Sony’s latest pro flash, the HVL-F60RM, has a full metal foot same as Canon, I was handling one at The UK Photography Show this weekend. I agree on the red light thing, continuous AF with Expand Flexible Spot or Zone works great and doesn’t need the light.
kenthomson wrote:
Sony’s latest pro flash, the HVL-F60RM, has a full metal foot same as Canon, I was handling one at The UK Photography Show this weekend. I agree on the red light thing, continuous AF with Expand Flexible Spot or Zone works great and doesn’t need the light.
Indeed, metal foot. However it is 700 Euros, here, so not far away from the Profoto A1.
Just a quick update on this. Finally shot a few events with the A9 with flash including a wedding. I was in AF-C the entire time. Moderately low light. No issues with my prime. The 70-200 G on the other had? Not so fantastic in lower light. Good thing I never use that lens during reception anyways.
Also, I was using the Godox X1T-S to trigger my Flashpoint 360 lights...had a Sony flash on top of the trigger and it would fire. A quick google later, realized I needed to be in Manual mode. Not a big deal and glad that I was able to get an answer right away!
Everything was fine. I still find the flash solution for Sony lacking compared to Canon/Nikon...but it'll do for now, as long as I stick with my primes...
I used the Godox 350s lithium on camera; its not the most powerful, but as a small fill light on camera with the ability to control OCF lights, its great because its very light and the lithium battery lasts me a whole reception for the way I use -- I usually shoot OCF. My biggest gripe with the camera is that when you go to physical shutter vs electronic shutter, the camera gets a bit laggier, and doesn't feel as wonderful. Does anyone else feel this way?
divinemethod wrote:
I used the Godox 350s lithium on camera; its not the most powerful, but as a small fill light on camera with the ability to control OCF lights, its great because its very light and the lithium battery lasts me a whole reception for the way I use -- I usually shoot OCF. My biggest gripe with the camera is that when you go to physical shutter vs electronic shutter, the camera gets a bit laggier, and doesn't feel as wonderful. Does anyone else feel this way?
YES! Love the A9 but if photography was my main gig I'd probably get the A7R3(or A73) just shooting flash. It probably is still much better than my original A7 but it feels so slow compared to the electronic shutter.
I have two of the Flashpoint Zoom Li-on R2 TTL and two of the Sony HVL-F60RM units.
So far, the hot shoe connection on the HVL-F60RM is more reliable. When moving around an event with two camera (both with flash in hot shoe), I found the at Flashpoint sometimes looses connection and needs to be reset into the hotshoe to function. With Sony, thus far 100% reliable.
I was looking forward to eliminating AA batteries; however, I am currently leaning towards Sony for on-camera event use.
I have two Flashpoint eVOLV 200 TTL units and several triggers (I like the Flashpoint R2 Pro more than the Flashpoint R2 TTL 2.4G).
My current plan is to use the Flashpoint for off camera work and the Sony for on camera and small off camera setup. I also have the HVL-F45RM which is a nice on camera controller.
The Sony HVL-F60RM does have a few nice features. My favorite are the switches and the rotating to vertical mode. I like the Lock feature on the switches as with a two camera setup it is easy to bump buttons and change stuff accidentally.
Obvious disadvantages to HVL-F60RM are price, AA batteries, and size. For rapid fire use, it seems like the AA batteries are pretty good unless at high power. At most events, I don't need extra batteries. I don't shoot weddings and most all-day or multi-day events don't need lots of high powered on-camera flash. I may light the speakers with the eVolt 200 or multiple Zoom Li-on R2 if I need that power and battery life.
I'm considering a high-powered, battery-powered Flashpoint to fill out my Flashpoint system; however, have not really needed it.
My cameras are the a9 and a7RIII.
I changed from Canon last fall and find the Sony inferior at low-light events. The stop-down focusing is a big issue. The Sony focus assist is bright and I use it when needed as I feel distraction from the light is better than no or out of focus image. Canon focus assist light / focus acquisition in low light is much better.
The a7RIII is better for flash. Even with dumb studio flash triggers, the a9 is slower. I tested a a7III at Sony Kando Trip 2.0 and may add one for events (to have smaller files); however would prefer the a7RIII to have a mRAW setting (very unlikely I fear). The feel the better EVF is important in low light and the a7III lacks in that area.
Sorry for the rambling post.
Edit: I've hoped for a camera manufacture to create a full flash system (or even a battery monolight); however, Profoto did it first. Their system is pretty darn complete, from on-camera to mains powered units with several battery options in between.
My A9/Flashpoint combination works great, but as mentioned above, more money might get you where you need to go when getting paid.
I believe that I've seen Guy highly supportive of Flashpoint gear, but also has sold some. For someone beyond eccentric with respect to lenses, I'm wondering if he is just as demanding of his lighting. I don't see the constant purchase and sale of flash products. So Guy, does this represent a contentment with your lighting choices? If so, are you using the V860ii flash, Evolv 200 and 600 Pro monolights?
