Name: Sunpak PZ42XC Digital Flash for Canon, with E-TTL II Flash Control Mode, Guide Number of 138 (ISO 100/feet), Black
Brand: Sunpak
SKU: SUPZ42XCA
Price: 111.00 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 4.13 (61 reviews)

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

Sunpak PZ-42X

Sunpak

Sunpak PZ42XC Digital Flash for Canon, e-TTL II, Black

Adorama

Photography

Lighting & Studio

Flashes & On-Camera Lighting

On Camera Flashes

Sunpak On Camera Flashes

Sunpak PZ-42X 

Buy: Sunpak PZ42XC Digital Flash for Canon, with E-TTL II Flash Control Mode, Guide Number of 138 (ISO 100/feet), Black Flash Type: Shoe Mount Flash, Power Source: AA Batteries, TTL: TTL Flashes

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

Good light

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

Replacement

Seems to work very good with my Nikon D3200

Works as Expected

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.

Falloff a Problem

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?

Barely used, suddenly died after 2 years

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. 

Works fine, after a firmware upgrade

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

Excellent Flash

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.

Acceptable alternative to Nikon SB600

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.

Good for the money

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.

Flash Updatge

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.

Love it.

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.

Pleasantly Surprised

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

Great Little Flash

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.

Awesome substitute to an original.

I find it most useful for fill flash outdoors.

Much better than expected.

As good as I hoped

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.

Xclnt flash for the money; great value

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.

Nice Flash but Not for my Canon SX50

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.

Well worth the money

Good add-on flash

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

Good add-on flash for Alpha cameras

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.

Works well with Nikon D7000

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.

Worth the price

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

Great product for the price

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

GOOD BUT

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.

Solid flash with great output

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.

Great flash for the price!

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

Great flash for the money

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

Good all around simple flash

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.