This is the workhorse of flashes. It is obsolete for modern automatic flash systems. But if you're looking to learn how to shoot manually, this flash won't disappoint. It is very powerful with 7 levels of brightness (full 1/2, 1/4, 1/64). Magnification from 20mm to 85mm. Has an optical slave setting. I dropped it, used it again, overheated it, dropped it. It doesn't break. I have four and have had no problems with any of them.