It's Been a While Since I Bought a New Flash
And I really like this one!
I’m not a wedding photographer, but I’ll be playing one in April.
It happens to all of us at one time or another, usually for a family member or close friend. I’m OK with it, but there were some real gaps in my gear since this isn’t my normal gig.
I want to use my Nikon Zf, because, well, I really like it, and I think it is perfect for weddings. But I’ve only had it for a year and haven’t invested in a flash for it yet. That all changed last week.
Since this isn’t an accessory I’ll be regularly using, I didn’t want to spend too much money. But, it has to be competent enough to help me capture a day-to-night event for the bride and groom.
After some research, I found a great deal on Amazon, the NEEWER Z1-N TTL Round Head Flash Speedlite for Nikon with Magnetic Dome Diffuser for $169 with an instant $30 coupon - total price, $139. Based on its specs and good reviews, I considered that a bargain.
The were a number of features that I wanted - fast recycling time, bounce and swivel head, iTTL for the Zf, easy to use controls, modeling light, and durable construction. The Z1-N checked all of those boxes. So I ordered it.
A couple days later, I had the box open, the Lithium battery inserted, and the flash mounted on the Zf. I really liked the magnetic dome diffuser that was included, so I attached it and started taking pictures around the studio.
I figured the best way to start is auto everything - programmed exposure on the Zf and iTTL for the Z1. Everything looked great! An aspect of the dome diffuser that I appreciate is that it adds some punch to bounce flash (which I really like and use as often as possible.) The dome directs a fair amount of light forward, even though the head is pointed up toward the ceiling.
As you can see in the picture, the softening effect of the bounce flash is evident, but there’s also a good amount of front lighting on the black jacket, table, desk lamp, and camera bag.
I also tested direct light (for those times when I’ll have no other choice), and the exposures were good, albeit more contrasty. The recycle times were excellent.
The Zf and the Z1 worked together seamlessly.
In addition to program mode, I used auto-ISO so the camera and flash could manage output and keep recycling times fast. The above shot, for example, is at ISO 1400, 1/15th, at f/5. Currently, I have the minium shutter speed set to 1/15th. For the wedding I will up that to 1/30th or 1/60th depending on subject movement.
Reading the reviews, most users really like the Neewer Z1, but didn’t like having to shell out $50 for a second lithium battery (the flash ships with only one). I get it. I had to buy a second battery for the flash and a third battery for the Zf. Even with the excellent capacity of those cells, there’s now way I’m going to take a chance on running out of juice during the reception. I consider the cost for extra cells the price for peace of mind.
I’ll continue to test the Zf and Z1 leading up to the wedding, making sure I try portraits with the tandem as well. But I have to say, after one week of use, I’m really impressed with how easy and efficiently the two work together.
I’ll let you know how the wedding goes.
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