Sunpak PZ42XC Digital Flash for Canon, with E-TTL II Flash Control Mode, Guide Number of 138 (ISO 100/feet), Black

SKU: SUPZ42XCA

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Questions & Answers

JOHNNY B : Where can I buy another Autofocus assist light cover for my Sunpak PZ42XC for Canon? Mine was damage. Thanks JohnnyKEITH V : If your just shooting inside and not a real adjustment freak its okay ....but I have the both and the Canon 430 flash is better product ... I fought buying it but it accepts a lot of picture info from the Canon cameras that the pz42 doesn't..... For the price if you don't like the pz42 you can always sell it and buy the canon later but the truth is the Cannon 430 is a better product on the other hand you wont be dissatisfied with either....RALPH F : I have no firm idea. Try manufactures web site, on- line search, etc.
Edward L : I have a canon sx50 my wife got for me as a birthday gift. Will the sunpack dig 3000 or the sunpack PZ42x be fully compatable with this canon camera?WILLIAM A : YesWILLIAM M : Canon Powershot A1200, Powershot A1200IS, Powershot A2200, Powershot A300IS, Powershot A3100IS, Powershot A3200IS, Powershot A490, Powershot A495, Powershot A800, Powershot D10, Powershot ELPH 100 HS, Powershot ELPH 300 HS, Powershot ELPH 500 HS, Powershot G12, Powershot S95, Powershot SD 1300 IS, Powershot SD 1400 IS, Powershot SD 4000 IS, Powershot SX130IS, Powershot SX20IS, Powershot SX210IS, Powershot SX220IS, Powershot SX230IS, Powershot SX30IS
Shopper : Is this flash compatible with the 5D Mark III?MARK M : I doubt it. It's compatible with the 5d II only if you send it back to the manufacture to update.DONALD P : I would suggest you get the Canon 430 II model flash instead. The Sunpak did not work well on either my Canon 60D or 7D bodies. The 430 is great!! DRPRON S : Hi, This is supposed to work with all cannon cameras. However I do not have experience with this particular model. I believe there is a 15 day return policy with Adorma in case it does not work for you

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2017-02-08T03:52:47

Rated 4 out of 5

Good light

It is better than the light on your camera with more options. I have a canon rebel 6i and it works fine with it.

Wayne O.

2016-05-24T08:45:23

Rated 5 out of 5

Replacement

Replace an older flash. New cameras, 6D, new flash

LUIS V.

2016-05-02T08:57:39

Rated 5 out of 5

Works as Expected

Seems to work very good with my Nikon D3200

John G.

2016-03-27T19:37:50

Rated 2 out of 5

Falloff a Problem

I have found the flash falls off about 1 stop from center to top on a flat piece of art only 24 inches tall at a very moderate distance of 10 feet. Alternatively, I could describe this as a hotspot in the center, even with the small built it diffuser that can be flipped down. Setting the white balance to flash on my Nikon D5300 with this was a disaster - very yellow cast. I may be expecting too much from this modestly priced flash used as the primary direct light.

STEVEN B.

2015-04-12T21:00:00

Rated 1 out of 5

Barely used, suddenly died after 2 years

I just got into the habit of carrying it with me and actually using it. I've only ever changed the batteries once before. This is literally the second time I've had to change the batteries and now the flash won't fire. Can hear the capacitor charging up, Test/Charge light blinks, then goes steady, but flash won't fire. Press test button... nothing. I guess if I wanted something that would last I should have spent a bit more?

BRIAN G.

2014-09-04T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Works fine, after a firmware upgrade

I wanted a flash with manual settings, and many I looked at were $300+. My goal was "shooting" hummingbirds and "freezing" the rapidly beating wings. It wasn't so much for illumination (although that helped with some twilight shots), but for the (use of) the flash to effectuate a higher shutter speed. BUT, though TTL settings worked fine, the flash would not fire on manual settings with my Sony A65. An internet search revealed others had had similar problems, and that a firmware upgrade would solve the problem. Fortunately TOCAD (distributor of Sunpak) was very helpful and responsive and I sent it to them (in NJ). The upgrade worked. And, the flash works well on both TTL and manual settings (and I needed the latter)! I do have some reservations on the long-term sturdiness of the (plastic) connector to the camera's hot-shoe, and it takes a bit of "manuvering" to get the unit into and out of the hot-shoe (easy, once you've done it a few times). Now, my over-all rating: a very good product, especially for the modest price.

ROBERT S.

2014-09-01T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Excellent Flash

I am extremely happy with this flash. It does a wonderful job and works exactly as I need.

John

2014-07-17T21:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

Acceptable alternative to Nikon SB600

I used PZ42XN on Nikon D5100 and D800 inplace of the built-in flash. It is adequate for direct lighting of subject in relatively small room. I've used Alkaline and Ni-MH batteries (not mixed). While the recycling time and intensity is acceptable, I prefer another third-party speedlight that cost about $30 more because of the following: (1) GN of 200 (Ft) at 105mm /100 ISO (2) External power pack coconnection (3) Capability for wireless TTL Slave (4) Repeating Flash (4) supplied diffuser.

E C.

2014-03-28T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Good for the money

I have used this Sunpak for 2 years with my Canon 7d and have been very pleased with it. I do mostly event photography and some photo-journalism. I have seen the reviews that say it is superior to Canon of similar price. It is and itn't compared to the Canon 430EX I just purchased. It may be: -Similar guide number. -It has good durablity -Good on camera and off camera with compatable ETTL cord or PocketWizzard. -Buttons are larger and easier to use. -Lighter than 430EX It may not be: -Has no master or slave option for multi-flash set up. -No high speed sync. -Does not interact with camera menu system for external Function settings. -Canon 430EX has slave funciton but not master When shooting burst photos both the PZ and the 430EX are limited to 10 photos before having to rest the flash for 10 min. (according to the manuals). The PZ unit I have doese over expose by 2/3 of a stop. This was easily adjusted once I became aware of the output. At 60% of the price it represents a good value for a quality flash. But it does come with a 60% discount in fuctionality over the 430EX.

David R.

2014-03-20T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Flash Updatge

This flash works great as long as you have it attached directly to the camera, or using a flash cord. But when I tried to use it with radio transmitter for off-camera flash use, it does not work. I don't understand why. But when I use my really inexpensive flash, (just on and off switch), I have no problems with the radio transmitter. It works beautifully, I just can't adjust the flash power.

SANDRA R.

2014-02-25T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Love it.

This strobe works very well. I was looking to upgrade to a manual flash and started with this one. I have not found any issues.

SANDRA R.

2014-02-18T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Pleasantly Surprised

I bought this product because I took a class to help with on-camera shoe-flash. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked. Straight out of the box, I followed the class instructions and the shots were beautiful. You can't ask for more based on the price.

SANDRA R.

2013-11-04T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Little Flash

Great Little flash, as good as Canon's flash Fast recycle

Robert F.

2013-05-27T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Awesome substitute to an original.

It is an inexpensive accesory that would equal a more expensive original. Very easy to use though I am in the process of learning its various features. Pictures I had taken with Sunpak PZ42XN had good results. Each time I use, results get better. Investment I guess is paying off.

George A.

2013-03-18T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Much better than expected.

I find it most useful for fill flash outdoors.

Wizardoz

2013-02-04T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

As good as I hoped

As good as I hoped.

JR

2013-01-25T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Xclnt flash for the money; great value

Used it so far for individuals/portraits & group photos; a few night shots. Provides enough light to use as bounce flash with wide angle lenses.

ERNEST H.

2013-01-16T19:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

Nice Flash but Not for my Canon SX50

Over the years I have always found Sunpak flashes to be of good quality for the money. But in the case of the PZ42XC it does not work TTL mode with my Canon SX50 camera, even though the camera will work with all the Canon flashes, like the 580 and 430 series. I had to send the Sunpak back and then purchased a Yongnuo 565EX flash that works perfectly with my Canon SX50.

Tony S.

2013-01-01T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Well worth the money

I've owned this flash for 30 days or so, and have shot a few indoor events using it as fill flash. The bounce angles work nicely, and the output of the flash is consistent. I really like having the ability to decrease flash output when shooting close subjects or a room with all light/white walls. I have had some issues with losing the communication between the flash and the Nikon D7000, but chalking up to it being a new combo for me. It's not an SB-910 (which I would love to have), but for the money, this is a great flash.

brianlynette

2012-12-16T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Good add-on flash

Good addition to D5000 and D5100 Kits.

JOHN B.

2012-12-16T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Good add-on flash for Alpha cameras

Good addition to Alpha camera kits, at a reasonable price.

JOHN B.

2012-04-15T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Works well with Nikon D7000

I have not tried out all features of the flash. But I have been very satisfied with the PZ42XN. And other good things are compact and low cost.

TNP

2012-04-13T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Worth the price

I bought this flash for my son's D5000. It has never given any problems. He uses it for just about everything he shoots. Well owrth the price.

sports s.

2012-04-06T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great product for the price

I use mostly for indoor candid shot. I have also used for outdoor fill flash

SHERRI P.

2012-03-12T21:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

GOOD BUT

POWERFUL ISN'T TOTALLY COMPATIBLE WITH CANON T2i BIG BANG FOR THE BUCK

Dick

2012-03-04T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Solid flash with great output

Simple user interface. Delivers consistent results in a variety of shooting circumstances. Not as versatile at the Nikon Speedlights, but has more powerful output and covers most of my needs for the right price.

RICK T.

2012-01-01T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great flash for the price!

I a very happy with this flash. I don't think you are going to find a better flash for the price from a company that you know.

the f.

2011-12-25T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great flash for the money

Great Flash..Had a 5000Af, and this replaced it.

GREG H.

2011-12-11T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Good all around simple flash

It doesn't match a Nikon SB900. But it's a good knock-around flash without having to worry about all the functions.

JOHN W.

2011-11-27T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Flash for the money

I bought this flash as a step up from my other Sunpak. Sunpak, itself, is such a great and durable brand. I have used this flash for portraits, weddings, and night photography. It has a great range. Although the noise that it makes when you are rotating the head is a little louder than I would like, especially during the middle of a wedding ceremony, it definitely serves its purpose. It recycles fairly quick and provides apt amount of lighting. It is a bit heavy, but I am a small person.

PhotobyLauren

Sunpak PZ-42X Specifications

  • Power

    4-AA Alkaline, Ni-MH or Ni-Cd batteries

  • Number of flashes

    approx. 220 at full manual (Alkaline batteries)

  • Auto effective range

    4.9 feet to 69 feet

  • AF assist effective range

    3.5 to 16 feet

  • Power ratio

    (Full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64)

  • Flash Control Mode

    Canon E-TTL II

  • Flash speed

    1/500 - 1/13,000 second

  • EV adjustment

    (-1.5, -1, -0.5, 0, +0.5, +1, +1.5)

  • Guide number

    138, ISO 100/feet @ 35mm

  • Recycle time

    of 3.5 seconds at full output (Alkaline)

  • Compatible with

    Digital SLR cameras from Canon with E-TTL II metering technology: Digital Rebel, Rebel XT, Rebel Xti, EOS 40D, EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS 5D

  • Dimensions

    4.6" high x 2.6" wide x 4.1" deep

  • Weight

    9.1 ounces (without batteries)

  • Warranty

    Sunpak warranty

  • UPC Code

    090729608298

About Sunpak PZ-42X

FEATURED REVIEWS

Excellent flash at a great price

By JAMES V.

I do mostly wedding photography using Nikon cameras and Sunpak flashes. I have been a fan of Sunpak for many years and the PZ52XN works perfectly with my Nikon digital camera. I have tried another brand but it did not work with Nikon's i-TTL. The PZ42XN also works fine with my older Nikon film cameras. It is a bright flash with a guide number around 138 at ISO 100. Since most of my flash photography is done at ISO's from 200 to 1600 this flash can be used from the balcony in most dark ch...

View full Review

Great Savings, greater product

By Jim s.

I've used the Canon 580 II and the PZ42 matches it in every sense. At football games I get a longer light throw than with the Canon. At the same time it does a super job in auto mode when players are within 20 yards. The only flash that might beat it is the new Nikon with its auto function that goes all the way out to 200mm. For the money the Sunpak PZ42x is in a league of its own.

Sunpak PZ42XC flash is the perfect accessory for today's digital SLR cameras. Compatible with the latest Canon E-TTL II cameras. The PZ42x has many advanced features, such as automatic zoom head from 24-105mm, bounce and swivel capabilities, built in wide angle diffuser and AF assist.

With a high guide number of 138 (ISO 100/feet), the PZ42x can provide outstanding illumination in any situation. It also offers a bright and easy-to-read LCD display and easy-to-use controls for manual flash output, digital or film lens coverage and zoom head settings.

Sunpak PZ-42X Features

  • Designed for today's Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras
  • High guide number of 138 (ISO 100/feet)
  • Auto focus assist for low light shooting up to 16 feet
  • Bounce flash head with 90 degree range
  • Swivel flash head with 180 degrees left and 120 degrees right
  • Bright, easy-to-read LCD display and easy-to-use controls
  • Built-in wide angle diffuser
  • Manual power and zoom head settings
  • Powered by 4 AA batteries
  • Auto power off
  • Pro black finish

Key Features

  • Designed for today's Canon & Nikon DSLR cameras
  • High guide number of 138 (ISO 100/feet)
  • Auto focus assist for low light shooting up to 16 feet
  • Bounce flash head with 90 degree range
  • Swivel flash head
  • Bright, easy-to-read LCD display & easy-to-use controls

What's in the box:

  • Sunpak PZ42XC Digital Flash
  • Sunpak 1 Year Limited Warranty