Irish photographic accessory maker Hähnel has released the Modus 600RT, their first flashgun. It is powered by lithium-ion batteries and has native support for the company’s 2.4 GHz wireless triggers, the Hähnel Viper and Hähnel Tuff TTL.
Lithium batteries have become increasingly popular as a power source for shoe-mount flashes, as they provide long life and fast charging times without the need for an external power pack. Built-in radio is also fast becoming a standard feature, with Hähnel hoping photographers will buy into their growing wireless flash ecosystem.
Manufacturer specifications
- Guide number 60 at Iso-100, 200mm
- “Extreme” Li-ion battery
- 1.5-second recycle time
- 550 full-power shots on a single charge
- TTL, manual and stroboscopic flash modes
- Built-in 2.4GHz transmitter and receiver, compatible with Hähnel Viper & Tuff TTL triggers
- High-speed synchronisation up to 1/8000 second
- 20–200mm zoom head
- Manual control down to 1/128 power
- Master or slave in one of three wireless groups: A, B or C (plus master group)
- USB port for firmware updates
The Modus 600RT looks a bit like a Canon 600EX-RT clone, but is offered at a far lower price point — around £230 for the flash itself, with bundles (including extra flashes and a Viper TTL transmitter) starting at £280. Spare batteries are £50. There are versions of the Modus 600RT for Canon, Nikon and Sony and you can mix and match the system with your existing flashes using extra Viper TTL radio receivers (£50 each).
For more information and a list of dealers, visit the manufacturer’s web site.