Review on Opteka IF 980 Dedicated Display Cameras by Mike Wallace

This multifunctional i-TTL intelligent flash for Nikon cameras was just what I needed for shooting in a dimly lit room. (E-TTL is Canon's name for i-TTL.) For a fraction of the cost of Nikon and other brand flashes, it does everything I need and more! You need to explore the YouTube videos a little deeper to take full advantage of the advanced features! Some of the photos look like they are fully lit rooms, so we need to figure out how to turn off the flash to get the effect we want. You can buy cheaper flashes that look the same, but the zoom is MANUAL and NOT automatic. like this unit. Spend a few bucks more on autofocus zoom so you can get better shots effortlessly. The included carrying case alone costs a few bucks more (compared to a manual focus flash). The pouch is very convenient so the flash doesn't take up space in your camera bag. You don't need to take a big bag with you. The carry case has a large Velcro loop on the flap so you can carry it on your camera bag's shoulder strap. It also has a small D-ring so you can attach it to a belt loop or camera bag with a small carabiner (not included, of course). For example, the carry case has a compartment for an extra set of batteries and space for a diffuser. lens below. This saves a lot of space in your camera bag and allows you to store everything in one place. But I can also remove the case and leave the flash at home when I don't need it. And you don't have to take each of the parts and spare batteries out of the camera bag individually! I've sold similar flashes for up to $130+ here at Revain and other sites. The zoom focus automatically adjusts to a hot camera lens on approach (up to 300mm) with flash limiting. The built-in refractor helps spread the light without a diffuser, but when the subject is close it can still be slightly glaring, even from an angle. I haven't learned how to use the partial power features yet and am still experimenting with flash intensity from the control panel. I got some great shots at a ballroom dance last night using the built in diffuser and diffuser cap. Using my HD wide angle adapter boosted the light so much it looked like it was a fully lit scene. Lesson learned. I have to use on-camera exposure to darken it, or I can just darken it in post since I'm shooting in RAW (and JPEG). Nickel-Metal Hydride-Metal Halide batteries operate normally. Other brands of nickel-metal hydride batteries degrade quickly. The EBL brand is highly valued by users. A new high-speed nickel metal halide charger that charges via USB and a 20,000mAh battery have also been purchased to allow these batteries and camera batteries to be recharged on site if required. The flash is synchronous. Port but you have to buy a cable if you want to use the port but as it is made for Nikon it communicates through the hot shoe on the camera. The sync cord is only needed if you mount the flash remotely. There's also a booster port to speed up flash charging. Had to do some research (not in the instructions) but it's an NX battery boost adapter that sits under a rubber cap with the word 'photo' on it. External batteries are currently being researched. Full power specifications require 2.9 seconds to charge without an external booster. Just like more expensive flashes. 2.9 seconds is very good, I used to have a 35mm SLR and the external flash took about 5 seconds to charge, was big and chunky. with lithium-ion batteries and a higher price. Don't blink enough to justify their more expensive boosters, so look at entry-level boosters. That means more rechargeable batteries and possibly an extra charger as they hold 6 to 12 AA batteries. However, this has the advantage that if you need to replace the battery, they are relatively inexpensive compared to custom lithium-ion batteries, which are expensive. I haven't used all the features yet and am still learning how to use them. And all these features at a fraction of the price that Nikon or other brands charge! I've been thinking about getting a second flash and some lighting so I can do some portraits. I would definitely recommend this flash to the hobbyist or experienced hobbyist looking for a feature rich focus autozoom at a very affordable price.