Flashguns are often an accessory overlooked & under-estimated by most amateur-semi-amateur photographers. Sure, if not used properly they have a tendency to make your photos look amateurish but that doesn’t mean one should not use them at all. Learning how to use flash, is an important step in becoming a better photographer. To start with, if you’ve a look around in the flashgun arena most of them do not come cheap. This leaves one disappointed but you shouldn’t as there are alternatives. Off-course, the flashgun by your camera manufacturer will be the best match on your camera but if you’re learning, its better you start off with a cheaper alternative & then later on get your dream flashgun. One such option is the Simpex 522 Thinklite Speedlite. Let me take you through a review of this budget flashgun.
Technical Specifications:
# Universal hotshoe flash(Will work with any camera having a standard hotshoe)
# Inbuilt wide angle diffuser & bounce card
# Guide Number : 33 at ISO 100
# Vertical Rotation Angle : 0~90 degrees
# Horizontal Rotation Angle : 0~270 degrees
# Recycle Time : 0.1~5 secs
# Light Control : In 1/8th stop increment from 1/1 – 1/128
# Flash Mode : Manual, Slave 1 & Slave 2
Out-of-Box:
The flashgun despite being available only for INR Rs.2000($37.91) surprised me with the stuff it came packed with. To begin, the packaging box itself is sturdy & within I found another reinforced interior of cardboard along-with a packet of silica gel. Very neat. Apart from the flashgun, the box holds a user manual, a flash-stand & a sync cord. The icing on the cake being, the flashgun being secured safely under a velvety pouch. I’m impressed. Could not ask for more at this price point.
Build Quality:
The flashgun feels solid in hand. I’m sure it can take some beatings & come out unscathed. The buttons on the back feel plasticky & the power switch feels feeble. However, the tilt & swivel mechanism provides good feedback & locks firmly at the desired angles. The hotshoe is metal & not plastic another plus for sure. My only serious gripe with the construction is the battery compartment door. It feels very flimsy. I have doubts whether it can stand the test of time. To sum up, the build quality is more than average. Off-course, it is not weather sealed but that was expected considering the price. At its price, it is one compact & solid built flashgun.
Performance:
The Simpex Speedlight 522 is rated at GN 33 at ISO 100. Pretty decent as most users on today’s DSLR cameras won’t bother & simply raise the ISO. Begin a complete manual flashgun, it offers changing the power output in 1/8th increment from 1/1 – 1/128th increments. All this made available with a very idiot proof controls on the back of the flashgun.(Okay, the back design looks cheap with all those LED’s & label spelling mistakes but who cares at this price point).
As per my real life usage conditions, the flash performed as per its specifications. The finer control over the power allowed me to use it as fill even when standing in close quarter to my subject. At maximum power, it provides decent illumination but you might need to raise your ISO on camera on a regular basis if you need to work from a distance.
The flash offers, three modes – Manual, Slave 1 & Slave 2. In manual mode, the flash can be used on camera. The Slave 1 mode can be used in an environment with other manual flashguns. The Slave 2 should be used when you’re working with an environment having TTL flashguns. This mode prevents the flash from going off prematurely when the TTL flashgun fires its pre-flash. In my testing, the flash was not able to detect the TTL preflash & kept strobing in sync with the preflashes. So the Slave 2 mode is pointless. Further, the flash when in Slave 1 or Slave 2 mode cannot be triggered when mounted on camera. This takes a bit of getting used to.
The optical slave is accurate & it did not misfire once indoors. Outdoors under bright sun & even under shade, it simply refused to fire. This has been a known occurrence with the optical slave units in the flashguns so I cannot blame Simpex for this. This single(inbuilt optical slave unit) killer feature makes this flashgun a must have in my opinion.
The Simpex Speedlight 522 flashgun even comes with a pull out bounce card & a wide-angle diffuser. Both of them are quite useful however the bounce card has a tendency to creep into the flash head & it can get frustrating to pull it out. If it goes way in, you will need to open the flash-head with a screwdriver to pull it out, so use it with caution.
To add to its plethora of features, the flashgun even offers triggering via pc port which is very convenient than other non-universal ports. For power, one can even(apart from the standard 4 AA batteries) hook this with an AC adapter for faster recycle times. However, recycling times isn’t a issue as this flashgun is ready to go the moment you turn it on. Even on full power, the recycle time is just 3 seconds when used with Sanyo Eneloop 2400mah 1.2V Ni-Mh AA batteries. The recycling is completely silent & there are no beeps when the flash is charged at its desired capacity. In low power, one doesn’t even needs to wait & can keep on firing shots as the flashgun breaks no sweat at all. However, on full & half power, one cannot flash above 20 flashes as the internal flash temperature rises & in order to prevent damage the circuit is switched off. The flash will return to normal when cooled. The user manual describes the number of times one can use the flash at different settings. If you don’t use flash repeatedly at its full power then you need not bother about this.
The flashgun performed to my expectations however I noticed it had a tendency to throw cooler light at times. I did not encountered this behaviour all the times but it is indeed inconsistent when it comes to flash colour temperature.
Conclusion:
The Simpex Speedlight 522 flashgun performance surprised me a bit. I did not expected a budget flashgun to provide more than average performance but this succeed in doing so. The features Simpex has managed to put into this flashgun are commendable & are not to be found in any other flashguns at this price point. Sure its not perfect however one can overlook the issue of the feeble build quality of buttons & battery compartments at this price-point. The flash colour temperature issue might not hold true for every unit, if it does then Simpex should have a look into it. Further, they need to work on the Slave 2 mode which as of now is useless. Overall, I have no hesitation to recommend this flash for users who are willing to take their first foray into Flash Photography. It is a tiny dynamite. For seasoned users, this can serve as a decent recruitment in their multi-flash setup or even function decently as a backup flash. In case it dies on you, it won’t hurt much considering its cost. Add this to your camera bag.
P.S : The same flashgun is marketed with different names by different brands viz. Proplus TT 900, Godox TT520, Digitek DFL-001 & more. They are all the same when it comes to looks & performance. However there is variation in price by a few hundred rupees across different brands & even when it comes to warranty. While some offer no warranty, some come with a period of six months.
A post in JJMehta’s forum got me here and I am happy it did.
Can you help me understand how can we use this Flash, kept in S1 mode. I am using a Canon 1100D and can I trigger this flash with my built in flash or how it works.
How can I operate it in off camera mode?
I am a beginner at this beautiful art of photography.
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Keeping the flash in S1 mode, it(Simpex 522 Speedlite) will trigger everytime you fire your camera’s inbuilt flash.
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Your camera does not have master flash. It comes from 60D or may be in 600D. So you need to by an additional accessory which can control your external flash. It costs around 2-3K.
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Hi. After reading your review, I bought this flash, and I must say I am impressed. At 2200 bucks, one can’t even dream of getting a flash and I was very surprised when I used it. One side note though- I think your flash unit is a bit defective. My unit kept firing on the on camera hot shoe even in S1 and S2 and it was working properly in S2(Didn’t fire on the preflash). But anyway, thanks a lot. Can you write a post regarding the correct way to use manual flash? It will be very helpful. Thank you.
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Glad this post benefitted you. I’ll surely make a post on using manual flashes. However, let me know your particular query if you’ve so if it is brief, I can answer it here itself.
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Thanks for your quick reply. What I am doing right now is to take a picture with the flash in medium power and after checking the shot, I increase/ decrease the flash power to get desired results. Is this the correct way or there is a better way to use manual flashes?
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hello there
i recently got into nightclub photography and had a really hard time with this flash as it doesn’t come with an AF assist beam which is a real problem in my situation as everything is dark in clubs
so is there a way to make it work and if not then what would be the cheapest and best option for me to go for
eagerly waiting for your reply
thanks 🙂
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If you are using this flash with a Nikon camera, the AF-assist should be turned on over your camera so it helps to lock onto focus in low light. Manual flashguns don’t offer an AF assist. You would be served well by a TTL flashgun from Yongnuo. Though you won’t get warranty here in India but they last well under proper usage. I recommend Yongnuo YN-600EXRT for Canon : https://shuttertux.wordpress.com/2016/08/01/yongnuo600exrt-review/
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It depends on whether the flash is your only source of lighting or you’re mixing it with ambient lighting. If mixing, then you need flash at very low settings to fill in the shadows. However if the flash is only illumination, then most of the times you’ll need to crank it up at full or a notch below full to light the scene. You’re on right track. I’ll make sure to write a good detailed post on this in future.
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Can i use this with Nikon D3100
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Yes, you can.
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Hi, thanks for the review i am also planning to buy this flash( for a rebel xs/1000d) and since i want to take low key photos i will need a wireless trigger(if i am right), can you suggest me some?
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You can use your inbuilt camera flash to trigger the simpex 522 speedlite however a wireless trigger will give you better flexibility.
I would suggest Yongnuo RF-603C or the Cactus V4. Cheaper options exists in form of Simpex, Hako etc but do note that they are not reliable as the Yonguo or Cactus trigger’s.
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how this one on ebay?
http://www.ebay.in/itm/Pico-3in1-remote-control-Receiver-RMR-trigger-STUDIO-STROBE-SPEEDLITE-SLR-/230900097566?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_203&hash=item35c2b7e21e#ht_783wt_1139
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Better spend a few more bucks & settle for the Yongnuo RF-603C itself. As I said earlier, these cheap triggers are unreliable.
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Without a trigger when the inbuilt master flash fires then that light is optically sensed by the Simpex speedlite and it fires instantly (in S1 and S2 mode – wireless) . In this case the result is not good when the light from both the flashes coincide. it looks even more dark than the inbuilt-flash used pictures.
For Canon 600D max. shutter speed for flash is 1/200, so the Simpex also flres at that speed.
When the Simpex speedlite is mounted on camera then it becomes the master flash (i.e. M mode). Then i can go till Max. shutter speed of canon 600D (1/4000s) in Tv-Shutter priority mode.
>>> N.B. : till max. 1/320s shutter speed I get the full screen image in dark room, but from 1/400s or at higher shutter speed it becomes partially black*. From shutter speed like 1/1000 to 1/4000 it becomes completely dark. * Irrespective to the flash power/intensity. Subject-Flash distance is 4-10feet, Apertute 4-6.3f.
Is this happens for any other manual speedlite like Digitek / JJC / Soniya etc.
Now, If i use it on a receiver trigger wirelessly (while the on camera main trigger has no flash mounted on it ) then also it acts as Master flash. Correct ? So, I can use the max. shutter speed this way even, right? My question is, will i get better result at higher shutter speed of 1/400s or more in dark room now?
To get a full screen image in dark room at higher shutter speed of 1/400 to 1/4000 can i use any other Brand’s manual flash or do i need a TTL Flash for this?
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If you trigger this using wireless triggers, you still cannot surpass the camera’s sync speed, in your case 1/200th. It will go slight above that for sure, maybe till 1/320th on your camera before the frame gets black.
For the first scenario, I recommend blocking the inbuilt flash with a visiting card so it doesn’t falls over the subject but falls just enough on the optical slave to trigger the flash.
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If you trigger this using wireless triggers, you still cannot surpass the camera’s sync speed, in your case 1/200th. It will go slight above that for sure, maybe till 1/320th on your camera before the frame gets black.
For the first scenario, I recommend blocking the inbuilt flash with a visiting card so it doesn’t falls over the subject but falls just enough on the optical slave to trigger the flash.
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If you trigger this using wireless triggers, you still cannot surpass the camera’s sync speed, in your case 1/200th. It will go slight above that for sure, maybe till 1/320th on your camera before the frame gets black.
For the first scenario, I recommend blocking the inbuilt flash with a visiting card so it doesn’t falls over the subject but falls just enough on the optical slave to trigger the flash.
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hi i had canon700d and i want buy flash my budget is 2to3k
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You can go with a manual flash. Get one from Digitek. They offer similar features to the one I reviewed. You Should even get some more features like zoom head in your budget.
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Can a trigger be used to fire the Simpex 522 flash in S1 mode,please reply.I use Canon 550 D DSLR camera.Thankx
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To use this flash mounted on a trigger, you’ll need to put the flash in MANUAL(M) mode to fire when mounted over trigger. It won’t fire off the trigger when in S1 or S2 mode.
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Thanks for the review. I hope i will buy it next week. Does this one has a zoom head? will zoom head be a good thing to have , i mean is it useful? is there any other model above this one which has zoom head as well? i heard about simpex 666. Wireless triggers will be costly and my budget is very low. Is S1 and M modes are similar except that in S1 mode i can trigger it through built-in flash on my camera? I’m new into flash photography. I also want to confirm whether it will work with my Nikon d3100 without frying up the electronics of the camera?
Sorry for so many questions. But i guess you’re only person online who can answer the questions abt this flash. I hope you don’t mind.
Thanks & Regards
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And Btw I love the look and feel of this blog. 🙂
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1) This flash does not comes with a zoom head. Having a zoom head is nice but you can remedy it by using some DIY snoots. Will be putting up some DIY snoot examples soon here. There are no other models which offer zoom head. The simpex 666 neither has one.
2) in ‘M’ mode, the flash can only be used on your camera. In ‘S1’ mode you can fire this flash using your camera’s popup flash. However I recommend you check firing the flash before buying in store itself. The ‘S2’ mode is recommended when firing this speedlite with popup flash to detect & prevent it from firing on preflash from inbuilt camera’s flash.
3) It will work fine with your Nikon D3100. It is safe to use on-camera hotshoe.
Thanks for the appreciation. 🙂
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You’re welcome and Thanks for reply 🙂
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Thanks man you are great 🙂 i like your blog
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Thank you for the praise 🙂
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great, i bought 2 unit of this flashes for using them as slave, and i bought simpex 886 TTL flash unit as well, I am really impressed with their build quality. let me know you that I paid 1750 INR for each SIMPEX 522, and just 4,400INR for SIMPEX 886, and I am pleased with all these units. so 7,900 INR for all these flash units, that is awesome offer 🙂 BTW, i am from amritsar, but I bought these units from chandani chowk delhi. hope this will help to new buyers 🙂
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That’s a really good buy, Prabhjeet. Happy to know. 🙂
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Bought @ 1800/- without bill from Kolkata grey market in Aug.2014
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Its sheer luck that i came across this blog!! I bought two pcs Simpex 886 speedlites yesterday. I would like to use them as optical slaves by triggering thru my Nikon SB 600 as commander, mounted on my Nikon D 90,(although i know that SB 600 cant be triggered as commander in Nikon CLS system). Is there any possibility that i could get TTL output from the slaves? If yes, how? Another way around, (if really the SB 600 cant be used as commander in this set-up),would be using a Simpex 886 as a commander and trigger the Nikon SB 600 and another Simpex 886 as optical slaves, with TTL output. Is such a workaround possible? I need to know if somebody could shed some insight into this issue. Any help would be highly appreciated. Regards.
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Just to add a note that, both the speedlites bought, the Simpex 886, are Nikon-dedicated and have two wireless trigger modes. (Mode CELL 1/ CELL 2). In the manual, it suggests the use of NaviTM Roller, which, honestly i have no idea about.
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Hi Amitava, nice to have you here.
You can wirelessly trigger the SB-600 in TTL mode from your D90 set as commander. Follow this post : http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/lighting/64792-wireless-syncing-nikon-d90-sb-600-speedlight.html#post550895
Full Thread : http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/lighting/64792-wireless-syncing-nikon-d90-sb-600-speedlight.html
But its not possible to wirelessly trigger the two Simpex’s 886 in TTL mode. They will work only in MANUAL mode off-camera. If you need the TTL, you’ll require wireless triggers which support TTL transfer like the Pocket Wizards, Radio Poppers etc.
The reverse is not either possible.
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Hello, I got the Simpex 522 yesterday for my Nikon D7000. It is awesome when using on on-camera hotshoe. But when I am using it off camera using the in-built flash as a commander it is not syncing. I put the in-built flash on “–” mode and can see the 522 in S1 or S2 mode firing, but there is no synchronization even at 1/10 th second shutter, and photos are dark. Can you please tell what is the problem and what I have to do. Is any wireless trigger needed?
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The Simpex 522 won’t work with Nikon CLS system. However you can trigger it by keeping the Simpex 522 in S1/S2 mode & firing your popup flash in manual mode at a low power so it does not affaects the exposure. Make sure the front sensor on the Simpex 522 is able to see your firing inbuilt flash.
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Thanks Gaurav for your instant reply. Fortunately I just found out that in S1 it is syncing but only in 1/128, 1/64, 1/32 and 1/16 power in wireless slave mode. In higher powers it is not syncing. So please give suggestion to make it work on higher powers. Thanks…..
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No idea why the sync should not work with other powers. Try keeping the inbuilt flash in TTL mode(default mode) & use Flash Exposure Compensation of -1 or -2. Also note, the optical slave on simpex 522 won’t work in bright outdoor light. Its a limitation of optical slave system.
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is your flash worked in bright light. how it work. let me know.
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The slave function doesn not works in bright light. You can try shielding the sensor in front but still its a task to get the flashgun to fire reliably in bright light.
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Nice review 🙂 keep up the great work
btw can i know which flash trigger will work with this and where can i get it in Mumbai ?
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Thank you. This flash will work with any of the flash triggers & you can purchase this from Gola Lane at CST, Mumbai. Its a two minute walk from the station. 🙂
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Hey i got this flash bt slave nt working on my canon 550d
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As victor banerjee pointed out, the 550D does not have a inbuilt master trigger. You can try firing the inbuilt flash(550D) in manual mode & keeping the flash in S1 or S2 mode.
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Buy a pocket wizard plus flash trigger. They are very reliable and precise.
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Will this flash work wirelessly with canon 600D nd may i see some of the pictures clicked using this
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It will when kept in slave mode(S1/S2) with the help of inbuilt flash. You can find pictures shot using this flash online with a quick search on Flickr & other photo sharing sites.
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I tried triggering it with on S1 mode with a camera flash (Samsung S3). It does not fire. Anything we can do to use this flash as a slave while using a mobile?
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I’ve not tried it with a mobile but it should work. Was it outdoors you were trying to trigger? Outdoors in bright sunlight, the slave on the flash won’t work. See if you can get it working in S2 mode.
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I tried both. It was indoors where dim bulb light was there. It triggered well with my Nikon D5000. But S3, I brough it closer, right in front of the flash sensor. It wouldn’t fire. Probably some change of light spectrum? I don’t know!
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Problem is the S3 is with my son in Bangalore and I am in Mangalore. Will make more experiments when we meet or when I buy a S3 myself.
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The slave flash(speedlight) doesn’t fires from flash from mobile phones. It’s not just the S3 but even the iphone 4S can’t trigger one. If you do succeed in finding the solution, do let me know.
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Nice and informative…I have a Simpex 886 and cant connect it wirelessly….the manual asks me go to MA mode and CELL and select 1 or 2..i do all that and when i check on my Canon 60D under the ext. flash settings it says not compatible flash or the power is turned off…when i used this for the first time (AND THE ONLY TIME) it was working perfectly with the same camera and same settings…can you advise the settings on the camera and the flash? It will be of great help as i am totally unaware about FLASHES…
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The external flash settings found in Canon camera’s is compatible only with Canon’s own speedlight series. The menu should not show up if you connect third party flash. Try keeping the Simpex 886 in Cell 2 mode & keep the inbuilt flash to remote trigger function. You can set this unde inbuilt flash settings. Now the Simpex should work offcamera trigerred via the popup flash of the camera.
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I have d5000 and plan to own a external flash, with a budget of Rs 4500, what can you recommend me. I am fm Bangalore.
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Hi nikkiben,
Check out Simpex 999(Manual) & Simpex 886(TTL). Both should work perfectly with your camera. Make sure you get the Nikon version if you’re going with the Simpex 886.
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Thanks Gaurav,
Would you also be aware of the online site selling this item or any stores in Bangalore selling this product and the price.
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Online you can have a look over Smart Shoppers : http://www.smartshoppers.in/
For stores in Bangalore, I recommend RK Photo Guide : http://www.rkphotoguide.com/Contact_Us.html
&
GK Vale Cameras : http://gkvalecameras.com/index.php?controller=contact
The Simpex 999 should come cheap being a manual flash & you can perhaps get two of them within Rs.5000. Whereas the Simpex 886 is TTL flash & it should come just around Rs.5000. Going manual or TTL depends entriely upon you. TTL is convenience but MANUAL will teach you the lighting basics. You can’t go wrong with any of them. 🙂
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Can i use this with fujifilm X-s1
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Should work as the Fujifilm X-S1 has a standard hotshoe. Try before you get though.
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alredy i will try result is very good
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I am at chennai. Where this flash spares (hot shoes) shops.
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Contact Sheetala Camera – First Floor,F-46,Spencer Plaza Phase II, 769, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002, Mt Rd, Thousand Lights, Chennai, TN 600002.
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GauravPrabhu, impressed with the comments and help you’ve been offering to everyone.
I own a Canon 60D and would like to purchase an external flash. Where’s the best and most economic place in Mumbai I can pick one from?
Which one do you suggest?
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I recommend “Angel Photos” & “Lalit Photo” in Gola Lane neart CST station. Both offer good products at reasonable prices.
For flash recommendations, it depends on your budget. Let me know the same.
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Hi there! what is your opinion on simpex VT531 which is retailing at angel photos for Rs. 1800. Is there a way to fire it off-camera on a canon 550d without a wireless flash trigger. thanks.
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It seems similar to Simpex 522 with the additional of zoom head function. It will work with your 550D in the S1/S2 mode. I haven’t tried it out, so you need to try which mode it works well for you. Fire your inbuilt flash with a negative flash exposure compensation(so the light from inbuilt flash does not affects the exposure) so the slave on the flashgun will fire the flash & give you the deserved effect.
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thank you for the simple explanation!
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Hi, I have canon 650d. I generally shoot indoor – inside house or in big party halls(birthdays etc) under lights. The built in flash is not enough in the big party halls even for group photos. The Simpes 522 has Guide Number : 33, will it be sufficient enough to cover the average to bit bigger party halls? what about simpex 999 and Simpex vt531? please suggest me a powerful budget flash…
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The 650D is a fairly good camera & can manage good photographs easily even at ISO 800. Coupled this with Simpex 522, you’ll have ample power. Go for it.
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Thank you very much for your time! I just want to know the reason behind your suggestion for 522 and why not 999? what is the difference between simpex 999, vt531 and 522?
Another worry is that one of local photographers out here warned me on using simpex flash. He said it will spoil the camera. Please throw some light on these two points so I can take decision on whether to buy this or stick to costly canon flash Thanks!
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The three simpex model are almost similar, the Simpex 999 is physically bigger than 522 & has a zoom head. I guess it has a bit more power than the 522 but not tested. I’ve been using the 522 over my camera for more than an year & so far it has not given any problem to my camera. It won’t either to yours. Nor I’ve heard of these flashguns damaging anyone’s camera. My photographer colleague’s use Digitek DFL-001(which is same as Simpex 522 just with a different body) & nor it has caused any damage to their body.
Since you are looking for a long lasting flash & have a really good budget, I would recommend The Yongnuo YN-565 or YN-560. Both should be around your budget. If you’re going for Canon then do not go for anything lesser than the Canon 430 EX II. But it will mean your budget will shoot up by Rs.6000. However, do note the Yongnuo do not offer Indian warranty. However I’ve not yet seen those flashguns failing as scores of my photographer colleague’s report. 🙂
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regarding my budget, if a worth buy then I can spend up to 10k as its a one time investment I mean at least for 5 yrs down the line
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Many Thanks!!! Now its clear about 522. As of now I will go for 522 or 999 (hope wont damage my cam as you have not tested it). With manual I can learn basics then will go for YN568ex II which is Rs. 17,400/-.
Tell me one thing… can I use this 522 as off camera flash without connecting to camera?
then in future if I buy YN568ex II then can I use this 522 as a slave?
Thanks once again for the help!
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Though I haven’t tested but I feel the 999 won’t damage your camera. You can use the 522 offcamera keeping it in slave mode(S1 or S2) & you can trigger it with your YN-568EXII(or for matter of fact even with your current onboard camera flash). 🙂
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Right now my confusion between 999 and 522… thinking about 999 bcoz of powerful flash. Now will go for 522… Thanks a lottt…
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Welcome to the world of strobist photography. 🙂
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today i bought 999 for Rs 3000 without warranty. In hyd i checked all big/s,all showrooms studios etc no one is selling with warranty. There is no user manual nothing in the box. Its guide No is 66 compared to 522 is 33. I dont know how its going to be… ??? Thanks a lottt!
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Congrats. No warranty, is not a big deal. I too got the 522 without any warranty. I accidentally dropped it from a height of six feets & occassionally I have even banged it. Still works great till date, no issues. My investment is paid off long back ago. 🙂
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I have been searching for 999 reviews but could not find any… please share if have any … or if you can test and write a review on 999 it would be really great help for many. After buying I read bit about Simpex 886 is Rs 5000/-. I am totally new and really I dont know whether my decision correct or not… Thanks!
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Not really a review but a member in this thread wrote a brief comment on the Simpex 999 : http://tinyurl.com/oetymc6 If I get a Simpex 999 in future, definitely you’ll find it here. 🙂
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Thanks for sharing the thread… some one said the only draw back is recharging time…that means the time taken between the clicks…if that is the case then it would be a problem for party pics as chance of missing some shots in between…right? pls correct me if I am wrong…
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Yes, slow recycle times can make you miss shot. I would recommend raising the ISO high enough so you need to use flash at low to medium settings which won’t take long to recycle.
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Thank you …
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Coming to lenses for canon 650d…. for indoor shots what would you recommed? currently I have 18-55 kit which is not that great. some people using tamaron 17-50 f/2.8 without VC which is cheaper than canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS… and for portraits then telezoom…going to be a huge investment…please share if you come across any good third party compatible cheaper … thanks!
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I myself use the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 & I swear by that. Get it if you possible. The Canon 55-250mm telephoto lens is good for portraits on a budget.
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…tell me from your experience as you have been using Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, how do you feel without VC? specially in low light without VC, is it not difficult to handle the blur? The other side cost of canon’s 17-55 IS is double but you get a good resale as well… bit confused… coming to 55-250 IS II and 55-250 IS II USM (recent latest one) whats the difference? I dont shoot video with DSLR as I have a dedicated camcorder for that. Thanks!
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The Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 is a sharp lens. I have the non VC version which needs careful handling at slower shutter-speeds. You should go with it. The two 55-250mm canon lenses are almost identical except for a few cosmetic changes. There is nothing as 55-250mm IS II USM. Both of the lenses are consumer grade lenses & do not have USM focussing. You can go with either of them but I guess you’ll now only find the newer 55-250mm IS II in the market.
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I am a beginner in photography and using a 600D. Quite a lot of times i have to click pics in near dark conditions and my camera fails to focus. Hence I am wondering if this flash has the IR/laser focus-assist beam? If not, then is there any other flash that you can recommended in a similar price bracket with a AF-assit beam?
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Simpex 522 does not comes with an IR/focus assist beam. Unfortunately since most of these budget flashguns are manual, they don’t have an IR/laser focus assist. The cheapest and reliable I have used is Sunpak PZ42X which is a TTL speedlight(Can be used in manual mode) & comes with a focus assist lamp. Costs approximately Rs.7000/-
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Hi,
I bought a Simpex VT 531 for Rs 2000 yesterday. Can you tell me which type of batteries I have to use with this speedlite ?
The dealer told me to use 1000mah non rechargable alkaline batteries. Is he right ? Is it possible to use rechargable batteries ?
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Hello Arun.
You can use Ni-Mh Eneloop Rechargeable which come in range of 2500~2700 mah. They will last you long.
I wonder how come you were able to pop open the inbuilt flash with the speedlight mounted on hotshoe? I haven’t used it on-camera in S1 mode but I don’t think it would cause any damage to the camera as there is no reason for current to transfer through the speedlight to camera hotshoe when using in S1 mode.
Further, thank you for the encouragement. It helps to have such lovely comments. 🙂
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Also, I have heard that flash is used off camera while in S1 & S2 mode.. I tried using my Simpex 531 as S1, while it was still attached to my Nikon d5100s hotshoe. The flash triggered properly in sync with my pop up flash.
But am I supposed to do that ? Is it dangerous using the speedlite on camera in S1 mode? Will it damage my slr ?
I am a budding photographer and totally new to flash photography and obviously likes experimenting. I am glad to have reached your blog. It was really helpful. Cleared many of my doubts. Keep up the good work.!
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Could you please tell me if I can trigger Simpex 522 remotely using my Nikon D40′ popup flash ?
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Will work. Use the S1/S2 mode on flash. Fire the D40’s pop-up flash in manual mode preferably.
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Thanks a ton!.
That means, I can buy a couple of 522s and set them up to fire remotely. I think this will be a cheaper option compared to strobes…atleast for hobbyists. I am going to try this out in a store before buying.
Any idea if VT531 also works in the same mode ?
Thanks again !
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Yes, the Simpex VT-531 should work too. Happy flashing! 🙂
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Many Thanks!
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2200 Rupees??… OMG i just bought this for 4000 rupees at a canon store in Nehru Place… the guy even tod me that it is originally 7000 Rs but since my friend was there to buy a new camera (600d) they gave us discount. Simpex In a canon store how interesting. But am i being cheated here?? please … and its not even working off camera on my 5d Mk2.
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Sad to hear. Surely, the store is looting up. In some stores, it is even available for Rs.1800~2000. Maximum you will get it for Rs.2500/- The Canon 5D Mark II does not has a popup flash, so this won’t work off-camera.
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Nehru Place – New Delhi… Am i being ripped off ?
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Got mine today for Rs 1800. No bill. The guy only wrote the date on the box and told me that it has 3 months warranty. I doubt he will honor the warranty in the event of any failure. But looking at the entire package it seems likely that flash would outlast it. Except for on-off switch everything else seems pretty acceptable given the price point.
And yes S2 mode doesn’t work as described in its manual. It does keep on firing even during the ttl preflashes. Good thing is it syncs with the final flash so no big issues there. I am using Sony 2100 mah premium nimh batteries and its giving great performance. Minimal start and recycle times. They almost perform like eneloops but not sure for how long. 🙂
Thanks Gaurav for this post. It really helped strengthen my decision to go for it!
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That’s great. Keep the box safe just in case. But I am sure you won’t be needing the warranty. Good my post helped. Happy photographing! 🙂
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Hi. How many strobes can this unit fire at 1/2 power with 4 Ni-MH 1000mAH batteries?? Just want an approximate idea so that I can buy the batteries accordingly!
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1000mAh is just too low for a flash, as they will get depleted soon. I use Sanyo Eneloop XX 2500mAh which last me almost an entire week with ample flashing. I would recommend you to get those & have a peace of mind. Though a bit on the expensive side but they really hold the charge well & ensure fast recycle times even at higher flash power.
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Hi,
Lovely blog, which came up in google search for “Simpex Flash” 🙂 Read it right till the end.
I recently bought a Simpex TT886, and am already in love with it for the TTL mode with my D5300.
Wanted to know, if I can use the flash in off-camera mode without any wireless triggers as a Slave? If yes, what should be the settings on the camera and on the flash?
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Thank you Vincent. Nice to have you here.
I haven’t personally yet used the TT886. Your camera, Nikon D5300 does NOT supports using inbuilt flash as wireless flash commander. So in order to use this speedlight off-camera(it will work only in manual mode) proceed as,
Activate the slave option of the speedlight. Change the inbuilt flash setting to manual to a considerably low power(so it does not affects the actual picture exposure), just enough to trigger the speedlight.
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Hi this is ramesh from chennai, i am planning to buy simpex 966 ttl mark ll flash but i could not find it’s specification in simpex website if there is somebody who has used this flash before please send me the spec and also let me know if it has got high speed sync as an option.
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Hi, I am using Simpex 999 on D3000. Only first 5 pictures come good. After that rest of the pictures….it comes in a way…top half is with sufficient light and 2nd half is just dark….no picture is seen…not sure why..is this compatible issue or Flash issue or anything else…
Kindly advise
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Check if you are within the limits of ‘X sync speed’ of your camera. Generally, you should be under 1/200th to get a fully exposed frame.
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Hi gaurav,
Ive read all the threads right from the first one to the last.
Needed some guidance from you.
Ive a canon 550d and was looking to buy an external flash for landscapes at night. Will simpex 999 be good for capturing landscapes even at a distance. Further, since im very new to flash, i needed some guidance on the angles as well..
Regds, shalini
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Hi Shalini,
The Simpex 999 is a powerful flash & would be helpful in low lighting situations.
When photographing landscapes at night, I recommend using the flash at a low power since you want to retain the ambient light(and feel). Firing flash at low power would just be enough to fill in the shadows. For portraits, you can bounce the flash of the ceiling or a side wall to create beautiful soft lighting.
Get one & begin practising.
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Hi Gaurav
Thank you so much 🙂
I have finally bought Simpex 999, and trying my hands on the same.
Can there be any detailed guidance to use the external flash.
I kinda find it heavy to use the cam , lens and flash without a tripod
There are few places in Mumbai where the Tripod is not permitted and if i need to capture a place pre sunrise to get the pinkish blend in the sky it gets difficult.
Nevertheless,you have been a great help and i really appreciate the guidance extended to all.
Regards
Shalini.
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Congratulations Shalini. Please check your mail. 🙂
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CAN I USE IN MY CANON 600D THIS SIMPLEX 522 FLASH.PLEASE LET ME KNOW, I IALREADY BOUGHT BUT IT IS NOT WORKING IN MY 600D. PLEASE GUIDE ME
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Ofcourse, it will work fine with the 600D. Check if the flash is in “Master” mode. Also recommend checking on other camera.
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Hi,
Can you give the comparison for Digitek TTL DFL II vs simpex 522
also suggest me whether can i go for TTL flash or manual flash (Simpex522)
Looking for a cheaper and best one.
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Going TTL or Manual is a huge choice. With TTL you have convenience whereas MANUAL offers you a chance to learn. I would suggest MANUAL for starters. Though has a learning curve but it is good in the long run.
I haven’t tried the Digitek TTL DFL II hence I will reserve my comments over that.
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Can you suggest a flash gun for my Nikon D750 ?
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You can have a look at Nikon’s own Speedlite 910. Even the older 900, 800 & 700 hold good value. They are TTL enabled & can even be used in MANUAL mode. Cheers!
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can this work with 105mm far object aswell ?
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Ofcourse. However, the head is fixed at a wide position. There is no zoom setting for the head.
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Hello Gaurav,
I am planning to start shooting some properties and interiors. I actually have zero equipment for it other than 600D body and a panoramic head right now. I need to buy good ultra wide angle lens, tripod and a couple of flashes. so researching for all of these.
I am pretty much of a newbie when it comes to flash based photography. so I was wondering how would these compare with Yongnuo 560 III or II? I am asking because, I want to buy at least 3 flashes and Yongnuo ones are not that cheap (can’t afford right now). These Simpex units seem much cheaper but I wonder how do they compare with Yongnuo units in terms of results and quality? I mostly intend to use all the flash lights off camera (similar to popular Strobist method).
Thanks.
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Oh and sorry. if any of my question or statement above related to flash was incorrect. Feel free to correct me. I meant to say that I want to be able to trigger all three flashes I will buy, together and off-camera. I believe for three flashes I will need a trigger on master flash and 2 transreceivers? Still all this seems a bit hazy in my head.
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Can it be used with d5200? Will it work for video recording purpose? If so, how it can be used..??
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It can be definitely be used with NIkon D5200 for Still Photography. For video purpose, you will require constant light like the LED panels which can be fixed on the hotshoe or hand-held.
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Hello Noor,
I have tried the Yongnuo 560 IV. I found it powerful compared to the Simpex 222. However, the newer Simpex models do provide additional power. Also Digitek produces some brilliant & sturdy manual flashguns. I am happy with their performance. For your use, I believe you will mix the outdoor ambient & balance it with the indoor ones. For this, you won’t need a powerful flash nor one which recycles faster. But I can safely say, you can’t go wrong with any of these.
For your second query of triggering the speedlights, you are correct. You will need atleast three transceivers. Else you can do one thing. Use the popup flash on 60D with a negative compensation & fire off the other speedlights(put them in slave mode). I do this all the time unless I need to hide the speedlights out of line of sight. In interior photography, one might need to hide the speedlights behind the couches or so hence better you get wireless triggers. Yongnuo triggers are what I recommend on a budget. Hope this helps. Apologies for the late response.
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i got canon 60D . I borrowed thinklite speed lighte from my friend. But now it is not working in my camera
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Make sure it is in MANUAL mode. They do not fire in slave modes. Also do you tried checking it on other camera?
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Will Simpex 522 work on both Nikon D7000 and Canon 600D ??
If yes any specific settings, please recommend for both
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It would for sure. Just keep the flash in M mode and it would trigger mounted on the hotshoe of either of the camera.
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I have nikn p 530
inyhis camera I unable to connect studio flash
The timing is different
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Dear Sir,
I have 2 Simpex522 & now I want Trigger to pop up. Please guide me to get a decent one for my Canon 60D
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You can go for Yongnuo triggers if on a budget since they are reliable. The YN-602C is what I use. I don’t know other brands which offer reliable performance on a budget.
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using a regular duracell wud be enough for this ?
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Will do.
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Can I use this flash to Canon eos 1200D?
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You can.
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Hey Bro i want to ask I used Nikon d750, D500 and 810 Right now i can not afford Nikon Flash. Please tell me it work or not in this both Camera and Please tell me Does this Flash have TTL mode or not …I don’t Know the Difference TTL and without TTL ….Please Guide me. ashishkumar0514@gmail.com
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TTL mode is wherein the flash will automatically measure the amount of output required to expose the subject correctly. Under non-TTL(manual), one is required to do this manually. The Simpex 522 is a manual flash and it can be used on camera of any make. It will work flawlessly over any Nikon DSLR.
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i have nikon d 5100
i want to know support simplex ttl 720 speedlight
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The Nikon version of Simpex 720 will work with any of the Nikon DSLR’s including D5100.
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I want to know It will work with NIKON D5200 can u plz tell me??
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it willl Work with nikond5200???? plz tell me
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Yes.
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Hey Gaurav, I own Canon 7D. Want to buy a budget flash. Confused with Simplex 522 and Simplex 999. My usage will be very limited and mostly on Indoor portrait. Thank for your response to all question, appreciate it.
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Go with Simpex 522. 🙂
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Which of these two flash do you recommend simpex 531 or 730 ? What are the prime difference
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Both are manual flashes. The 730 offers a LCD display and a few other flash modes like the ‘multi’ mode. Price difference is approximately Rs.500/- Go for the Simpex 730.
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