Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash
The Sony HVL-F43AM Digital Camera Flash provides Sony Alpha camera users with many features: it extends the illumination range beyond the camera's built-in flash, offers TTL (through the lens) flash exposure that's automatically controlled by your Sony Alpha DSLR for easy and intuitive operation, has adjustable bounce angles, and it's dust- and moisture-resistant. It's ideal for portraits, weddings and special events, still-life photography, hobby shots and every-day photography. The ultra-compact design folds flat when not in use. Wireless Ratio Control is only available with Alpha SLT-A65 and SLT-A77 cameras.
- Extends Flash Range Beyond Camera's Built-In Flash
- Though compact and lightweight, the HVL-F43AM has a maximum range twice that of the built-in flash units on A230, A330 and A380 cameras. This is represented as the guide number (GN) of 141' with a 105mm focal distance at ISO 100.
- Wireless Ratio Control for Sony Cameras
- Wireless Ratio Control makes it easy to select light emission ratios for up to three separate flash units. This allows quick creation of sophisticated multi-point lighting effects without the need for complex professional equipment. The Wireless Ratio Control feature is only available with Alpha SLT-A65 and SLT-A77 cameras.
- Variable Power
- Flash power levels are switchable in 22 increments, from 1/1 through to 1/128 level in 1/3 steps. High output power is complemented by a quick 2.9 second (approx.) recycling time. Despite the flash's extensive functions, operation is refreshingly clear and simple via the high-quality LCD screen and direction buttons.
- Bounce Flash Enables Shadowless Indirect Lighting
- Quick Shift Bounce system allows flash head position to be adjusted instantly when switching between horizontal and vertical compositions. This maintains consistent shadow positions regardless of camera orientation, allowing easy creation of natural-looking "bounce" effects.
- Dust- and Moisture-Resistant
- Ideal for everyday shooting and more serious applications, its dust- and moisture-resistant design makes the HVL-F43AM ideal for demanding assignments, indoors or outside.
| Mount | Shoe |
| Guide No. | 141.08' (43 m) ISO100 at 105 mm position |
| Vari-Power | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| TTL Dedication | Yes |
| Bounce Head | Yes, -8° to +150° |
| Swivel Head | Yes, 180° |
| Recycle Time | Approximately 2.9 seconds - 3.9 |
| Power Source | 4x AA Alkaline, Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.0 x 5.125 x 3.5" / 7.62 x 13.02 x 8.89 cm |
| Weight | 12 oz / 340 g Without batteries |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 22 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Durable (14)
- Attach securely (12)
- Good power output (11)
- Easy to use (9)
- Good color value (7)
Cons
Best Uses
- General purpose (13)
- Indoors (9)
- Low light (7)
- Night time (7)
- Fill flash (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (12), Semi-pro photographer (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (20)
Reviewed by 22 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
I like that it will twist into a possition where I can bounce off ceiling in camera vertical possition, and use the white bounce card. Will not let you twist in such a way that you can point the ir sensor toward master, but seems to work well in the multi flash wireless mode anyway
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
I was taking photos for my first wedding project in a dim lit church. All the photos turned out great! However, I had to turn the flash off during the ceremony and those photos came out dark. We had to redo the exchange of the rings, kiss, etc. so that the photos would be presentable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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 Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
Lightweight, fast recycling.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
The best flash!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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 Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
I always knew I needed an external flash by the inability of my on camera flash for my Sony a550 DSLR but this flash was a pleasant surprise! It not only made my low light shooting a joy but it also made the auto focus function for my camera much better. I can see in the dark now! Also the tilt function allows me to shoot at any angle and still hold the bounce and reflection angles that I love! Great flash and I am very pleased!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
So far so good. I learned a lot in going with two of these for off Camera flash.
The Sony website says they are not compatible with the a55...they are right out of the box!
In fact:
~both will fire with the onboard flash up, although there is no ratio with this option that I have found yet.
~These will work with Phottix for sony RF. Just saddle the receiver where an external flash would go (hot shoe) and click the receivers to each of the flash units. Group them from there and you are ready to go main/fill or whatever ratios you decide to dial in.
~The only thing I have not tried with these is to see if they work in HSS. Basically 1/160th of a second shutter speed. To do this with an a55 you would need to make sure you have the firmware update which I just got finished figuring out.
Overall, the flash has more than enough indoor power, should have a lot of outdoor use at reasonable range and are a lot lighter than the 58's. I think the 43's will make a much better option not only for a55 owners, but a33, a55, a65 owners based on the compact size of the camera bodies. Plus, the price is much easier to swallow than the 58's.
This is also a great tool for getting better light on your subjects as well as learning the dreaded "M" mode for all of us Pro-Sumers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
Bought this to go with my Sony A77 - great little flash, plenty of power for me, and very fast recharge time (using Eneloop batteries).
I also really like the way the head swivels - means you can get a proper bounce on ceilings when in portrait mode (and using the built-in white card for catch-lights). Very cool.
My only real complaint - sits slightly "jiggly" in the hotshoe of my A77, but nothing disturbing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoor candids
- Night Photography
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
When you need more than a gentle fill flash, this speedlight does the job.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
the best results I had with this flash are fully automatic a +.07
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Special Events
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
This is added to my arsenal of other Sony stobes (HVL-36AM, my first, three HVL-42AMs) and it works just as I expected it would. I was on the verge of buying some studio strobes but decided that these work well enough for 95% of what I shoot and are much more flexible. I have used the 42s for several events and used the new 43 doing school portraits last week and it performed flawlessly. The Sony flashes are tough enough but you still can't drop them onto concrete and expect them to survive. I know because I tried once and my wife tried once. I completly killed mine but she only broke the zoom head.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- EASY portrait shooting
- Easy to Use
- Good Color Value
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
I've just gotten started with this flash... but everything I've done with it has been excellent. I did an engagement shoot and it produced the results I was looking for and then some. It has many features that I haven't yet had the chance to play with, so I'm sure it's going to continue to impress me!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Vtsdan
Images shared by Vtsdan
(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
I use this flash along with Sony A900 camera. This is a great flash, loaded with features for all kind of photography. If you use Sony cameras, the flash is top of the line at reasonable price
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
Very good performance. A great companion for my A77.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
This is an excellent flash. I had read that it was not compatible with my older A200 SLR but it works great in wireless mode!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
I returned a third party flash because I lost shots due to slow charge cycle time. The Sony seems to have the fastest re-cycle time, and it lives up to it's specs. The portait swivel rotation feature is also very helpful.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Outdoors
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
I was a retail business manager in a camera store for more than 15 years in the days when Sunpak was king, and I don't remember ever selling a flash for more than $200. It also took a lot of time and adjusting to get a good flash picture in the "old days." I was aghast at the price of this flash, but could not find an alternative that looked as good. I took a chance, and made a good choice. I have shot over 400 images indoors with flash and outdoors with fill-in flash. The computer in the flash, combined with the Sony camera, do a remarkable job. I am sure it will get even better as I become more familiar with the product. In the old days (or with weaker flashes), images would be washed out in the foreground and dark in the background as distance from the flash increased. I immediately noticed less of that with this flash. Exposure on full auto was not always perfect, but acceptably good. I was able to concentrate on capturing the moment, and let the technology take care of itself. I bought several sets of NiMH batteries to use at a wedding. The battery life in the flash was much better than I anticipated.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
The flash is powerful and allows several different bounce angles.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Price Value
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
I intend to use this flash for indoor/outdoor "event" photography and portraits. I've tried couple things with it and works just fine.
I am glad it sits firmly on the camera and it makes me comfortable to know it has improved resistance to dust. The wireless trigger is also fantastic.
I haven't found anything wrong about it as I haven't used it much.
Conclusion - are you looking for a flash for your Alpha camera that doesn't have to have over 50m range? Well - you have no choice anyway, but it's a great choice I think.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Night Time
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
The HVL 43 is a great improvement / upgrade over the HVL 42. Its is much closer in ability to Sony's top flash the 58. Obviously not the full flash power of the 58, but the quick-shift set-up as well as the ability to work as a controller in a wireless set up puts it ahead of the 42. Before you had to buy a 58 to use as a controller, making your 42 (in my case) your main flash. Seemed backwards, now you can use the smaller and cheaper 43 to trigger and use the 58 as your main. But even as your main, shoe-mounted flash... the 43 is awesome! Very happy with Sony's addition to their lineup.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Sony HVL-F43AM Compact External Flash:
I have only had the flash a week but when I tried it out on my A55 it worked good and seemed to get the exposures on the money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Batteries & Power
Required item:
- Price: $1.23
-
- Original: $13.99
- Save: $1.40
- Price: $12.59
Flash Diffusers
- Price: $9.50
Reflectors
- Price: $39.95
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $45.95
-
- Original: $16.95
- Save: $1.69
- Price: $15.26
What's in the Box
- 1-Year Sony U.S.A. Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
