
( Brand: Vivitar ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 550FP ), ( Part Type: Camera Flash Box )
The Vivitar 550FP is a versatile and powerful manual flash unit, designed to provide excellent lighting for various photography applications. This flash unit is compatible with a wide range of cameras, making it a great addition to any photography setup.
The Vivitar 550FP features a guide number of 58 (ISO 100, m) and a zoom range of 24-105mm, allowing for flexible coverage and precise control over the lighting in different shooting situations. With a quick recycling time of approximately 3.5 seconds, this flash is ready for action, ensuring that you don't miss a moment.
The flash head is equipped with a rotating tilt and swivel mechanism, enabling bounce and swivel functionality. This allows for creative bounce flash techniques that can help reduce harsh shadows and add a more natural look to your images. The flash also has adjustable power levels, ranging from 1/1 to 1/128, giving you the ability to fine-tune the light output to suit your specific photography needs.
The Vivitar 550FP comes with a built-in reflector card and a slave sensor, which can be used to trigger the flash wirelessly when used in conjunction with another flash unit. The flash also has a test button and an LED readiness indicator, making it easy to check the battery status and confirm that the flash is ready to fire.
The flash unit is constructed with a durable and lightweight plastic body, making it both portable and easy to handle. It takes 4 AA batteries (not included) for power, and it comes with a protective pouch to keep the flash safe during storage and transport.
In summary, the Vivitar 550FP is a powerful and versatile manual flash unit that offers a range of features to help you take control of your lighting and capture stunning photographs. Its quick recycling time, adjustable power levels, and rotating tilt and swivel head make it a valuable tool for any photographer, and its lightweight and durable design make it easy to take with you wherever you go.
The Vivitar 550FP is a popular and versatile manual flash unit, known for its durability and affordability. Here's a detailed analysis of its pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros:1. Manual Control: The Vivitar 550FP offers full manual control, allowing photographers to fine-tune settings for specific lighting conditions.
2. Versatility: It can be used off-camera with a sync cord or mounted on-camera. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for various photography styles and setups.
3. Durable Build: The flash unit has a robust build quality, making it suitable for heavy use and harsh environments.
4. Recycling Time: With a quick recycling time of approximately 3.5 seconds, the Vivitar 550FP can keep up with faster shooting speeds.
5. Affordability: Compared to modern flash units, the Vivitar 550FP is relatively inexpensive, making it an attractive option for photographers on a budget.
Cons:1. Manual Settings: While manual control offers flexibility, it can be overwhelming for beginners. Automatic flash units may be more suitable for those new to flash photography.
2. Lack of TTL and HSS: The Vivitar 550FP does not support Through-The-Lens (TTL) metering or High-Speed Sync (HSS), which can limit its capabilities in certain situations.
3. Limited Compatibility: It may not be compatible with all camera brands and models, so it's essential to check compatibility before purchasing.
4. No Wireless Control: The Vivitar 550FP does not have wireless control capabilities. This can be a disadvantage for photographers who prefer wireless triggering and remote control.
5. No Modern Features: The flash unit lacks modern features like zoom and swivel head, which may be essential for some photographers.
Conclusion:The Vivitar 550FP is an excellent choice for photographers seeking a durable, affordable, and versatile manual flash unit. Its manual control offers a high degree of precision and flexibility, making it suitable for various photography styles and setups. However, beginners might find the manual settings overwhelming, and the lack of TTL, HSS, and other modern features may limit its capabilities for some photographers. Ultimately, the Vivitar 550FP is an ideal option for enthusiasts and professionals who value manual control and prefer a simple, robust flash unit.
Recommendation:If you're a beginner, you might want to consider an automatic flash unit with more user-friendly features. For those seeking a versatile and affordable manual flash unit, the Vivitar 550FP is a solid investment. It offers excellent value, durability, and flexibility for photographers looking to enhance their lighting setup.
New with an opened box. The box has some wear. Free shipping is included.