reliable

lack of features

very basic flash just does the job. ok for modifying to use a remote flash. for the price obviously better then built in flash.

Similar Products Used:

vivtar 283

Cheap Easy to use

Manual is not well written. On/off button is too easy to switch accidentally and leave on.

It's been a few years since the other reviews were written so perhaps things have changed. There is no test button on my Vivitar 728Z and the zoom starts at 28mm which it seems the original ones didn't. Mine works fine although it is a very basic flash. Still - it's better than the built in flash and you can use the bounce feature.

Customer Service

N/A

None

Doesn't work

Just bought this flash brand new (Canon version) and filled it with new batteries and turned it on. Then waited for the ready light to turn on...and waited...and waited. After ten minutes I could still hear a whine and felt the flash getting very warm, but nothing else. The test button did not work. Tried to see if maybe I could get it to fire by connecting it to my Elan7. Still no luck. Checked multiple times to see if the four AA batteries were in properly. Useless. What I deserve, I suppose for being a bargain hunter. STAY AWAY from this piece of junk.

no

IT Burns,

I just bougt one, here at El Salvador (That is the reason for the price), It did not work, the store change it, and this time worked at the store but after 30 minutes of working the flash went dead and stardet to smell really bad. I like to know if some one else have the same trouble. my camera is a EOS Rebel and a canon flash that works fine.

Customer Service

Exellent

Similar Products Used:

None

light weighted
recycle time
easy to use
zoom head
slow syn.
cheap

not that powerful
zoom head doesn't cover 28-35mm

this is kinda leave it on, and forget about it flash, unless you want to do it manually. It is fully compatible with my Nikon N5005, I use it mainly for indoor bounce and out door fill flash, great to have it for second flash unit, since the guide number is only 92. You can get a used one on E-bay for around $15. I don't know why the list price on Vivitar.com is $169, must be a mistake?! I don't recommand it for serious photographers, but for point and shoot, with these money, you'll get all you want.

Customer Service

not yet needed

Similar Products Used:

Nikon SB-15, 20

Lightweight
It Works
Simplicity

Guide Number

Its a good reliable little flash unit. Auto zoom would have been nice, but not for this price. I just stick it on my eos 600 and use it very simple.

Similar Products Used:

None