Vivitar DF383 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Power Zoom /Swivel /Bounce Auto-Focus Flash for Canon TTL, Guide Number 45m (147')

2015-06-27T21:00:00

I bought this from another supplier, and after some testing discovered that it does NOT utilize the eTTL information from the Canon 6D, which means that all flashes are at full power. On reading the 6D manual one sees why. Canon has blocked the eTTL information from going to non-Canon flashes. The unit works fine with the 50D and 60D, and probably all of the other cameras in that series. But beware if your plans including using with 6D and higher models. Read the Canon manuals CAREFULLY.

PalmVilla

2014-01-13T19:00:00

Nice, well built body, not too heavy. Several useful functions. This is my first external flash and it has been very easy to use.

Whit

2013-08-26T21:00:00

I use primarily for wildlife with a Better Beamer, and also multi-flash set-up. This is the second flash of this model that I have. This one has a more substantial metal shoe that I really like as it appears to be much more robust.

PETER G.

2013-03-18T21:00:00

I ordered this light expecting a "cheaper" version of a good light. While I'm sure there are those that could make the case that this would never compare with a "pro" light and i would never disagree with them, but I consider myself an enthusiast and it works just fine for my purposes. Exceeds my expectations.

Templeton

2012-07-21T21:00:00

This is a great, all-around flash, especially for the price. It's features, reliability, and functionality are comparable to the camera manufacturer's units, and I would rather have two of these that i can buy for the price of the other.

Steinx19

2012-04-15T21:00:00

Really like this flash. For it's price there is no better TTL/manual flash for strobies out there. My only draw back to this flash is that when triggering it remotely it will constantly go into sleep mode and have a button physically pushed to wake it. This is really a nuisance when it is on a light stand 15' from you and behind a modifier. Really wish there was a way to disable/turn off the sleep mode.

boyscout

2012-03-04T19:00:00

To have the quality of the flash you would have to pay much more, this works similar or sometimes better than the Canon brand. I recommend it, why pay more ...

Super M.

2012-02-19T19:00:00

Great value for money

CHAITHANYA N.

2011-09-05T21:00:00

I expected a better product, it feels more like a toy than anything.

Reese

2011-06-07T21:00:00

This is truely a great flash for the money. It works flawlessly on my nikon d60, d80, and d90 bodies. I am still experimenting with the commander mode. It does seem to fire a little too ealry when used as a slave with camera set to commander. I am sure this is most likely a issue with my setting and not the flash itself. The convenience of a flip out white card for soft bounce is wonderful. The built in diffuser panel is ok but for softer direct flash you may want to use a slip on diffuser like a stofen. All in all I am pleased with this flash. It will certainly fill my needs until I can replace it with a nikon sb900

mccoyphoto

2011-01-11T19:00:00

I'm a pro photographer my main use will be to use this flash will be for backup, so far it's working way better than I expected. I've trusted in Vivitar for over 30 years,I have a Vivitar 283 that I used with my canon A-1 and it still works so far the DF383 is living up to the Vivitar name.GREAT PIECE OF EQUIPTMENT at a great price...

PAULA M.

2010-08-19T21:00:00

Despite having to return the first one I received because it had a failed bulb motor, the second one works like a charm. The absolute best value for the money, albeit the slow recycling. Works excellent with a Canon 50D, allowing for accurate white balance, which a similarly-priced Sigma EF-530 can't do

ANGELO B.

2010-08-09T21:00:00

This flash seemed strong enough, and I like the built in diffuser a lot. However, it did not light properly an outdoor portrait I was doing in low light with the flash set on ETTL. The background went black when I used ettl. So I had to experiment with a multitude of settings on manual, and finally settled on one that worked well. But the flash cycled off so often that I had to reset it probably 6 times during the shoot, which was a real pain to do-reset the flash output, the ISO, etc. Also, there were times that the flash did not go off at all! I think the primary problem was the Adorama OC sync cord though. Once I got home and used my Canon cord with it, it functioned much better. I have just used the Canon cord with the Vivitar flash around the house with the cats and my mate, but it worked better. [...]

Cypicturelady

2010-05-23T21:00:00

I like the built in diffuser and bounce card, makes for great pictures with less shadows.

Bluestratos

2010-05-20T21:00:00

This is my first flash, as I am new to DSLR, and I have been playing with it for almost 5 days since I got it. I am using it with sanyo's eneloop, and for those who are wondering, it doesn't take that long to recycle If you use continuous shutter at 200, the flash will fire one shot and one not, very fast for a flash, I would have expected like 2-3 shots in the middle. It's great for taking photos of people, way better than the pop up flash. overall, great flash. You may have to deal with it before you get decent shots, but when you get hang of it, it gets really well.

Sonia O.

2010-05-12T21:00:00

This thing is cheap, powerful, and has slave capability, all that I look for in a flash. This is my 3rd flash. the two other ones are canon 580 EX-II and Canon 430. I use this as an off camera slave only so no need for ttl, but nice to have. My only two complain is the recycle time, which is wayyyy too long, and the flash's inability to turn off the battery saving mode. The flash would turn itself off every minute or so if not used. sometimes it takes time to position model and prep, but by the time I'm ready to take the picture, the flash has already turned itself off. kind of a pain. Otherwise, very nice flash for a nice price.

RYAN N.

2010-04-24T21:00:00

I think that, like with a lot of other lower-cost equipment, the DF383 gives up some durability to save money. Can you break some plastic parts? Sure, they're plastic. I haven't really put it through its paces yet, but with reasonable care I expect my DF383 to last me a long time. If that proves not to be the case, I'll update my comments.

Wild C.

2010-03-20T21:00:00

I use this flash for just about everything..It does it all very well. I really have nothing bad to say about it.. For the $ you will not find a better flash..period.

Brent M.

2009-08-14T21:00:00

I just received my Vivitar DF383 a couple of days ago and I'm very pleased on the output of light and the ease of use. Especially when you have to work with a tight budget like I do than this is the perfect shoe mount power zoom flash. The only real cons that I have noticed so far are the battery door, (It's a little bit cumbersome to change the batteries), recycling time is a bit slow, and you can hear the flash cycling its freaking loud. The main reason that I gave Vivitar 4 stars was the price. The ad would have gotten 5 out of 5 stars if Vivitar speed up the recycling time.

Johnny V.