So I have a Vivitar 285 HV that I read would be a decent cheap alternative flash opposed to picking up something like a newer Nikon SB flash. The problem I have with it is when I am using it and taking pictures the flash takes a good 10 seconds or more to recycle and be ready for the next shot. This is on 1/4 power and is even worse for 1/2 and full power shots. It's a little bit embarrassing to be telling friends or people who have asked me to take pictures that the flash isn't ready and they need to wait a few more seconds.
If it makes any difference I am using the flash for strobist style applications.
What flashes are out there that have a fairly quick recycle rate? I have been thinking about picking up something like an SB-600 as they are not overly expensive.
285 should be pretty fast with NiCD or NiMH cells, though not as good as the 283. Please tell me you're not using alkalines or other primary cells. Of course you could get an SB-900 or used SB-800, but they may be over your budget.
Need more power and a fast recycle time? Get a monoblock strobe! AlienBees strobes are an affordable, dependable, professional grade choice if you're used to manual flash use. The AB800 unit (which I recommend) can be found for ~$230-300ish used/new, and are super super powerful compared to the Vivitar 285HV, and have a ~1.5 sec recycle.
I have 2 AB800 units and an ABR800 ringflash in addition to my SB900.
The SB900 is the fastest recycling speedlight I've ever used (and owned), and I still find it to be sluggish at times when demanding high power output...
Speedlights have their uses... strobes have theirs as well. More power + fast recharge - small size - quick setup = strobe. Quick setup + small size + battery operated - speed - power = speedlight
Well, to be honest... I just changed the batteries and the problem is more or less solved. Yes, I am a little on the slow side today. In my defense I blame it on only 3 hours of sleep before shooting today
