The Ricoh GR III is a compact digital camera that has gained a lot of popularity among street and documentary photographers. It’s the successor to the Ricoh GR II and offers many significant improvements, including a higher resolution sensor, a faster autofocus system, and a new image processor. The camera is designed to be small, lightweight, and easy to carry around, making it an ideal choice for photographers who need a versatile camera that can deliver stunning results in any situation.
Even though the Ricoh GR III has a lot of features and options, the flash that comes with it can’t do everything. It can be too bright, making shadows and highlights that you don’t want, and it might not give you enough light for your photography needs. This is where an external flash comes in. By using an external flash, you can control the amount and direction of light, resulting in more flattering and natural-looking images.
Choosing the best flash for your Ricoh GR III can be a daunting task, as there are many options available on the market. However, it’s essential to choose a flash that is specifically designed for the Ricoh GR III, as not all flashes are compatible with this camera. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best flash options for the Ricoh GR III that will help you take your photography to the next level.
Whether you’re a professional or an amateur photographer, an external flash can make a big difference in your photos. It allows you to add light to your scene, even in low-light conditions and provides you with more creative control over your images. So let’s take a closer look at some of the best flash options for the Ricoh GR III.
Best Flash for Ricoh GR III
| # | Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pentax AF540FGZ II Flash | Check Price |
| 2 |
|
Pentax AF360FGZ II Flash | Check Price |
| 3 |
|
Pentax AF201FG Flash | Check Price |
1. Pentax AF540FGZ II Flash
Key Features:
- All-weather design with 28 seals for reliable use in tough conditions
- Guide number of 177′ at ISO 100 and 85mm
- 35mm equivalent zoom range of 24-85mm
- Auto zoom function compatible with smaller format Q-series mirrorless cameras, APS-C DSLRs, and medium format 645-series digital cameras
- Built-in diffusion panel to extend coverage to 20mm
- Tilt from -10 to 90° and rotation 135° to the left and 180° to the right
- Wireless master and slave TTL capabilities with access to 4 channels
- Optical pulse to transmit information and trigger flash units up to 13.1′ away
- Can be set as a master, control, or slave unit
- Contrast control sync setting to adjust the output of multiple flashes from a single unit
- Constant LED light with 5 output settings for use during video or as an AF assist light
- Multi-flash mode for stroboscopic photography
- Slow, high-speed, first and second curtain sync
- Runs on 4 AA batteries with a recycle time of 2.6-26.2 seconds
- Comes with a case and stand
Pros:
- Weather-resistant design for reliable use in tough conditions
- Wireless master and slave TTL capabilities with access to 4 channels
- Constant LED light with 5 output settings for versatile use
- Multi-flash mode for stroboscopic photography
- Comes with a case and stand
Cons:
- Recycle time of 2.6-26.2 seconds may be slower than some other flash units
- Optical pulse transmission may not be as reliable in bright daylight conditions
Conclusion: The Pentax AF540FGZ II Flash is a versatile and durable flash unit designed for reliable use in tough conditions. Its all-weather design and wireless TTL capabilities make it a great choice for outdoor and location photography, and its constant LED light and multi-flash mode offer versatile lighting options. While its recycle time may be slower than some other flash units, its weather-resistant design and other features make it a great choice for photographers who need a rugged and reliable flash unit.
2. Pentax AF360FGZ II Flash
Key Features:
- Weather-resistant design with 28 seals
- Guide number of 118′ at ISO 100 and 85mm
- 35mm equivalent zoom range of 24-85mm
- Wireless master and slave TTL capabilities with access to 4 channels
- Built-in diffusion panel for extending coverage to 20mm
- Tilt from -10 to 90° and rotation 135° to the left and 180° to the right
- Constant LED light with 5 output settings
- Multi-flash mode for stroboscopic photography
- Slow, high-speed, first and second curtain sync
- Runs on 4 AA batteries with a recycle time of 2.3-17.7 seconds
- Comes with a case and stand
Pros:
- Weather-resistant design for outdoor shooting
- Wireless master and slave TTL capabilities with access to 4 channels
- Constant LED light with 5 output settings for versatile use
- Multi-flash mode for stroboscopic photography
- Slow, high-speed, first and second curtain sync for more creative options
Cons:
- Guide number may not be powerful enough for some situations
- Recycle time may be slower than other flash units
- Does not have as wide of a zoom range as other flash units
Conclusion: The Pentax AF360FGZ II Flash is a versatile flash unit that is designed to be weather-resistant and compatible with a range of cameras. It offers wireless master and slave TTL capabilities, a built-in diffusion panel, and a constant LED light with 5 output settings. However, it may not be powerful enough for some situations and the recycle time may be slower than other flash units. Overall, it is a good option for those who want a durable and versatile flash unit.
3. Pentax AF201FG Flash
In addition to automatic control, the AF201FG offers manual power settings of 1/1 or 1/4 and is compatible with first and second curtain sync modes. It has a recycle time of 4-7 seconds at full power and runs on 2 AAA batteries, with a battery life of 80-100 full-power flashes. It also comes with a case for storage and transport.
Key Features:
- All Weather construction
- Guide number of 66′ at ISO 100 and 19mm setting
- Built-in pull-out wide-angle panel for expanded coverage
- Tilts from -10 to 135° for full bounce functionality
- Manual power settings of 1/1 or 1/4
- Compatible with first and second curtain sync modes
- Recycle time of 4-7 seconds at full power
- Runs on 2 AAA batteries
- Effective flash range of 2.3 to 26.2′ at ISO 100 and f/2
Pros:
- Compact and durable design
- All-weather construction
- Wide-angle panel for expanded coverage
- Full bounce functionality
- Manual power settings for greater control
- Compatible with first and second curtain sync modes
- Quick power on by pressing camera’s shutter button halfway
- Battery life of 80-100 full-power flashes
Cons:
- Guide number may not be sufficient for some situations
- AAA batteries may not last as long as other types of batteries
- No wireless functionality
Conclusion:
Overall, the Pentax AF201FG Flash is a solid choice for those looking for a compact and durable flash unit with manual control and full bounce functionality. While it may not have the highest guide number, it offers a wide-angle panel for expanded coverage and is compatible with first and second-curtain sync modes. It’s all-weather construction and battery life of 80-100 full-power flashes make it a reliable option for outdoor shooting.
Buying Guide:
If you’re looking to buy an external flash for your Ricoh GR III, there are several factors you should consider before making your purchase. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a flash unit:
- Compatibility: The first and most crucial factor to consider is compatibility. Not all flashes are compatible with the Ricoh GR III, so it’s essential to choose a flash that is specifically designed for this camera. The Ricoh GF-1 external flash is the official flash for the Ricoh GR III and is a good option to consider. However, there are also many third-party flashes available that are compatible with the Ricoh GR III, so it’s worth doing your research.
- Power: The power of the flash is another important factor to consider. The power of the flash is measured in terms of its guide number (GN), which represents the maximum distance the flash can illuminate a subject. A higher GN means more power, which is useful for outdoor photography or when you need to illuminate a large area. However, a higher power also means a larger flash unit, which may not be as portable.
- TTL Metering: TTL (through-the-lens) metering is a feature that allows the camera to automatically adjust the flash output based on the camera settings and the amount of light in the scene. This feature can be very useful, especially for beginners, as it eliminates the need to manually adjust the flash output. However, not all flashes have this feature, so it’s important to check before making your purchase.
- Manual Control: While TTL metering is useful, manual control is also important, especially for more advanced photographers. Manual control allows you to adjust the flash output to your liking, giving you more creative control over your images. It’s also useful when you need to achieve a specific effect or when the TTL metering is not working correctly.
- Size and Weight: Finally, it’s essential to consider the size and weight of the flash unit, especially if you’re looking for a portable option. A smaller and lighter flash unit is easier to carry around and won’t weigh down your camera bag. However, a larger flash may provide more power and more features, so it’s a trade-off to consider.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best external flash for your Ricoh GR III that meets your needs and fits your budget.
Tips for Using a Flash with Ricoh GR III
To make the most out of your flash and the Ricoh GR III, consider the following tips:
- Tip 1
Description: Experiment with different flash angles and positions to achieve desired lighting effects and avoid harsh shadows.
- Tip 2
Description: Use flash exposure compensation to adjust the flash output and maintain proper exposure in challenging lighting conditions.
- Tip 3
Description: Combine the flash with the camera’s built-in features, such as exposure bracketing or shooting in RAW format, to enhance post-processing possibilities.
Common Flash Photography Techniques
Mastering various flash photography techniques can take your images to the next level. Here are three commonly used techniques:
- Technique 1
Description: Fill Flash – Use the flash to fill in shadows and balance the exposure when shooting in bright sunlight or backlit conditions.
- Technique 2
Description: Slow Sync Flash – Combine a longer exposure with a burst of flash to capture both ambient light and a well-illuminated subject, creating dramatic effects.
- Technique 3
Description: Off-Camera Flash – Explore off-camera flash setups using triggers or wireless capabilities to achieve more creative and controlled lighting.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality external flash for your Ricoh GR III can significantly enhance your photography experience and improve the overall image quality. Consider the compatibility, power, and features of the flash options available, and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. Experiment with different techniques and settings to maximize the potential of your flash and capture stunning images in any lighting condition.
FAQs
Q: Is the built-in flash on the Ricoh GR III sufficient for most situations?
A: While the built-in flash can be useful in some scenarios, investing in an external flash offers greater versatility and control over lighting conditions.
Q: Can I use third-party flashes with the Ricoh GR III?
A: Yes, as long as the third-party flash is compatible with the Ricoh GR III’s hot shoe mount, you can use it to enhance your photography.
Q: Are wireless triggering and high-speed sync important features in a flash?
A: These features can greatly expand your creative possibilities and allow for more advanced flash photography techniques.
Q: How do I know which flash power level to use?
A: Experiment with different power levels and adjust based on the desired lighting effect. Reviewing the histogram can also help ensure proper exposure.
Q: Can I use the flash with Ricoh GR III for macro photography?
A: Absolutely! A flash can be particularly useful in macro photography to add fill light and enhance the details of your subject.
