Oloong (the flash manufacturer, not the tea) popped out of nowhere and introduced two speedlights earlier this year. The manual SP-660 and the TTL SP-680 both look well-made and easy to use – potentially capable of knocking Yongnuo down a peg or two. Unfortunately, early adopters discovered to their dismay that neither flash could zoom in or out. Why have a huge SB-900 type head if you can’t even adjust it?
Fortunately, the company has seen sense and released a new model, the SP-690. It’s identical to the SP-680 with the addition of the much-needed electronic zoom head. It seems the SP-690 was designed first, then neutered to generate lower-spec models. Oloong’s range now looks like this:
Oloong SP-660
- Manual adjustment down to 1/128 power
- Tilt and swivel
- Flip-down diffuser
- 2 second recycle time
- Guide number of 35
- 35mm fixed head
- Two optical slave modes
- Backlit liquid crystal display (LCD)
- Thermal protection circuit
Oloong SP-680
As SP-660, plus TTL support for Canon or Nikon.
Oloong SP-690
As SP-680, plus a 24-180mm electronic zoom head.
The Oloong SP-690 is priced at US$129.00 (50% off a decidedly optimistic $258) and already on sale in both Nikon and Canon flavours. The SP-680 with its fixed head costs $20 less. Unfortunately there is no zooming manual flash to succeed the SP-660, yet.
You can find more information about Oloong’s speedlights on their web site.