With so many options for Sony Flash Photography and Video Lighting Accessories out their, It can be hard to figure out where to start?? This Sony Flash Guide is for you!!
You can go many different directions when it comes to lighting for photography of video. The Sony HVL-F60M On Camera Flash for example, can be used to create excellent of camera lighting with the addition of flash units as the transmitter and receiver are already built in.
You can also go the Continuous Lighting route which is really easy to use and A Must for Video, but it is more expensive than flash and requires serious power!
Then, of course we have Natural Lighting and using reflectors and/or diffusers. This is the way to go if you can as natural diffused light is unbeatable and very flattering to your subjects. It’s also Free!! Often you can find good spots to use and no reflectors or diffusers are needed, but with diffusers you can use direct sunlight. Reflectors are great for bringing the light in by bouncing it towards your subject from elsewhere. Reflectors and diffusers can work for Flash, Constant, and natural lighting, or any combination of them all, but I used them most with Natural Light and In the “Lab”.
Then we have actual Off Camera Flash Units that fire with their own power and are usually triggered by the Camera Hot Shoe. This set-up allows you to use Manual Mode on the camera, and then use the flash units to light your seen. The flash transmitter and receiver are the communication link between the camera and flash units. The flash units can then be powered by AC cords and/or batteries for remote shooting. What I love about this solution is the fast flash recycle time, and ease of use. You can just fire away all day with AC power and with a good battery pack you can get 1000’s of flashes. I’ve used this set-up for On-Location Portrait and Wedding work in particular. I use it now for product photography mostly 😉
You may have heard of Pocket Wizards before? They are amongst the most popular wireless flash transmitter solutions out their and I know several Pro’s that use them.
Flash Photography Tutorial Using the Sony Nex-6 >>
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Sony HVL-F60M
Powerful, and designed for both still photographers and videographers, the HVL-F60M External Flash from Sony is loaded with advanced features and capabilities, including complete ADI / P-TTL functionality, the Quick Shift Bounce system, wireless TTL control with ratio, and LED light, and a Quick Navi system with a large dot matrix LCD. Primarily, this unit sits at the top of its respective range due to the excellent guide number of 197′ at ISO 100 and 105mm. Also, the zoom head has a range of 24-105mm with full-frame cameras, which can be expanded to 15mm with the built-in wide-angle panel.
Other advanced capabilities of this flash include the Quick Shift Bounce system, which enables pivoting of the head 90° left and right. This allows photographers to keep the flash and LCD properly oriented during vertical shooting. Aiding usage is the Quick Navi control interface which provides comprehensive information on settings and status as well as a click wheel for making fast, intuitive changes on the large dot matrix LCD.
Wireless TTL is available with the top-of-the-line HVL-F60M and includes ratio control in addition to the standard wireless controller and remote flash functions. Ratio control enables setting different outputs for three separate groups of flashes in relation to one another. Specifically for videographers, an LED light has been integrated into this model with an output of 1200 lux at 1.6′. Also, this light has a built-in diffusion panel for softer output and the flash comes with a tungsten color conversion filter for it.
Along with all of these advanced features, this flash has a variety of standard settings, such as slow, high-speed, first and second curtain sync modes as well as a stroboscopic flash setting. It runs on 4 AA batteries which provide a recycle time of 0.1 to 3.5 seconds. Additionally, it is packaged with a bounce adapter, a terminal protector cap, a mini-stand, and a carrying case.
This unit is compatible with Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe and is not natively compatible with the older Sony/Minolta Auto-Lock Accessory Shoe. Though, with the use of the included ADP-AMA Shoe Adapter, Sony cameras with the Auto-Lock Accessory Shoe can be adapted to use Multi Interface Shoe external flashes with full compatibility.
Price: ~$548 US
Compare Prices @ BHPhotoVideo | Amazon
Sony HVL-F45RM Wireless Radio Flash
Equipped with a built-in 2.4 GHz radio transceiver, the HVL-F45RM Wireless Radio Flash from Sony will help users quickly create portable lighting setups with complete support for P-TTL / ADI metering. This flash can be set as a commander or a remote that fully supports Sony’s existing radio commanders and receivers, including ratio control, the ability to work with up to 15 flashes in five groups, and access to 14 channels. The flash works within Sony’s optical wireless flash system as well, where it is also able to operate as either a commander or remote unit.
Improving upon the previous model, the HVL-F45RM reduces size and weight by over 10% while improving the guide number to 148′ at ISO 100 and 105mm and improving the recycle time to 2.5 seconds. Full bounce capabilities are available as well with tilt from -8 to 150° and a total of 360° of rotation. Also, it has a zoom head of 24-105mm which can be expanded to 15mm with a pull-out diffusion panel alongside an LED light useful for video. The flash offers vastly improved controls via the rear LCD, including customizable buttons and flash distribution and memory settings. Additionally, the flash has a dust- and moisture-resistant construction.
Sony HVL-F45RM for ~$398 US @ BHPhoto | Amazon
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Sony HVL-F43M External Flash
Expand your shooting possibilities with the advanced HVL-F43M External Flash from Sony which offers complete ADI / P-TTL support, Quick Shift Bounce technology, and wireless TTL ratio control. The flash offers a powerful guide number of 141′ at ISO 100 and 105mm as well as a zoom head with a range of 24-105mm on full-frame cameras. This coverage can be extended to 15mm with use of the built-in wide-angle diffusion panel. Also, the Quick Shift Bounce system is implemented in this model which enables 90° pivot both left and right for keeping the flash head and LCD panel properly oriented, even when shooting vertically. Tilt is possible as well with an excellent range from -8 to +150°.
Wireless TTL is possible as both a controller or as a remote flash and the HVL-F43M has the option for ratio control, allowing users to control the output levels of 3 different flash groups (A, B, C) in relation to one another. This unit also features an LED light with an output of 1200 lux at 1.6′, which makes this flash extremely useful to shooters constantly switching between stills and video. General shooting settings include slow, high-speed, first and second curtain sync as well as a recycle time of 0.1 to 5 seconds, depending on the power setting. Additionally, it runs on 4 AA batteries and comes with a terminal protector cap, mini-stand, and carrying case.
This unit is compatible with Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe and is not natively compatible with the older Sony/Minolta Auto-Lock Accessory Shoe. Though, with the use of ADP-AMA Shoe Adapter, Sony cameras with the Auto-Lock Accessory Shoe can be adapted to use Multi Interface Shoe external flashes with full compatibility.
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Sony HVL-F32M External Flash
Compact, yet packed of features, the HVL-F32M External Flash from Sony is well-suited for use on mirrorless cameras as well as smaller DSLRs, or for those who are simply looking for a lightweight on-camera lighting solution. The flash balances power and size with a respectable guide number of 105′ at ISO 100 and 105mm as well as an auto zoom range of 24-105mm on full-frame cameras, expandable to 15mm with the built-in wide-angle panel. Also, unit can tilt upward 90° as well as rotate 180° right and 90° left for bouncing light in horizontal and vertical shooting positions.
Another benefit of the flash is the ability to use it as either a wireless TTL controller or as a remote flash. This allows users to set up multiple flash units around their subject for more complex lighting setups. The HVL-F32M also has a comprehensive LCD panel on the back for viewing and changing settings as well as a charge progress indicator. Dust and water resistance is also a major feature of this unit along with high-speed, slow, first and second curtain synchronization settings. Additionally, it has a recycle time of 0.1 to 5 seconds and runs on 2 AA batteries. It comes with a terminal protector cap, mini-stand, and carrying case.
This unit is compatible with Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe and is not natively compatible with the older Sony/Minolta Auto-Lock Accessory Shoe. Though, with the use of ADP-AMA Shoe Adapter, Sony cameras with the Auto-Lock Accessory Shoe can be adapted to use Multi Interface Shoe external flashes with full compatibility.
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Sony HVL-F20M
With a notably slim, compact design and ADI / P-TTL support, the HVL-F20M External Flash from Sony is ideal for those looking to add a little fill light to their images or for use as a wireless TTL controller for off-camera flash units without adding too much weight to their gear bag. It offers a modest guide number of 66′ at ISO 100 and 50mm along with two coverage settings for 27mm or 50mm with full-frame sensors. Also, the unit can tilt the flashtube upward 75° for achieving softer, more diffuse bounce lighting.
For remote triggering of additional off-camera flash units, the HVL-F20M is able to work as a TTL controller. Also, it has slow, first and second curtain sync settings and will recycle in 0.1 to 5 seconds. Additionally, it runs on 2 AAA batteries and comes with a terminal protector cap and a carrying case.
This unit is compatible with Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe and is not natively compatible with the older Sony/Minolta Auto-Lock Accessory Shoe. Though, with the use of ADP-AMA Shoe Adapter, Sony cameras with the Auto-Lock Accessory Shoe can be adapted to use Multi Interface Shoe external flashes with full compatibility.
Sony HVL-F20M for ~$148 US @ BHPhoto | Amazon
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Sony HVL-F20S
Sony’s HVL-F20S External Flash for NEX Still Cameras is a lightweight, easy-to-use flash that has double the range of the NEX built-in flash. With Indoor/Outdoor settings and accurate, automatic TTL (Through The Lens) exposure when used with your a NEX camera, you can get soft bounce lighting indoors and accurate fill-flash outdoors. A built-in diffuser helps light wide-angle photos, and a Tele setting extends the flash range for subjects further away.
Key Features:
- Extended Flash Range
- Easy Intuitive Operation
- Shadowless Indirect Lighting
- Built-In Diffuser
- ADI Flash Metering System
Price: ~$149.99
Compare Prices @ BHPhoto (Click Here) Amazon (Click Here) Adorama (Click Here)
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Bower SFD296S Flash
The Bower SFD296S SFD296S Zoom Bounce Flash is for use with Sony Alpha DSLR and Minolta Maxxum cameras with automatic flash output control and a hot shoe. It has a Guide Number of 99′ (30 m) and is designed with an array of high-end features at an affordable price. Photographers can accomplish soft lighting, shadow fill, dramatic lighting or improve all-over flash image quality. It has a bounce and swivel head, a zoom head (manual), and it conveniently uses 4 AA Alkaline or NiMH batteries.
Price: ~$39.99
Compare Prices @ BHPhoto (Click Here) Amazon (Click Here) Adorama (Click Here)
Metz mecablitz 58 AF-2 TTL Shoe Mount Flash
The Metz mecablitz 58 AF-2 TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Sony Alpha DSLR is the premier Metz shoe mount flash designed to be compatible with all digital Sony Alpha SLR cameras. To better facilitate compatibility with current and future cameras, this flash features a built-in USB port that allows for future firmware updates via the internet. Advanced features include a secondary reflector with 3 light output ratios, built-in reflector card for soft light, a permanent “modeling” light for checking the photo, and a high quality metal base that allows quick and easy attachment to the camera.
Price: ~$399.99
Compare Prices @ BHPhoto (Click Here) Amazon (Click Here)
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You will need one of these if you want to use a None Son
y compatible Hot shoe product such as a Wireless Flash Transmitter for studio work.
Sony Multi-Interface Shoe Adapter
The Sony Auto-Lock Shoe Adapter adapts a Sony multi-interface-type hot shoe to accept Sony Alpha auto-lock-type accessories. This adapter expands accessory compatibility by allowing use of older Sony Alpha accessories such as viewfinders and flashes.
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Sony Auto-Lock Shoe Adapter
The Sony Auto-Lock Shoe Adapter adapts a Sony Alpha auto-lock-type hot shoe to accept multi-interface shoe-type accessories. This adapter expands accessory compatibility by allowing use of standard hot shoe flashes and accessories, as well as those specifically designed to make use of the multi-interface design.
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Vello Hot Shoe Adapter
Vello’s Hot Shoe Adapter – Converts Sony Hot Shoe to Standard Hot Shoe + PC Socket allows you to use standard hot shoe mount flashes (or other accessories) on a Sony or Minolta camera. Because Sony cameras have a proprietary hot shoe, standard hot shoe accessories can’t be used on them – until now. In addition, this adapter allows you to add a PC connection to any camera that does not come with a built-in PC sync connection, while still retaining the existing hot shoe functionality (manual mode only, non-TTL).
Price: $19.95
Compare Prices @ BHPhoto (Click Here) Amazon (Click Here)
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Sony FA-CS1M Off-Camera Shoe for External Flash with Multi-Interface Shoe
The black FA-CS1M Off-Camera Shoe from Sony attaches to an external flash equipped with the multi-interface shoe, and connects it to Sony’s wired off-camera eTTL flash control system introduced by Minolta. This wired system provides off-camera eTTL exposure control of flash units in cases where the wireless system can’t be used. The FA-CS1M gives you the 4-pin port that accepts the system’s wired connector. Any external flash with the multi-interface shoe that doesn’t already have this 4-pin port is compatible. The required 4-pin connector cables FA-CC1AM, FA-CS1AM and FA-EC1AM are available separately.
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Sony FA-EC1AM Extension Cable for Flash Accessories
The Sony FA-EC1AM Extension Cable extends the reach of the FA-CC1AM off-camera flash cable, extending its length to 4.9′. The Sony accessories cost more than the aftermarket competition, but you can be assured the quality is on average noticeable better!
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Here’s a few Off Camera Flash Solutions that are great if your just starting out with Off Camera Flash Photography. Once you get the hang of it you can invest boat loads of money into Flash Heads, Light Stands, Booms, Soft Boxes, and on and on. Tons of Manufactures are out their making quality equipment. I do recommend going the cheaper route first however, as learning off camera flash photography can be quite challenging and time consuming. One light is the way to go until you master it, then try two lights etc..
Impact One Monolight Kit (120VAC)
The Impact One Monolight Kit (120VAC) is an economical 100 watt/second monolight with modeling light and power adjustment. This kit includes a softbox with mounting ring, to soften the light output. A 32″ convertible umbrella is also included to offer a crisper bounce or shoot-through option. The air cushioned light stand supports it all up to a height of 8 feet. Perfect for the beginner looking to try out some off camera flash photography, but not ready to invest big just yet 😉
Price: ~$118.95
Compare Prices @ BHPhoto (Click Here) Amazon (Click Here) Adorama (Click Here)
Impact Two Monolight Kit with Bag
The Impact Two Monolight Kit with Bag (120VAC) is an economical 100W/s monolight with modeling light and power adjustment. This kit includes two monolights, two softboxes with silver interiors and mounting rings to soften the light output, two 8′ air-cushioned light stands, and a light kit bag for storage and transport. Perfect for the photographer on a budget!!
Price: ~$234.95
Compare Prices @ BHPhoto (Click Here) Amazon (Click Here) Adorama (Click Here)
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AlienBees™ B800 Flash Unit
This is what I personally own, and they have worked flawlessly for my needs since day one!
The AlienBees™ B800 is a powerful, self-contained studio flash unit with adjustable output from full power (320 Ws) down to 1/32nd of the total power (10 Ws). This flashpower is adjusted on the back control panel with a slide fader, capable of adjusting in whole f-stop increments and everywhere in between. When adjusted from a higher to a lower setting, the unit will automatically dump the excess power for accurate output. With precision voltage regulated circuits supplying consistent output, the B800 boasts true “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” modeling lamp accuracy. The modeling lamp can be set to full brightness, turned completely off, or set to track the power changes. Furthermore, the standard 150 Watt modeling lamp may be used as a recycle indicator, turning itself off when the unit is recycling, and coming back on to let you know when the unit is fully recycled and you are ready to shoot again. Ready for heavy-duty, all-day shooting, the AlienBees™ have built-in cooling fans to keep up with their fast recycle. The B800 arrives with a sync cord allowing you to connect your camera to the unit to trigger the flash. The unit additionally has a built-in slave tripper to allow wireless firing. The unit has standard 120 VAC (50-60 Hz) power requirements and arrives with our 15-foot power cord to connect to a standard, grounded outlet for power. Both versatile and indestructible, the AlienBees™ units are housed in high-impact Lexan polycarbonate (the same material used for bullet-proof glass), keeping them lightweight and ready to travel.
Price: $279.95 @ Paul C. Buff.com (Click Here)
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Dynalite MK8-1222 RoadMax 800W/s 2 Head Kit
This Dynalite MK8-1222 RoadMax 800W/s 2 Head Kit is powerful and versatile enough to handle a wide variety of on-the-run assignments like fashion, corporate work, portraiture, weddings and interiors. The MP800 pack has 4 head outlets and breaks down its output symmetrically or asymmetrically over a 6 stop range with short flash durations at a super fast 1.2 seconds recycling time at full power. A variator knob allows fine tuned exposure adjustments over 2 stops in 2/10 stop increments. Triggering options include sync cord (provided), IR or optical slave as well as a built in PocketWizard 32 Channel Transceiver.
The included MH2050 flash heads have a 250W modeling light, user replaceable 2000W/s capacity flash tube and an ideal color temperature of 5400K. Fan-cooling means that you’ll get extended life out of both the flash tube and modeling lamp. The detachable 18′ power cable insures that the heads have the smallest possible profile for packing and transporting. The kit’s stands and umbrellas employ a unique design that lets them fold in upon themselves to fit in the sturdy Cordura case.
Although you may be tired at the end of a long shooting day, it won’t be because of your equipment. The MP800 pack weighs a mere 5.3 lb, the MH2050 head less than 2 lb and the entire kit approximately 23 lb.
MP800 RoadMax Power Pack:-
- Fires from your PocketWizard radio slave transmitter, the included sync cord, or from the built-in optical slave (from other flashes).
- Varies only ~0.1 stop from shot to shot
- Color temperature varies ±80°K over the exposure range – not visible to the human eye
- Compact and lightweight
- Very precise power controls provide 6 stop power range
- Fast – Recycles in 1.2 seconds @ full power
- When used with the power control switches, up to 18 different settings with a single flash head are possible.
- Switchable acoustic signal “beeps” when unit is fully recycled
MH2050 Roadmax Flash Heads:-
- Fan cooling of the lamp head allows for increased protection under the most demanding of circumstances
- Bright 250W quartz halogen for easy positioning and focusing.
- Continuous tilting for stand or suspension mounting
- No tools are required to replace the “plug & play” flashtube assemblies
- The reflectors are built-in – each head can be outfitted with optional parabolic reflectors, barn doors, and grid spot holders for greater light control.
Also Included in the kit:
- Umbrellas – 40″ white umbrellas have black backing to prevent stray light and fold down to only 20″
- Sync Cord – Monoplug to PC 16′ (5 m) is included
- Kit Case – Soft padded case, with movable dividers
Price: ~$1879.00
Compare Prices @ BHPhoto (Click Here) Amazon (Click Here) Adorama (Click Here)
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Lots of options for video lighting and here are a few units that should point you in the right direction for your needs depending on what your looking to do.
Sony LED Battery Video Light- HVL-LBPC
The HVL-LBPC LED Battery Video Light from Sony is designed to provide a high intensity light with an extended life and low power consumption for your video camcorder. The light provides an optimum spread for wide-angle shooting and illuminates with uniform intensity across the field of view. The color temperature can be varied from 3.2 to 5.6k, and the attached diffuser allows for shadow softening and contrast reduction. A Sony BP series or L series battery can be used as a power source for the light.
- 1,800 lux at 1m and 2,100 lux at 1m with light booster mode
- Stand-by power consumption is less than 0.1W
- Attached diffuser allows for softening shadows and reducing contrast
- Multi-interface shoe for on/off control from the camcorder
- Extended life of 10,000 hours
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Vidpro Professional Photo & Video LED Light Kit
The Vidpro Professional Photo & Video LED Light Kit provides required illumination for your video footage in any location. It includes a 96 LED Video Light, Adjustable Hot-Shoe / Tripod Mount, 3200K Tungsten Filter, 4200K Soft Diffuser, Li-ion Rechargeable Battery, European Adaptor, Battery Charger (110V-240V), Vertical Interlock Accessory, and a Foam Padded Hard Carry Case.
With 96 high intensity LEDs, the video light can offer bright illumination by producing a powerful light beam. Using the adjustable stepless dimmer, you can control the brightness in the range of 0-100%. You can select different color temperatures (5600-4200K-3200K) using filters. Featured magnetic mounting system allows quick and secure filter/diffuser usage. Incorporating interlocking housing design, the video light supports creation of stackable multi-unit LED array. The video light supports HD Wide Angle (16:9) and Standard (4:3) signal formats. You can power the video light using 5 AA batteries, 7.2V Li-ion battery (Sony L Series), or an AC power supply.
Price: ~$169
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Chimera Video Pro Plus 1 Triolet Kit
The Chimera Video Pro Plus 1 Triolet Kit is a combination of several products–for much less than if you bought everything a la carte.
A small Video Pro Plus 1 softbox (with speed ring) and the Triolet continuous light fixture (with a 500W bulb) form the core of this kit. The softbox is designed for use with a hot light but can be used with flash as well. With a silver interior intended for the heat of a continuous light, the Small Video Pro Plus 1 is ideal for work in small spaces when medium soft light is required.
The 24 x 32″ size is lightweight and portable. The “Plus 1” designation means the front face of the softbox is removable–Chimera makes different strengths of diffusion material for front face applications. The softbox comes with a one-stop diffuser, (hence the “1” designation). Purchasing the 1/2 and 1/4 grid cloths separately would allow for more light transmission and less softening of the light. A fabric eggcrate light modifier that attaches to the front of the softbox, directing 
and narrowing the beam (to 40°) for more control, is also included.
This fixture is equipped for 120V AC operation. It will also function with 220-240V AC with the appropriate bulb and plug adapter, available separately.
Key Features:
- Triolet Fixture, 500W Bulb
- Integral Mounting Ring
- 24×32″ Video Plus 1 Softbox
- 120V Bulb
Price: ~620.00
Compare Prices @ BHPhoto (Click Here) Amazon (Click Here) Adorama (Click Here)
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Reflectors, diffusers and more will be covered here…
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