Sunpak PZ40X Power Zoom Digital Flash for all Canon EOS TTL, E-TTL and E-TTL II Cameras -Black

I wasn't impressed with this unit at all.I bought it to use with a back up camera that I borrowed (it was being used as a second unit for guest photos at a wedding).The flash went through rechargeable batteries fast (faster than on my Sigma unit I also used at the same event), and it took a LONG time to charge between flashes.As for being compact and easy to store I give it A, but for usability D.I don't think regular people (non-photographers or even hobbyists) would have much use out of it; once its charged you've most likely missed your shot already.I think I'll stick with my Sigma 500 DG Super from now on, even on back ups and second units. And I'd recommend others to look elsewhere as well, the difference of [...] bucks really does make a difference believe it or not.

The positive: efficient, works well with my Rebel XT , less expensive than canon The negative: built quality not the best, very basic not strong enough not cheap enough for what it is. Built quality 6, performance 7, price 7. Conclusion not bad for a short budget amateur photographer

This flash can be found online very inexpensively, and certainly for far less than the Canon flashes. There is nothing inferior about the amount of illumination it provides, and will compete well with any other flashes of similar guide number in the dedicated category.It syncs well with my 5DM2 and 550D, even with an off-camera e-ttl sync cable. A big plus is its ability to be put into manual mode with adjustable output all the way down to 1/16th power.Some minor irritations: it does occasionally inexplicably washout some images (I solved with this a detachable softbox), and it does eat up batteries (likely due to only using 2 AA's instead of 4). However, given the price these irritations are negligible. Use a diffuser and carry extra batteries. Recycle time is a minimal issue for me since I rarely need to fire a max flash discharge and I am not shooting action. I assume a recycle time of 2-5 seconds.For me this flash works very well. I use it for casual event shots (like wedding receptions) with a diffuser and as a trigger flash for my studio slaves (set to 1/16th power and facing away from the subject) and am pleased with the results so far.---Update: 10/3/2012I had to downgrade the Sunpak to four stars because of its slow cycle speed. It takes about 30 seconds or more to show "ready" when it is turned on, and can take about as long after it has thrown a full flash. When it has fired a less than full burst it does recycle more quickly (within a few seconds) but having waited almost a half minute now at times too numerous and at times too awkward, I finally had to upgrade to a Metz.A big plus in the Sunpak's favor is that it is compatible with my inexpensive remote optical slave triggers. Unlike the Canon brand flashes which trigger only once per flash then lock up in response to the slaves, the Sunpak fires flawlessly time and again with the remote trigger attached, making it an ideal slave flash.Other than the slow cycle times the Sunpak continues to perform quite well. The Sunpaks continue to be my walkaround flashes and backups.

I have been using the PZ40X (not the II model) with the Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce on a Canon G10 for the past several weeks and am completely satisfied. The TTL exposure is accurate, zoom ditto, coverage at 28mm is complete and even. The recycle time is not the fastest but is satisfactory for most shooting. Battery life is what I would expect from any AA-powered compact flash -- not overly long but not the worst I've seen. I've read reviews that complain about this unit blowing out shots but I have not encountered that problem. Perhaps the diffuser helps. Other reviews complain that the build seems cheap. The PZ40X feels and is plastic but it doesn't seem flimsy especially for this price range. This is the plastic age after all, and chances are that the cameras most used with this flash are plastic too. I've used many Sunpak models over the past twenty-odd years (along with many other brands including the big names) and the Sunpaks have always held up and served me well, which is why I didn't hesitate to buy this model. My only wish is that it were a bit more compact -- the flash with diffuser attached is a bit bigger than the G10 itself although due to the weight differential it is not awkward to use, only to stow. Considering features, functionality and price I find nothing to complain about. I'm glad I bought this flash.

I am well pleased with my new Sunpak PZ40X. I'm using it on a Canon and so far the picures have been fantastic. I have been using bounce flash and it fills the entire room.Sunpak PZ40X Power Zoom Digital Flash for all Canon EOS TTL, E-TTL and E-TTL II Cameras (Black)

It worked okay but I ordered a Canon 580EX that I like much better. The Canon has greater control and shoots farther, of course you pay a big price difference.

So far, I have really enjoyed this flash. I feel like my quality of indoor photos are drastically better than the standard flash on my Canon Rebel. I did however by a few flash attachments to help aid in that quality. The only thing I wish was different was the battery life. I feel like it takes a while to charge up for a picture and the batteries are only good for an event at a time.