Pentax AF 360 or AF 540 Flashgun
Posted 22/04/2008 - 23:19
Link
The AF540FGZ (540) has a guide number of 54 @ISO100 and is therfore more powerful than the AF360FGZ (360) which has a GN of 36.
The 540 has a tilt 'n swivel head, the 360 has only tilt.
The 540's battery door catches are more robust than the 360's which are prone to damage.
The 540 has a tilt 'n swivel head, the 360 has only tilt.
The 540's battery door catches are more robust than the 360's which are prone to damage.
Peter E Smith - flickr Photostream
Posted 23/04/2008 - 10:03
Link
As Peter points out, the differences are minimal - but they are important.
The higher guide number means you can illuminate a larger area / longer distance with the 540. I own the 360 and have never felt the need for more power, although I've never tried lighting (for instance) a large hall with one. For most peoples' purposes the 360 should prove sufficient but only you know what you'll be using it to light up.
One of the main advantages of using an external flash gun is that you can direct the light onto a reflective area (like a white ceiling or wall) in order to bounce the light - this gives a much softer (and more appealing) illumination than having the light directed straight at your subject. Both the 360 and the 540 have a head that tilts up/down but only the 540's head also swivels from side-to-side. There are times when being able to point the flash in a sideways direction is extremely useful so I would suggest this is the 540's greatest advantage.
While the catches on the 360's battery door are a little fragile you can mitigate for this by just being very careful whenever you open it - I always open and shut mine slowly and I've yet to damage anything.
One other thing; the 540 has a 5P socket built into its base, this allows it to be connected to the camera using a 5P cable for tethered operation. The 360 has no socket so you'd need to buy a seperate adaptor to achieve the same function. I find the wireless system to work well and both units are capable of wireless control straight out of the box so this wasn't a big selling point to me.
I hope that makes your decision a little easier
The higher guide number means you can illuminate a larger area / longer distance with the 540. I own the 360 and have never felt the need for more power, although I've never tried lighting (for instance) a large hall with one. For most peoples' purposes the 360 should prove sufficient but only you know what you'll be using it to light up.
One of the main advantages of using an external flash gun is that you can direct the light onto a reflective area (like a white ceiling or wall) in order to bounce the light - this gives a much softer (and more appealing) illumination than having the light directed straight at your subject. Both the 360 and the 540 have a head that tilts up/down but only the 540's head also swivels from side-to-side. There are times when being able to point the flash in a sideways direction is extremely useful so I would suggest this is the 540's greatest advantage.
While the catches on the 360's battery door are a little fragile you can mitigate for this by just being very careful whenever you open it - I always open and shut mine slowly and I've yet to damage anything.
One other thing; the 540 has a 5P socket built into its base, this allows it to be connected to the camera using a 5P cable for tethered operation. The 360 has no socket so you'd need to buy a seperate adaptor to achieve the same function. I find the wireless system to work well and both units are capable of wireless control straight out of the box so this wasn't a big selling point to me.
I hope that makes your decision a little easier
Joining the Q
Posted 23/04/2008 - 11:15
Link
if you can afford the 540, you should consider the option of getting two 360's instead.
More power, more flexible, more options.
More power, more flexible, more options.
Fired many shots. Didn't kill anything.
Posted 23/04/2008 - 18:14
Link
Quote:
if you can afford the 540, you should consider the option of getting two 360's instead.
More power, more flexible, more options.
I really couldn't agree more!
if you can afford the 540, you should consider the option of getting two 360's instead.
More power, more flexible, more options.
Joining the Q
Posted 23/04/2008 - 23:19
Link
Many thanks again for all your usefull imformation. I think I will get the 360 to start with and see how it goes. As you have suggested I could always double up on the 360 in the future.
Many thanks again
Many thanks again
Add Comment
To leave a comment - Log in to Pentax User or create a new account.
52 posts
18 years
Pentewan Cornwall
I would like a good flash gun to go with my new K20. What are the practical differences between the AF 360 and AF540 flash guns?. I have read the specs but do not really understand the tec. details.