Sony HVL-F28RM External Flash with Wireless Remote Control
The Sony HVL-F28RM External Flash combines compactness with connectivity, offering photographers a portable yet powerful lighting solution.
With an impressive guide number of 92′ at ISO 100 and 50mm, this flash delivers reliable illumination in various shooting conditions.
Equipped with a built-in 2.4 GHz radio transceiver, it enables seamless integration into portable lighting setups, supporting P-TTL / ADI metering for precise exposure control.
Versatility is key with the HVL-F28RM, as it can function as a commander or a remote flash, fully compatible with Sony’s existing radio commanders and receivers.
This flexibility extends to ratio control and the ability to synchronize with up to 15 flashes across five groups, providing photographers with comprehensive lighting control options.
- Compatible with Sony ADI / P-TTL
- 2.4 GHz Radio Transceiver, 115′ Range
- Guide Number: 92′ at ISO 100 and 50mm
- Wireless TTL Ratio Controller/Remote
- Control Up to 15 Flashes/5 Groups
- Tilts from 0 to 120°
- Manual Output Adjustment: 1/1 to 1/256
- HSS and Multi-Flash Modes
- Dust- and Moisture-Resistant
- Metal Foot and Rugged Side Frame
Designed with portability in mind, the HVL-F28RM boasts a compact and pocketable form factor, ideal for use with Sony’s a7-series mirrorless cameras.
Its tilting head offers adjustable bounce control from 0 to 120 degrees, allowing for creative lighting effects.
Moreover, the flash features a dust- and moisture-resistant construction, along with a durable metal foot, ensuring reliability even in challenging shooting environments.
Sony HVL-F28RM Specifications
| Guide Number | 91.9′ / 28 m at ISO 100 (50 mm Position) |
| Coverage | Full-Frame 50 mm 24 mm (with Wide-Angle Adapter) |
| Bounce Head | 0 to +120° |
| Swivel Head | No |
| Flash Duration | 1/625 Second at Full Power |
| Recycle Time | Approx. 0.1 to 6.4 Seconds |
| Secondary Illumination | No |
| Exposure Control | Sony ADI / P-TTL |
| Flash Modes | Hi-Speed Sync, Slow Sync |
| Power Range | 1/1 to 1/256 (Manual) |
| Wireless Operation | Radio (TTL/Manual) Up to 114.8′ / 35 m |
| Wireless Channels | 14 |
| Wireless Groups | 5 |
| Internal Power | 2x AA (Alkaline, NiMH) |
| External Power Pack Compatible | No |
| Mount | Sony Multi-Interface Shoe |
| Off-Camera Terminal | No |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 2.6 x 3.3 x 3.6″ / 65.1 x 83.5 x 91.4 mm |
| Weight | 7.7 oz / 219 g |
| Mount | Sony Multi-Interface Shoe |
| Off-Camera Terminal | No |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 2.6 x 3.3 x 3.6″ / 65.1 x 83.5 x 91.4 mm |
| Weight | 7.7 oz / 219 g |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sony HVL-F28RM External Flash
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design, ideal for on-the-go photographers.
- Impressive guide number of 92′ at ISO 100 and 50mm, providing reliable illumination.
- Built-in 2.4 GHz radio transceiver for seamless integration into portable lighting setups.
- Supports P-TTL / ADI metering for precise exposure control.
- Can function as a commander or a remote flash, offering versatile lighting options.
- Compatible with Sony’s existing radio commanders and receivers, allowing for advanced lighting setups
- with up to 15 flashes in five groups.
- Tilting head with a range of 0 to 120 degrees for flexible bounce control.
- Dust- and moisture-resistant construction for enhanced durability.
- Durable metal foot ensures secure mounting on compatible cameras.
Cons:
- Limited maximum guide number compared to larger external flash models.
- May not provide sufficient power for demanding lighting situations.
- Smaller size may result in shorter battery life compared to larger flash units.
- Tilting head range may be restrictive for certain bounce lighting scenarios.
- May have a higher price point compared to other compact external flash options.
- Limited compatibility with non-Sony camera systems.
- Controls and interface may feel cramped for users with larger hands.
- Flash recycle time may be slower compared to higher-end external flash units.
BUILD QUALITY
The build quality of the Sony HVL-F28RM External Flash is exemplary, reflecting Sony’s commitment to craftsmanship and durability.
Constructed with high-quality materials, the flash feels solid and well-built in hand. The exterior casing is robust, capable of withstanding the rigors of professional use in various shooting conditions.
The flash head and mounting mechanism are engineered with precision, ensuring secure attachment to the camera’s hot shoe and stable positioning during operation.
The controls, including buttons, dials, and switches, exhibit smooth and responsive operation, enhancing user experience and ease of use.
Furthermore, the overall design of the flash is sleek and ergonomic, making it comfortable to handle and operate for extended periods.
The compact form factor adds to its versatility, allowing for easy portability without compromising on performance or functionality.
Overall, the build quality of the Sony HVL-F28RM External Flash inspires confidence, making it a reliable tool for photographers seeking professional-grade lighting solutions.
Performance
The performance of the Sony HVL-F28RM External Flash is characterized by its reliable and versatile lighting capabilities, making it a valuable tool for photographers seeking portable and efficient lighting solutions.
Here are some key aspects of its performance:
Guide Number: With an impressive guide number of 92′ at ISO 100 and 50mm, this flash delivers ample illumination for various shooting conditions, ensuring well-exposed images even in challenging lighting environments.
Radio Transceiver: The built-in 2.4 GHz radio transceiver enables seamless communication with compatible Sony cameras and other flash units, allowing for quick and reliable wireless control over multiple flashes. This facilitates the creation of complex lighting setups with ease.
Metering Support: The HVL-F28RM supports P-TTL (Pre-flash TTL) and ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) metering systems, ensuring accurate and consistent exposure metering for precise control over lighting conditions.
Versatile Functionality: Whether used as a commander or a remote flash, this unit offers versatile functionality to suit different shooting scenarios. It can be integrated into Sony’s existing radio commanders and receivers, enabling sophisticated lighting configurations with multiple flashes grouped and controlled remotely.
Tilting Head: The flash features a tilting head with a range of 0 to 120 degrees, providing flexible bounce control for creative lighting effects. This allows photographers to adjust the angle of light to achieve desired results, whether bouncing off ceilings or walls.
Durable Construction: Designed to withstand the rigors of professional use, the HVL-F28RM boasts a dust- and moisture-resistant construction, making it suitable for outdoor shooting environments and challenging weather conditions. Additionally, its durable metal foot ensures secure mounting on compatible cameras, enhancing stability during operation.
Compact Design: With its compact and pocketable design, this external flash is lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for photographers on the move. Despite its small size, it packs a punch in terms of performance, offering reliable lighting wherever you go.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Sony HVL-F28RM External Flash stands out as a reliable and versatile lighting solution for photographers seeking portable and efficient lighting on the go.
Its compact design, coupled with impressive performance features, makes it a valuable asset in various shooting scenarios.
With a robust build quality and dust- and moisture-resistant construction, it is well-suited for outdoor use and challenging weather conditions.
The flash’s built-in 2.4 GHz radio transceiver enables seamless wireless communication with compatible Sony cameras and other flash units, facilitating the creation of complex lighting setups with ease.
Its support for P-TTL and ADI metering systems ensures accurate and consistent exposure metering, allowing for precise control over lighting conditions.
Additionally, the tilting head provides flexible bounce control, enabling photographers to adjust the angle of light for creative lighting effects.
Despite its small size, the flash delivers ample illumination with a guide number of 92′ at ISO 100 and 50mm, ensuring well-exposed images even in challenging lighting environments.
Overall, the Sony HVL-F28RM External Flash offers exceptional performance in a compact and portable package, making it an excellent choice for photographers looking to enhance their creativity and versatility in various shooting situations.
