Sony HVL-F20S External Flash for Alpha NEX Cameras with 1m-5m Flash Coverage, Silver

SKU: SOHVLF20S

This item is no longer available.

Recommended Alternatives

Overview
Compare
Q&A

Questions & Answers

Shopper : Do you using this flash can solve "shadow" effect when we are using the lens of 50-200mm? ThanksMICHAEL M : The answer is yes...i purchased the item for that very reason. I actually have 3 different lenses for this awesome camera and the flash covers each lens. M. MooreBOBBY E : The external flash does work well in the bounce mode. The built in diffuser screen helps in straight ahead shots but produces shadows. The power of the Sony HVL-F20s dos not have enough power to be useful at 200mm unless the subject is very close. I bought the Sony HVL-20 to replace the anemic flash supplied in the kit.HENRY S : Sorry. I have not used the flash on a 50 200 lens.CECIL H : It does solve the problem caused by the blade shadow bit I find I rarely use the flash in most cases unless there is very little ambient light because the camera self-adjusts to low-light automatically. It is handy to have it though just in case.
Shopper : I just purchased NEX-C3 and was searching for Flash. Is this only accessory I can use with NEX-C3 or there any alternatives?BOBBY E : I am unaware of any flash other than the HVL-504. The flash works very well in the diffusion mode as a fill light for outdoor candids of people working with hats and shades. My photos can't really be called candids because I ask my subjects to remove the sunglasses. It is really bright in westen Colorado. I have experimented with two additional strobes attached to an "L" bracket.The strobes are triggered by the Sony flash. I need to do more testing as the arrangement blows everything out. We have plenty of power,just need to learn to use this powerful combo.CECIL H : No, the standard Sony flash that comes with the camera is adequate for most all photoshoots except great distances. Where this flash particularly comes in handy is when you use the 18-200mm lens and the lens hood is inplace. The standard flash would project a shadow but with the HVL-F20S this is avoided. I hope this helps.ROBERT A : I cannot answer this directly other than by what I've read. My purchase of this flash was on February 12th when I also ordered a NEX-7 camera from another company. I did not do enough research as the "AD" stated this flash was for NEX Alpha cameras. My NEX-7 delivery did not come until mid March. I was surprised the NEX-7 had the normal SONY Proprietary hot shoe and "NOT" the one for this flash! ADORAMA would "NOT" take this new flash back because they stated it was beyond the 30 day retuirn period. Technically this was so, but I thought a company such as ADORAMA would make an exception due to this unique problem. ADORAMA should be the one that lists "COMPATIBILITY" with other products. Shop around......
Shopper : will this flash eliminate the shadow that is created when using a telezoom lens? (18-200)JAVIER P : Yes it does!

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2014-03-23T20:00:00

Rated 2 out of 5

Great - but quit working

I didn't use this flash much, but when I did, I really thought it did a great job. I was concerned about some stability ratings but given the connection felt I didn't have much choice for after market models, so I bought this one. Sadly, while I was on a major trip, the flash quit. Today, (two days after returning from my holiday) I found my receipt and learned that the warranty ran out 4 days ago. Just in case this is an easy fix, this is what it is doing on BOTH my NEX5N bodies: I firmly attach it and when the flash is raised, it the orange indicator light flashes, therefore not firing. If you have any ideas what it might be or have an idea of a repair cost (so I know if it's worth sending it in), I'd really appreciate hearing it.

kenns

2013-10-27T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Improvent

This flash is a significant improvement over the original flash that comes with the NEX cameras. The range is better and plus the bounce feature makes it possible to create a much nicer effect. The only drawback is that you are not supposed to leave it on the camera when it is in the bag. It is dramatically bigger than the original flash but it is well worth it!

RICHARD F.

2013-02-09T19:00:00

Rated 2 out of 5

Great...until it stopped working

The Flash decided to stop working in the middle of my sons first birthday party. Sad to say that until today I had nothing but positive things to say about the NEX series.

ska4mike

2012-05-10T20:00:00

Rated 1 out of 5

defective

unit stop charging after few weeks, annoying since i though the camera was broken and getting frustrated it just didn't allow me to take pictures at all. after i turned off the flash it worked, then put the stock flash and it worked but the HVLF20S does not work or allow to take pictures when the unit is on. in other words this broke after a few weeks. a lot of reviewers are experiencing the same thing here and on amazon. buyer beware

JuanL

2012-03-22T20:00:00

Rated 2 out of 5

Stopped working after 3 months

Enjoyed it while it lasted ...which just stopped working after 3 months

Thirdself

2012-02-02T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

A Necessary Investment

A must have for any NEX owner. A big step up from the flash included with the purchase of the camera.

MexicanFlash

2011-12-12T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

A good upgrade

It is MUCH better than the included flash for the NEX-5N. It's just when you want to get creative it would have been nice to have controls on the back of the flash instead of going into the camera's menu and adjusting the metering for the flash. Sometimes, because of those extra steps you lose your moments. But it is definitely a step.

WarrenJ808

2011-09-10T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great addition to the NEX camera line

This is a great upgrade for my NEX-5 and my first few flash shots have been absolutely stunning compared to that weak and harsh kit flash. I highly recommend this flash as an addition to your NEX-3, NEX-5, NEX-C3 or NEX-5N.

JonasM

About Sony HVL-F20S

FEATURED REVIEWS

A good upgrade

By WarrenJ808

It is MUCH better than the included flash for the NEX-5N. It's just when you want to get creative it would have been nice to have controls on the back of the flash instead of going into the camera's menu and adjusting the metering for the flash. Sometimes, because of those extra steps you lose your moments. But it is definitely a step.

A Necessary Investment

By MexicanFlash

A must have for any NEX owner. A big step up from the flash included with the purchase of the camera.

Expand your creativity with your a NEx interchangeable lens camera and the HVL-F20S external flash. This external flash extends the illumination range beyond the camera's included flash. Bounce flash enables shadowless indirect lighting while TTL (through the lens) flash exposure is automatically controlled by your a NEx camera for easy and intuitive operation. There's also a built-in diffuser which is ideal for wide and telephoto shooting.

What's in the box:

  • Sony HVL-F20S External Flash for Alpha Cameras
  • Soft Carrying Case
  • Wide Panel
  • Protective Connector Cap
  • Sony 1 Year Warranty