Which Flash for Sony A6000

[Pixl8tor]

I need some advice on choosing a flash for my Sony A6000.
It is primarily for indoor still life used off the camera.
I have a few questions and would appreciate any help/advice:
1. Will any flash work or will I need to buy a Sony flash?
2. What kind of cable do I need to connect the flash to the camera?
3. What type of flash can be triggered by the pop-up flash on the camera?
4. Is there anything else that I should consider?
Thanks in advance.
Bill

[inkista]

... 1. Will any flash work or will I need to buy a Sony flash?

Depends on your definition of work. But, generally, no you don't have to get a Sony flash. The main tradeoffs are typically backwards/forwards compatibility, resale value, and warranty service between going OEM vs. cheap (mostly Chinese) manufacture.

Also, the new multi-interface hotshoe can cause some quirks with non-multi-interface footed flashes fitting exactly, despite being an ISO-compliant hotshoe.

2. What kind of cable do I need to connect the flash to the camera?

There are two kinds: TTL cables, which go hotshoe-to-foot and pass along all the connections (tougher to find for the Sony multi-interface shoe), or a PC sync cable, which is only for firing the flash and nothing else (no TTL/HSS, etc.) With the PC sync cable, you'll need a hotshoe-to-PC adapter for your camera since it doesn't have a PC output, and if the flash doesn't have a PC input, will also require a foot-to-PC adapter.

However, most of us use radio triggers instead.

3. What type of flash can be triggered by the pop-up flash on the camera?

Those, you will mostly need a Sony HVL flash unit. There may be some third-party flashes that can understand the Sony optical TTL system, but most will do only either Canon or Nikon, not Sony. Read the specs carefully when it comes to optical slaving, because a lot of 3rd party flashes also offer "dumb" optical slave modes (usually labelled as S1/S2) which aren't quite the same thing. Like the PC cable, these slave modes can only fire the remote flash in sync and nothing more. No TTL/HSS or remote power control.

4. Is there anything else that I should consider?

Actually, kind of a lot.

The first thing is whether you plan to use this flash on camera as well as off. If you do plan to use it for event run'n'gun shooting on-camera, then TTL becomes more useful. Consider whether you plan to use it for outdoor portraiture or shooting, in which case HSS might become useful for shallow DoF shots (unless you plan to haul ND filters with you all the time). Consider what triggering system you want to use. And consider how far you plan to grow your lighting system.

When picking a flash, the main spec most folks look at is the power output (guide number; Ws). Power output on a flash is kind of like maximum aperture on a lens. The more you have, the more you can do with the light, but the bigger/heavier/more expensive it gets.

If you plan to use the flash on-camera with bouncing, then tilt/swivel capability become important, as well as TTL. If you plan to use the flash off-camera, then built-in triggering capabilities, and whether or not you can remotely control the power may become important. And, of course, as a Sony shooter, Sony compatibility becomes important if you want HSS/TTL.

TTL is "through-the-lens" metering, which allows the camera to auto-adjust the flash's power setting based upon metering that includes a small "preburst" from the flash. It's basically an auto mode for your flash vs. an M mode where you can explicitly tell the flash what power setting to use. Like aperture-priority vs. manual shooting modes on your camera, TTL allows for speed while M is better for consistency and precision. Which you prefer can be a personal call.

HSS (high-speed sync) is the ability to use a flash above your maximum sync speed: the shutter speed at which the shutter curtains will start to cover part of your sensor when the flash goes off. On the A6000, this is 1/160s. In a studio situation, this may not be an issue. But if you're trying to use flash outside in the daytime with a wider aperture setting, it could be very inconvenient to be limited to 1/160s or slower shutter speeds.

I'd say, consider looking at a used Sony flash if you require an on-camera flash and are budget limited. If that's still too expensive, then consider a unit from Metz, Sigma, Nissin, Phottix, or Godox. I'd say avoid Yongnuo, unless you're ok with manual-only gear, since YN doesn't make anything compatible with Sony's TTL/HSS system. And if you're primarily looking at off-camera usage, consider whether a built-in radio receiver might not be worth it for the convenience (e.g., Nissin i60a, Phottix Mitros, Godox TT685/V860II).

Probably, from a size standpoint, if you plan to use this flash on-camera at all, the Nissin i40/i60a or Godox TT350S might work, but the TT350S will be underpowered for off-camera shooting.

[Dave Humphries]

Assuming for hobby use - I would recommend one or two Godox TT685S (S=Sony) and the X1T-S to trigger.

e.g. this kit

No wires
Unbelievably useful freedom to position off camera flash!

Works by radio (built-in), does TTL, HSS, most of the usual bells and whistles and you might be pleasantly surprised at the price (compared to Sony kit).

I use the Nikon versions (e.g. X1T-N + 2 x TT685N, plus 2 x TT600), I paid about 80 GBP for each TT685 and 30 GBP for the X1T (totals to 190 GBP). The TT600 is manual only - but that's often fine and they were only about 50 GBP. Looks like prices may have risen a bit.

Over in Canada, they may be branded something other than Godox.

Cheers Dave

PS - I did a LOT of research (with Kathy's help (plus many others here)) and I don't regret my decision for a moment - and keep adding to my collection. If/when you need more power, there are (albeit at significant expense) more powerful models compatible with the X1 trigger system.

[Pixl8tor]

Kathy,
Thank you for such an in-depth response to all of my questions.
Bill

[Pixl8tor]

Thanks Dave, and yes I am very pleasantly surprised at the price. Much cheaper than Sony kit.
Bill

[Dave Humphries]

I added a few bits to my reply above, but one final thought, you'd better just double check if your specific model will work with the Godox "S" version, I was just assuming it would - dangerous!

[rpcrowe]

Let me go in another direction. This is based on your use for indoor still life used off camera...

For the above use, I would seriously consider a studio type strobe rather than a hotshoe type strobe.

Why?

1. Studio strobes are equipped with modeling lights - using a modeling light will give you what-you-see-is-what-you-get capability. You will not have to guess what the effect of your flash will be. The modeling light will give you a pretty good indication of what the light from the flash will look like...

2. Studio type strobes are built to be used off camera and will accept various kinds of light modifiers and will fit on light stands without having to purchase adapters which are sometimes a PITA to use.

3. Although studio strobes can be more powerful than many hotshoe flashes, you should not need that extra power in doing still life shots like you plan.

4. Studio strobes are equipped with optical slaves which will trigger their lights from other flashes or from a cheap infra red trigger, such as this Yin Yang which I purchased for $20 and which can be mounted on your hotshoe.



5. Studio strobes can be had rather inexpensively.

This is a set that will cover most of your needs and also be quite decent for portrait photography... Adding a few inexpensive accessories like a snoot and a grid will really flesh out the kit. I would not recommend this kit for a pro photographer who will be shooting with it 8-hours a day and 5-days a week but, this gear should last you for years.

https://www.adorama.com/fp3203x.html?RRref=productPage

Disadvantages:

1. You need an a/c outlet to operate this gear which limits mobility
2. There is only manual capability and a flash meter would help. However, I have used gear very much like this without the aid of a meter. There are some very inexpensive, bare-bones flash meters available...
3. You cannot use HSS with these strobes but, HSS is not necessary for indoor still life photography.

If you are looking for a TTL hotshoe flash, this Flashpoint R2 is a very good value.

https://www.adorama.com/fplfsmzso.html

This flash can be controlled with a Flashpoint transceiver, transmitter or be used as a master RC flash for any number of RC capable flashes running from quite inexpensive for manually controlled falsh to a bit more for the above TTL flash...

[inkista]

... this Flashpoint R2 is a very good value.

https://www.adorama.com/fplfsmzso.html

That's a rebranded Godox TT685S. The same speedlight Dave was recommending above. All the Flashpoint R2 gear is Godox X1 gear, rebranded for Adorama.

Translation table from Flash Havoc:

Godox X1T = Flashpoint R2 TTL Transmitter - Canon - Nikon – Sony
Godox X1R = Flashpoint R2 TTL Receiver – Canon – Nikon – Sony
Godox XT32 = Flashpoint R2T 32 Transmitter – Canon – Nikon – Sony
Godox TT350 = Flashpoint Mini Zoom R2 TTL – Canon – Nikon – Sony – Olympus – Fuji
Godox TT600 = Flashpoint Zoom R2 Manual
Godox V850II = Flashpoint Zoom Li-on R2 Manual
Godox TT685 = Flashpoint Zoom R2 TTL – Canon – Nikon – Sony
Godox V860II = Flashpoint Zoom Li-on R2 TTL – Canon – Nikon – Sony
Godox AD360II = Flashpoint Streaklight TTL
Godox AD200 = Flashpoint EVOLV 200 R2 TTL
Godox AD600BM = Flashpoint XPLOR 600 HSS
Godox AD600B = Flashpoint XPLOR 600 TTL HSS
Godox XTR-16 = Flashpoint R2 Bridge SL
Godox XTR-16s = Flashpoint R2 Bridge ZL
Godox AD180 = Flashpoint Streaklight 180
Godox AD360 = Flashpoint Streaklight 360
Godox AR400 = Flashpoint Ring Li-on
Godox S-Type Bracket – Glow S-Type Bracket

If you are going to get a Godox studio strobe, look for one with the USB port for the XTR-16/Flashpoint R2 Bridge receiver, so you can use the X1 triggering system with it.

Just me, but I'd say if you have the dough and you want something more powerful than a speedlight but a low-powered studio strobe is okay, then looking into the just-released AD200/Flashpoint EVOLV might be worthwhile.

It's like a low-powered studio strobe (200Ws) in a speedlight form factor (including the built-in Li-ion battery pack); kinda like a pocketable AlienBee AB400. With TTL/HSS capability and a built-in X1 receiver. A lot of AD360 users are considering ditching the AD360 and ganging up two AD200s instead. Given that these things have swappable heads (fresnel speedlight and bare bulb at the moment; LED modelling/video light in the near future); it's not unlikely they'll come up with a ganged head. They already have for the AD600.

[Dave Humphries]

A modelling light would be useful on occasion, that much I'll admit

Being an ex-engineer, I'm loathe to use the flash tube for that purpose, although it is a possibility with the 685/R2
... and more power is helpful outdoors, even in the UK, so an AD200/360/600 is always an option - if I can justify it to myself.

Thanks for the additional info Kathy, I always learn from your posts

[Pixl8tor]

Thank you Kathy, Dave and Richard.
I feel much more confident now about my decision.
I think I will start with the X1T, a TT685 and a TT600. This will cost me C$311 One Sony HVL F60 is C$700! which I think is similar to the TT685 (except that it has a built-in video light). I've checked that the S models are compatible with my Sony A6000.
This will let me experiment with the still life shots, plus I'll have the added bonus of having a TTL, HSS, rotating, tilting on camera flash.
Bill

[rpcrowe]

Cathy... I should have remembered that the Flashpoint items were rebranded Godox gear. Thanks for the comparison chart.

I like odering from Adorama because they have stood by their products in the past and it seems that the price of the Flashpoint branded Godox gear is about the same as getting Godox stuff from other vendors, except if I buy from Amazon.com, I pay 8% California Sales Tax and nothing from Adorama.

I really think that Canon fell on their sword when they brought out the 600EX-RT without a less expensive line of flashes to use as slaves. (I know that they did later - but that was MUCH later).

I recently purchased the Flashpoint R2 TTL Transmitter (Godox X1T) for Canon to use my 600EX-RT off camera. Optical slave doesn't work too well in certain very bright outdoor conditions.

This may sound strange but, one of the setups I have planned for the X1T and 600EX-RT combination is on my Stroboflash Camera Flip Bracket. The on-board 7D or 7D2 flash doesn't trigger the flash unit on top of this bracket, with any regularity, if I am shooting in the bright sun (fill flash).

I use a off camera sync cord to ensure that the flash will fire. The problem with that unit is that it places an additional piece of gear between the flash shoe and the Stroboframe flash mounting bar. I use a softbox on the flash for outdoor portraits which works quite well.



The problem with the softbox I use is that it is a bit heavy and the weight of the softbox and 600EX-RT flash puts a lot of torque on the hotshoes on the off camera flash cord. Using the X1T to trigger my flash removes the need for an off camera cord and this, there is one less piece of gear between the flash and the Stroboframe bar.

BTW: I have purchased other Flashpoint gear from Adorama and have been quite satisfied with the quality...

[Pixl8tor]

Hi Richard,
I looked on Adorama but the shipping costs to Canada were quite high.
Bill

[Cogito]

Hi Richard,
I looked on Adorama but the shipping costs to Canada were quite high.
Bill

Have you checked on Ebay?

[rpcrowe]

I would seriously consider getting a flash modifier or two...

Softboxes, umbrellas, etc. all have their place. For product shots, a pair of flashes and a light tent is a quick and dirty solution. I use a mini-softbox for hand held outdoor portraiture and I have just purchased a Newer-type round folding softbox/beauty dish

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Shoo.../dp/B00UIT28FI

combination. I think that this will be good for female portraiture with a small flash as fill and another small flash as background light. I purchased mine on eBay for about $12.95 with free shipping....

For hand held portraiture and for run and gun shooting, I like the Stroboframe camera flip bracket with the flash modified by a Joe Demb Flash Diffuser Pro or by a small softbox...

https://www.amazon.com/Stroboframe-C...me+camera+flip

I like the solid flash mounting bar of this bracket because I can easily carry my rig by this bar...

Another really cheap accessory might be a 5-in-1 reflector/diffuser set. There are multiple uses for this set.

https://www.amazon.com/Translucent-C...in-1+reflector

There are several sizes and shapes available. This is one of the smallest sets.

[inkista]

Have you checked on Ebay?

I'd actually say that amazon.ca might be a better bet, particularly if the sale is fulfilled by Amazon, since the return policy will be better than a lot of eBay deals, in case you get a bum unit.

Like Yongnuo, warranty service would probably require shipping the unit to Shenzhen, China, at which point you've probably totalled the thing. The retailer you choose makes a huge difference when you're shopping cheap Chinese flashes.

[Pixl8tor]

I've placed my order with Amazon. The TT685 is being fulfilled by Amazon, however the TT660 and the X1T are coming from another supplier.
Bill

[Dave Humphries]

On subject of warranty, despite the bits of paper shipped with such products I consider them worthless. At these prices I consider them a 'disposable item' in case of failure in use.

I agree that I always prefer to buy products from a "Fulfilled by Amazon" supplier wherever and whenever possible, for ease of return in unlikely event of damage in transit or 'broke out of the box'. My thinking is also that Amazon themselves will only stock stuff that a) sells well and b) is less likely to be dead on arrival, not to mention the reviews (FWTW).

I'm sure you won't be disappointed Bill (as long as you remembered to get the "S" (Sony) versions of the TT685 and X1T).

Enjoy, Dave

[Pixl8tor]

Dave, I did remember to get the S versions.
The first unit is scheduled to arrive next Wednesday and the shipping was only C$5!
Below are a couple of shots that I've taken using a dollar store LED flashlight (torch)
Bill

Big Bird


Dead Tulip

[Pixl8tor]

TT685 arrived today (ordered Wednesday evening last week). Works perfectly with my Sony A6000.

[Dave Humphries]

TT685 arrived today (ordered Wednesday evening last week). Works perfectly with my Sony A6000.

Good news Bill,