Launched at the same time as the Sony A7C mirrorless camera, the was a danger that that many users of Sony mirrorless cameras could have missed the arrival of the Sony HVL-F28RM flashgun. Just like the Sony A7C, this hotshoe strobe packs a lot into a small package – and could be an ideal compact lighting accessory for anyone using a Sony A6000 series or A7 series camera, and will undoubted become one of the best Sony flashguns when it goes on sale later this year, or early next.
When compared to the HVL-F32M, the HVL-F28RM is 12 smaller in terms of in volume and 7 percent lighter in weight. But unlike many small flashguns, the Sony HVL-F28RM offers a full feature set including a built-in radio transmitter and receiver for remote triggering.
The new metal-shoed flashgun has a Guide Number of 28 (m/ISO 100) or 92 (ft/ISO100) at 50mm; it offers 25 separate manual power settings from full down to 1/256 power, in 1/3 stop steps. It has a tilt head with a choice of angles from 0° to 120° - and has a built-in wide-angle diffuser panel that allows use with a 24mm wide-angle lens. Unlike on the HVL-F32M, however, there is no swivel movement or zoom head.
The HVL-F28RM is powered by two AA alkaline or NiMH batteries - which is said to deliver up to 110 continuous flashes at full manual power. The unit measures (65.1 x 83.5 x 91.4mm (2.56 x 3.29 x 3.6in) and weighs in at 219 g (7.8 oz).
The HVL-F28RM is able to operate as either a radio commander or remote as part of Sony's radio wireless system, including the FA-WRC1M Wireless Radio Commander and FA-WRR1 Wireless Radio Receiver. This system has an operating range of 30m (98 feet) and does not require line-of-sight. Also, it will support up to 15 flashes in five groups on one of 14 channels. Additionally, it offers full support for Sony's P-TTL / ADI metering system, including high-speed sync and ratio control.
The Sony HVL-F28RM is slated to go on sale 'later this winter' and will retail for $249.99 / £250.
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