad for the money

              By sfeile

              from PA

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Easy To Use
              • Powerful Output

              Cons

              • Bulky

              Best Uses

              • General Use
              • Portraits

              Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

              Price is pretty good but it is a big flash. I don't like that it defaults to ttl after it is shut off. It does not feel extremely durable. It does give of a good strong flash, but the recycle time is not consistent with the ready light. It needs a few seconds past to hit full power for consistency.

              Share this review

              (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              Powerful Flash

              By Nelson

              from Milton, GA

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Powerful Output

              Cons

              • Bulky

              Best Uses

              • Fill Flash
              • General Use
              • Portraits

              Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

              I really wanted the Canon Speedlite. I just could not justify 4 time as much money for it over the Zeikos. I was concerned how it would perform on my Canon 50D.

              No problem! It performs beautifully with the ETTL system on the Canon. More power and bouce capabilities really improve my results with subject that require a flash. Mu exposures are correct 90+ percent of the time I am learning the best ways to use this unit.

              The zoom motor is a little noisy. If there is any ambient noise this should not distract people around you. Swivel head clicks into place firmly. The focus assist light comes on when needed.

              The only problem I had was when using the multi-flash mode. I got an error 20err on the 50D which required me to power cycle the camera. Seems I did not have the shutter speed set for a long enough duration for the frquency and repitition to which I had set the flash. Not a very elegant way to tell me!

              Overall I am very please with this purchase and look forwar to many years of use from it.

              Share this review

              (1 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

               
              1.0

              Don't Buy This Flash

              By Blue Cricket

              from Louisville, KY

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Reviewer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Fast Recycling

              Cons

              • Cheap plastic
              • Noisy
              • Poor quality

              Best Uses

              • Fill Flash
              • General Use
              • Night Photography
              • Portraits

              Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

              I have just returned my second Zeikos flash. Both flashes have quit working within 3 weeks of use. Based on reviews I read I thought the first bad flash was just a fluke, but after two dying exactly the same way, no way! One second they are working beautifully and the next second it will not charge. If I could have given this flash NO stars in the review I would have. When it is working it works wonderfully, but when it stops its dead and there is no resuscitation.

              Share this review

              (0 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

               
              1.0

              Do not buy this flash!!!

              By Blue Cricket Photography

              from Louisville, KY

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Pros

              • Versatile

              Cons

              • Cheap plastic
              • Noisy
              • Poor quality

              Best Uses

              • General Use

              Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

              I have now had two ZE-680X Flahses. Both have just randomly quit working within the first two months of purchase. It has potential to be a good product but Zeikos has some issues they need to solve with this product! I would have given this product "no stars" but that is not possible on the form!

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              Works for me

              By mytrackphotos

              from Mount Airy NC

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Reviewer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Easy To Use
              • Lightweight
              • Powerful Output

              Cons

                Best Uses

                  Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

                  I used this flash for 2 weeks now for race track photography. It is powerful enough to light a car on a short track and cover the finish line in manual mode. Switch back to ttl for victory lane. I am happy... and will buy another for a back up!
                  I do believe the 580 has a faster recycle time, but it almost $400 cheaper also.

                  Share this review

                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  I would buy this product again and again

                  By Feraa

                  from Bel Air, Maryland

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

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

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Fill Flash
                    • General Use
                    • Photojournalism
                    • Portraits

                    Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

                    This flash took the place of my back up flash. Can't beat the price. This flash may become the first line flash. It works great.

                    Share this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera

                    By Scotty

                    from NW In

                    About Me Casual Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

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

                    Cons

                    • None yet

                    Best Uses

                    • Fill Flash
                    • General Use
                    • Night Photography
                    • Portraits

                    Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

                    This flash is fantastic! And very affordable!! Im an amateur at dslr and wanted this flash and it works great. Adjustable and swivels. Couldnt afford the Canon but you dont need the Canon with this!!! I'll be using this on Fri. for my niece's prom-cant wait.

                    Share this review

                    (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    1.0

                    Buy a better unit such as Canon or Sigma

                    By BillKaroly

                    from Tulsa, OK

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Reviewer

                    Pros

                    • Easy To Use
                    • Lightweight
                    • Powerful Output

                    Cons

                    • Cheaply Built

                    Best Uses

                    • Fill Flash
                    • General Use
                    • Night Photography
                    • Photojournalism
                    • Portraits

                    Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

                    I have this flash and it fell apart. One day it would not flash. Taking it apart I discovered the light sensor behind the big ref window is attached to the base with two screws and the plastic had disintegrated around the screws.

                    Share this review

                    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    Works Good!

                    By RaSpe

                    from Newport Beach, CA

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Pros

                    • Easy To Use
                    • Fast Recycling
                    • Versatile

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Fill Flash
                      • General Use
                      • Photojournalism
                      • Portraits

                      Comments about Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash:

                      This works great on my 7D.
                      If you don't use flash that often and wanna save some money buyng this one instead of Canon flashs. I highly recommend it.

                      Share this review

                      Displaying reviews 1-17

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                      Batteries & Power

                      Required item:

                      Varta -  High-Energy 1.5 V AA E91 Alkaline Battery - 4 Pk
                      • Price: $1.50
                      • GBP 0.95
                       
                      Pearstone -  NM-4H23 4 AA NiMH Batteries (2300mAh) with 4 Hour Charger (110-240V)
                      • Price: $13.99
                      • GBP 8.84
                       

                      Flash Diffusers

                      Vello -  Universal Bounce Diffuser
                      • Price: $9.95
                      • GBP 6.29
                       

                      Reflectors

                      ExpoImaging -  Rogue FlashBender Large Positionable Reflector
                      • Price: $39.95
                      • GBP 25.25
                       

                      Brackets

                      Stroboframe -  Quick Flip 350 Bracket
                      • Price: $34.98
                      • GBP 22.11
                       

                      Sync Cords & Flash Remotes

                      Zeikos -  Off-Camera Flash Cord for Canon Speedlites & SLR Cameras
                      • Price: $13.19
                      • GBP 8.34
                       
                      Vello -  TTL-Off-Camera Flash Cord for Canon EOS - 3' (1 m)
                      • Price: $14.99
                      • GBP 9.48
                       

                      Flash Pouch

                      LensCoat -  LensCoat FlashKeeper (Black)
                      • Price: $24.99
                      • GBP 15.80
                       

                      Flash Accessories

                      Vello -  FreeWave Fusion Wireless Flash Trigger & Remote Control (Canon)
                      • Price: $99.95
                      • GBP 63.18
                       
                      View all Accessories

                      What's in the Box

                      Zeikos ZE-680X Professional Digital SLR Camera Flash
                      • 1-Year Manufacturer's Limited Warranty
                       
                       
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