Is the 285HV the best manaual OCF?

[imahawki]

If not, what else competes. I have a 580EX II for an ETTL flash, I want 1 if not 2 additional manual flashes for OCF.

[krb]

The 285 is by no means the best, it is simply one of the cheapest that is in current production.

[imahawki]

Let me clarify then. Price is a factor and strictly manual is the key so advanced features aren't really necessary, and are in fact, a waste if they cost more.

[krb]

Yong Nuo has a manual flash out that is cheap but I haven't really looked into it. Other than that and the used market, the 285HV is probably the best choice then.

[gonzogolf]

I've have a couple of 285's that I've had for over 20 years. They are great for that use. Simple tools to be sure, but durable, powerful, and uncomplicated. They only issue I've had is that both feet have been replaced with the metal replacements due to years of rough treatment doing event work.

[kenyee]

The Lumepro 120 replaces it and also has an optical slave IIRC. Dialing power levels can't be beat...definitely beats pressing tiny buttons :-)

[imahawki]

Aren't the power levels on the Lumepro set with little switches? Does anyone here have one? I'll do a search I guess.

[JPayne]

I have the Yongnuo YN460. In fact I am just waiting for delivery of my second one.

Fully manual, nice and bright, really easy to use settings. Not mis-fired once for me yet.

If you want to see some sample pics with just one off camera YN460 then search for my posts in the G&N section.

[Sam|McGuire]

I prefer older Nikon flashes (SB-25, SB-26 etc) over the 285hv. They have a digital display which makes it much easier to use.

[watt100]

I have the Yongnuo YN460. In fact I am just waiting for delivery of my second one.

Fully manual, nice and bright, really easy to use settings. Not mis-fired once for me yet.


I also use the Yongnuo YN460 - good manual flash with adjustable settings and optical slave mode (and very cheap!)

[bobbyz]

I bought canon 540ez which is basically 550ex without the eTTL and I like it very much. You can use external battery pack like cp-e4.

[kenyee]

Aren't the power levels on the Lumepro set with little switches?

slider thingy:
http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,12311.html
Still something you can do by feel though...

[Seanzky]

From my experience, LumoPro LP120 beats the 285HV with pricing considered. The fact that 285HV somehow skipped 1/8th (from 1/4th straight to 1/16th) really makes it inconvenient. Sometimes, I end up moving the stand to get the right amount of light. While that's not really that much of a hassle, sometimes limited work space does present a problem.

EDIT: The last LP120 I had broke after using it about four times. I don't know if I got a lemon but MPEX has awesome reputation for taking care of you so don't hesitate. I'm trying to move a few of my gear and then I'm going to order LP120's again.

[mufutau55]

I also use the Yongnuo YN460 (2 of them) full manual mode.
Got them for $40 each on ebay. Good flash.

Mufutau

[imahawki]

What's the recycle on the LPs vs the YNs? One ebay seller cites the recycle time on the YN460 as 5 seconds. That can't be right for lower power shots. If it is, then it is definitely out of the running.

[Mr. Clean]

I bought canon 540ez which is basically 550ex without the eTTL and I like it very much. You can use external battery pack like cp-e4.
AMEN.
Best off camera flash for the buck in my book. Powerful, adjustable, everything.
Plus I have one for sale :D
The new Vivitar 383 is cool with it's built in optical slave - but it's more money.

[canonman1971]

I use 3 Nikon sb-28's. Picked them up for $80 used each. Couldn't be happier with them.

[alphonsis]

I'm a fan of the LP120. 4 trigger methods (optical, pc, mini, hotshoe), easy power control, uncomplicated and cheap.

[imahawki]

Do the YN460s have the optical trigger in the lower front part instead of in the "head" now? There is a Strobist blog post talking about an ebay flash where the trigger is in the head which can create some problems I suppose.

[JPayne]

Do the YN460s have the optical trigger in the lower front part instead of in the "head" now? There is a Strobist blog post talking about an ebay flash where the trigger is in the head which can create some problems I suppose.

Yes the optical trigger is on the lower part of the front body.

[Jannie]

Wow. I wish I'd known how frustrating the 580EXII's would be for me to use and that I'd end up using them manual and having to buy Skyports for each of them. The Lumepro looks just great with the optical flash and the 1/8" plug socket, I,ve learned to hate the PC connections, such a waste of time on the Canon flashes.

Reading the report on the Strobist website has me rethinking these and I might buy one Lumapro and if it works out, sell my two 580EXII's and reinvest the money to end up with 4 Lumapros, even with less power they would proba. Probably be more effecient to work with as accent, fill and backgroung lights shooting food and tabletop. I've found that the smallness of speedlights in these situations with snoots are very handy as well as using a small Lumiquest softbox up really close so that the light falls off quickly can be a lot of fun.

Opps maybe I have this wrong and the Lumapro has a higher guide number, need to get a better understanding of this.