Need some help on Flash light & Tri-Monopod

[pjgoswami]

I found in one local camera shop Sunpak PZ42X to be workable with i-TTL・D-TTL for Nikon, is it good enough to used with my Nikon D5000 for general purpose use. I know that Nikon Speed lights are superb but the price is two to three times high then the Sunpak one. And also that I am not a professional photographer.

One thing I found in one of the website that about Sunpak Tri-Monopod. The advertisement says that it can be used as a full size Tripod as well as Monopod. Which have include a 3-way fluid-effect pan head with quick release plate, built-in bubble level, leg braces for added stability and rubber feet with retractable leg spikes. Weight varies from 3lb (1.4Kg aprox) to 5.86lb (2.7Kg aprox.) and Load capacity varies 4.4lb (2Kg aprox.) to 11lb (4.9Kg aprox.), and the price is also $25 to $141. Is there any body with any experiences with the above two products. Please guide me.

Thanking you
With regards
Pranab

[TheMoons678]

Originally Posted by pjgoswami

I found in one local camera shop Sunpak PZ42X to be workable with i-TTL・D-TTL for Nikon, is it good enough to used with my Nikon D5000 for general purpose use. I know that Nikon Speed lights are superb but the price is two to three times high then the Sunpak one. And also that I am not a professional photographer.

How much is your local shop selling it for? I checked out the online price (which may not be available to you in india) and it appears to be priced ~$150 USD, which is between the price of a Nikon SB-400 and SB-600.

When you say you will use it for "general purpose use", what exactly would you be using the flash for? Do you see yourself doing any studio flash work working with slaves, wireless flashes, etc...(Something i know nothing about; I just know that I wouldn't be doing anything like that). Or are you just looking for a good shoe mount flash with a lot of the same features as say the SB600?

B&H customer reviews of your flash (received overall 3 1/2 stars)
Sunpak | PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash | PZ42XN | B&H Photo Video

This week i ended up purchasing a third party flash, the Bower AF TTL Power Zoom flash for $103 USD shipped which was cheaper than the Nikon SB-400, and had more features than the SB-600 and has a built in diffuser.

Anyways, if you are like me, a hobbyist who would like better flash exposures for some indoor shots, I wouldn't be afraid of 3rd party nikon dedicated flashes. Just read the reviews.

[pjgoswami]

Dear TheMoons678, thanks for your reply. I personally got it at the shop and price for the same offered by the shop keeper Rs.7000/- & the price of Nikon SB400 is Rs.7000/- for SB600 is near about Rs.17000/- (Information taken from Indian Nikon & ebay site).

As you said the other type i.e Bower is not available at our local shops. But it may available at other parts of India.

I have gone through the reviews as you have given the links, and I am going for it.

Now a days I am using Vivitar 2800 old flash with my Nikon D5000. But I got lots of trouble when used as a fill flash operation (at daytime) in a family occasion (where inbuilt flash is not enough). The camera try to sync the shutter speed with low light condition. So, some of the photos got damaged. I haven't used full manual setting because I don't want to miss any shots (used in Aperture priority mode with in 5.6 to 7.1) . Due to that reason I went to that local shop & got that flash. And the shop keeper told me that lots of professionals are using this flash due to the price deferences (but it may be his selling point advt.).

Thanking you
With regards
Pranab