Sunpak383/Vivitar285 vs 540 EZ

[da_teacher]

As the title states, how do these flashes compare? Finding the Sunpaks take a bit of work and time either new or used. The Sunpaks and 540's are going for about the same price if you look around--I was wondering if there's more of an advantage with one over the other???

I'm trying to build a three flash strobist kit on the cheap and will be firing them wirelessly with the ebay triggers.

Also wondering if the Sunpaks and Vivitars get along if I mix and match them.

Any ideas?

[epatt250]

I really like the 540Ez except for one thing, no input for it other than the hotshoe mount. So you either have to use something with a hotshoe mount and fire it wireless or buy a pc sync cord to hotshoe adapter.

Power wise I believe the 383 and the 540 are pretty equal. The 540 is an all lcd display on the back and has loads of adjustment, it also has a swivel and zoom head. I believe the 383 is stuck in 35mm zoom.

[da_teacher]

I really like the 540Ez except for one thing, no input for it other than the hotshoe mount. So you either have to use something with a hotshoe mount and fire it wireless or buy a pc sync cord to hotshoe adapter.

Power wise I believe the 383 and the 540 are pretty equal. The 540 is an all lcd display on the back and has loads of adjustment, it also has a swivel and zoom head. I believe the 383 is stuck in 35mm zoom.

Sounds like the 540 is the better way to go--it's fancier! LOL

Anybody else?

[rodal126]

I have 2x 383's, 1x 580EXII, and 1x 430EX. For off camera work I like to use the Sunpaks.

I feel that a flash is a flash in terms of mixing and matching... the light is going to be the same. Its just matters if the bell and whistles of a particular flash meet your needs. Of course, I personally would like to have all the flashes be the same so that I don't have to remember how to operate each one.

If I can't find another new 383 then I'm going to get the Vivatar 285 (new).:mad:

[Rudi]

I love my Sunpak 383's! I used to use 580EX's, but have sold off all but one and bought the Sunpaks. Pocketed the difference. For off-camera work, the Sunpak is the best bang for the buck out there, IMO. I was lucky to pick two up just before the price went up (and they went out of stock) at B&H. I'm waiting for B&H to get mote of them in stock, or I will pick up some more on eBay (cheap, I hope). If that fails, I will just buy some Vivitar 285HV's down the track, although I would prefer the Sunpaks.

[randomlinh]

I feel that a flash is a flash in terms of mixing and matching... the light is going to be the same. Its just matters if the bell and whistles of a particular flash meet your needs. Of course, I personally would like to have all the flashes be the same so that I don't have to remember how to operate each one.

If I can't find another new 383 then I'm going to get the Vivatar 285 (new).:mad:
I agree to an extent... the difference in recycle times though can be annoying.