Kenko AB600-R AI flashgun review

The Kenko AB600-R boasts a clever head for working out all the angles, based on artificial intelligence

Kenko AB600-R
(Image: © Future)

Digital Camera World Verdict

If you’re not overly confident about working out the best angles for bouncing flash off the walls or ceiling, for a more three-dimensional and softer lighting effect, this ‘artificially intelligent’ flashgun from Kenko will do all the maths for you. Available in Canon or Nikon dedicated editions, its motorised head automatically tilts up through a range of 120 degrees, and by a full 180 degrees to the left and right, with an uncanny knack of getting the angles just right.

Pros

  • +

    Intelligent bounce and swivel mode

  • +

    Impressive build quality

  • +

    Good range of advanced flash modes

Cons

  • -

    Expensive for a beginner-friendly flashgun

  • -

    Relatively basic rear LCD screen and menu

  • -

    No pull-out reflector card

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

If you're new to flash photography, the Kenko AB600-R AI could be for you. An experienced photographer knows that bounce or swivel flash can give a softer, more three-dimensional looking lighting effect, compared with direct flash. However, not everyone is confident about working out the angles to fire the flash for best effect, and even the best flashguns can leave this crucial technique down to guesswork. Taking a lead from Canon’s revolutionary Speedlite 470EX-AI, this Kenko flashgun employs artificial intelligence to work out the angles.

Kenko AB600-R

The rear panel controls and LCD screen are fairly straightforward, with an ‘artificial intelligence’ lamp that glows blue or orange to indicate on/off status. (Image credit: Future)

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.