Guide number
The guide number is the main characteristic that describes the power of the light pulse of the flash. It is described as the maximum distance (in metres) at which, at ISO 100 and f/1 lens speed (aperture 1), a flash is able to illuminate an "average" subject sufficiently for a normal exposure; in other words, at what distance from the flash it will be possible to normally shoot the scene at the specified ISO and aperture.
There are formulas by which, knowing the guide number, you can derive the practical shooting distance for each specific value of sensitivity and aperture. The simplest formula used to calculate the distance at ISO 100 is: S=N/f, where S is the distance, N is the guide number, f is the aperture value. For example, for a guide number of 56 and an f/2.8 lens, this distance would be 56/2.8 = 20 m. Increasing or decreasing sensitivity by a factor of 2 would increase or decrease the specified distance by approximately 1.4 times, respectively. If you need to calculate the distance as accurately as possible, you should refer to more detailed formulas that can be found in specialized sources.
Separately, it is worth noting that the leading numbers of flashes, usually, are indicated by manufacturers for specific focal lengths of lenses. This is due to the fact that the shorter the focal length and, accordingly, the wider the viewing angle, the more light is needed to illuminate the scene being shot and the more powerful the flash pulse should b...e (at the same distance). Therefore, when choosing by the guide number, it makes sense to pay attention to the focal length indicated by the manufacturer and select a model with a power reserve — especially since guide numbers are often prescribed for rather “long-range” lenses (with a focal length of about 80-100 mm in equiv. 35 mm).
Reload time
The time it takes the flash or generator (for studio flashes) to prepare for the next flash. The smaller it is, the better. This parameter is especially important for continuous shooting, when the interval between frames is small: if you often shoot in this mode, you should look for a flash with the shortest possible recycle time. Also note that the characteristics usually indicate the shortest recharge time; in some operating modes, it may be significantly more than stated.
Pulse duration
The duration of the pulse of light provided by the flash. This indicator can range from thousandths to hundred thousandths of a second; it is usually expressed as a fractional number with a unit in the numerator, such as 1/880 s. The human eye does not notice the difference, but in some shooting modes it can become critical. For example, to capture fast-moving scenes (such as splashing water, the flight of an insect, or the movement of machine parts) you need to choose a flash with the shortest flash duration possible — otherwise the image may be blurry.
The longest pulse duration in modern photoflashes is about 1/800 s; the minimum value can reach 1/30,000 s or even less.
Features
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Autofocus assist light. The presence of an auxiliary illumination function in the flash for the camera's autofocus system. Modern cameras in the vast majority use the so-called passive autofocus systems, which have one serious drawback: very low efficiency in low light and/or low contrast of the subject being photographed. Autofocus assist light is designed to solve this problem: before focusing, the scene is illuminated by a separate lamp, located, in this case, directly in the flash body. This ensures a sufficient amount of light for normal autofocus operation. Most often, the backlight lamps give off light of a characteristic reddish hue, but some advanced models use infrared illumination - invisible to the eye, but perceived by the camera. In addition, backlight systems can use a special light pattern instead of a solid beam, which further simplifies the task of autofocus systems. In any case, the presence of this function is especially important given that the flash is often used as a light source in low light.
— On-camera control. The ability to change the flash settings using the controls of the camera to which it is connected. In some cases (for example, with a wireless connection), this is much more convenient than switching attention from the camera to the flash.
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Automatic zoom. The ability to automatically change the flash light scattering angle. For the scattering angle
..., see the corresponding point above, but here we note that this function provides synchronization between the flash and the lens: when the focal length of the lens changes, the scattering angle automatically changes. This ensures the most effective illumination of the scene and at the same time saves you from having to manually readjust the flash each time to the changed viewing angle.
— Manual zoom. The ability to change the flash spread angle (see "Light spread angle") manually. This function expands the possibilities for "fine" adjustment of operating parameters and allows you to set parameters that are not available with automatic zoom (see above). In addition, it will be useful if you have to use several fixed lenses with different focal lengths - the flash can be easily adjusted for each of them.
— Wireless control. The ability to wirelessly connect the flash to the camera or to another flash as a master/slave (if such functions are available, see below). The format and specific features of such a connection may vary: wired connection, IR channel, radio, etc. Wireless control is indispensable if the flash needs to be placed away from the camera; it also facilitates the creation of systems from several flashes for organizing optimal lighting. These features are especially useful for studio shooting (although this is not the only thing).
— Operation in master mode. The ability to operate the flash as a master for a system of several flashes. The entire system is controlled via the master flash, the parameters of the slave flashes are set, and the command to fire is given (note that the master flash itself may not give a pulse at all). If you plan to shoot using a system of several flashes, you will definitely need a model with this function — without it, creating a system is impossible. Of course, the master and slave flashes must be mutually compatible; this point should be clarified separately.
— Slave mode. The ability to operate the flash as a slave in a system of several flashes. In this mode, the device is connected to the master flash and is triggered by a command from it. For more information on flash systems, see "Master mode operation" above.
— Radio synchronizer. A device designed for wireless control of a flash or a set of flashes (if each of them has its own receiver). Usually it is a separate module installed in a hot shoe; upon a command to trigger, this module sends a radio signal to all receivers tuned to it, ensuring synchronous triggering of the flashes. At the same time, some models of lamps with this function are capable of receiving via radio not only the trigger signal, but also the operating parameters (primarily the duration and power of the pulse).
