Flash 42AM vs 58AM

[Lexar]

Hi guys,

I am a newbie to flash photography which I wish to embark on.

Presently comparing between the 2 models Sony has.

Reason is I have been shooting with my Sigma30 most of the time indoors and my house is quite dim. Normally the exposure would be like ISO400, F2 and shutter speed is max only at 1/30 or so.

I found sometimes quite difficult to go after my "never-resting" son and may get blur pictures sometimes unless I go into ISO800 which noise can be quite prominent at shadow and mid-tones area.

So I reckon I will need more light (bounced light possibly) in order to freeze the action while able to keep the ISO low at ISO200 or so and still able to take group shots at F8 and above without much problem.

I hope what I have learnt from these experience are relevant and real for any brothers here? Am I correct about my observations?

I will most likely use it to pair with my tamron17-50 for shooting at home of my kid or group photos at events like birthday parties or family gatherings (which are the key events happening around me for my stage of life now ).

Do you think which one would be more suitable (pricing aside) for me?

Would it be better to go straight to the highest range so as not to give myself chance to regret later or just be humble and stick to the one that does not overkill the usage.

Can any brothers here advise me what are the key differences in them? Would I be able to take continuous shots with the flashgun?

Appreciate any kind advice...probably looking to buy it soon...

[andretan]

If you are planning to buy additional Sony flashes in the future, then I think you should consider the F58 because it can be used as a wireless controller...

If not the F42 isn't too shabby.

[lenrek]

Originally Posted by andretan If you are planning to buy additional Sony flashes in the future, then I think you should consider the F58 because it can be used as a wireless controller... If not the F42 isn't too shabby.

Wireless controller? So, I can use it to control the camera body? Or, am I misunderstood what you meant?

[Lexar]

Originally Posted by andretan If you are planning to buy additional Sony flashes in the future, then I think you should consider the F58 because it can be used as a wireless controller... If not the F42 isn't too shabby.

Thanks for the advice brother.

Yes, it was also part of consideration whether to expand the flash coverage, however, I must also be aware not to overdo my purchases (not the price of individual items but the quantity of items), if not my wife will do a thorough audit on my "reserve cash"...

[andretan]

Originally Posted by lenrek Wireless controller? So, I can use it to control the camera body? Or, am I misunderstood what you meant?

Hi bro, I meant wireless flash controller...

If not, gotta use the built-in pop-up flash, or those ebay flash triggers to "fire" the flash wirelessly...

[andretan]

Originally Posted by Lexar Thanks for the advice brother. Yes, it was also part of consideration whether to expand the flash coverage, however, I must also be aware not to overdo my purchases (not the price of individual items but the quantity of items), if not my wife will do a thorough audit on my "reserve cash"...

Like that you also need to make friends with Lee Hwa, Sookee, Tiffany, etc...

Kidding

[andretan]

I think one of our fellow Alpha bros Md Sulhan has this great site >> http://www.alphastrobist.com/

Got reviews too...

[TME]

I would suggest the F58 simply because you seem to be saying that you'll be using bounced flash... you need a more powerful flash gun for that to get really nice even coverage... pair with a Lightsphere and you'll get very nice diffuse even lighting in a flat cos it's small with lots of light coloured walls around your subject... you could add some warmth to the cool light by using the orange dome if you buy that model... a cheaper model would be a little more limited in terms of light coverage...

[Lexar]

Originally Posted by TME I would suggest the F58 simply because you seem to be saying that you'll be using bounced flash... you need a more powerful flash gun for that to get really nice even coverage... pair with a Lightsphere and you'll get very nice diffuse even lighting in a flat cos it's small with lots of light coloured walls around your subject... you could add some warmth to the cool light by using the orange dome if you buy that model... a cheaper model would be a little more limited in terms of light coverage...

Yes, thanks. Bounced flash is definitely the reason to get a flashgun for me as I do not want to point it direct to the kid's eyes and casting the shadow behind him is no difference to using the built-in flash IMO.

I have seen Bro Sulhan website and the pictures from his reviews seems to suggest your point as well. F42 seems a bit underexposed compared to F58 which has better overall even cast.

I am only afraid that the size of the flashgun might dwarf my A300 so much that it looks too "intimidating" to others....

[TME]

Originally Posted by Lexar Yes, thanks. Bounced flash is definitely the reason to get a flashgun for me as I do not want to point it direct to the kid's eyes and casting the shadow behind him is no difference to using the built-in flash IMO. I have seen Bro Sulhan website and the pictures from his reviews seems to suggest your point as well. F42 seems a bit underexposed compared to F58 which has better overall even cast. I am only afraid that the size of the flashgun might dwarf my A300 so much that it looks too "intimidating" to others....

It really doesn't matter if the flash dwarfs your camera...

[reaper3075]

Originally Posted by Lexar Yes, thanks. Bounced flash is definitely the reason to get a flashgun for me as I do not want to point it direct to the kid's eyes and casting the shadow behind him is no difference to using the built-in flash IMO. I have seen Bro Sulhan website and the pictures from his reviews seems to suggest your point as well. F42 seems a bit underexposed compared to F58 which has better overall even cast. I am only afraid that the size of the flashgun might dwarf my A300 so much that it looks too "intimidating" to others....

i have both flashes now. and yes, the f58 might be huge compared to the f42.. but its not that much heavier than the f42. in fact.. you can hardly feel the difference.

f58 is the way to go. better build quality too.

[Watchman64]

The F58 feels big only on the first couple of days....it looks small after you get used to it. LOL!

[Lexar]

Thanks all for the advice....definitely made my decision easier...

Probably getting a F58 this weekend...