Pentax unveils two weather-resistant wireless flashguns

Pentax has released two new flashguns, the AF540FGZ II and the AF360FGZ II, with built-in LED video lamps.

Pentax AF360FGZ II Flash

Pentax has released two new flashguns, the AF540FGZ II and the AF360FGZ II, with built-in LED video lamps. Designed with an “all-weather” construction and backlit LCD, the lights are designed to be used with similarly-specced Pentax DSLRs, such as the K-50, “for safe operation in all conditions”.

The 540FGZ II is bigger and more powerful than the 360FGZ II, but otherwise they have the same capabilities in manual mode, P-TTL and optical wireless communication. They look pretty similar too (see below). Both can act as either master or slave in a multi-light setup. There is also a stroboscopic multi-flash mode, high-speed sync and second-curtain sync support.

Pentax AF540FGZ II FlashPentax AF360FGZ II Flash

As the names suggest, the guide numbers are 54 and 36, respectively, though recycle time is not specified. Each is adjustable down to 1/256 of full power, with -4 to +2EV of flash exposure compensation and four wireless channels.  The heads swivel 315° horizontally, locking into place at 0°, as well as tilting vertically from 90° to -10°.

Pre-ordering is open now (ahead of a September release) with the Pentax AF360FGZ II listed for $429.95 and the more powerful AF540FGZ II costing $629.95.

David Selby
David is a keen photographer and has been editor of Lighting Rumours since 2010. When not writing about lighting, he works as a data scientist at the University of Manchester, UK.
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