Manufacturer: Nissin
Model: Speedlite Di622
Price: £150

There aren’t many independent flashguns around today, compared to the 1970s and 1980s when names such as Cobra, Vivitar and Soligor reared large in the classified ads.

Nissin is another example, having recently launched a series of digital-compatible flashguns.

The Di622 is the flagship model, and is available for Nikon iTTL and and Canon E-TTL II equipped cameras.

With a powerful GN of 44m at 105mm and ISO 100, the unit offers plenty of power per pound, and the tilt-and-swivel head provides lots of lighting options.

The unit is reasonably well made, though it’s less robust than proprietary models, but it’s easy to use with a simple interface and no LCD displays to confuse new users. It also offers wireless flash via a slave function (rather than infrared) and has a built-in diffuser and white bounce card.

The light quality isn’t bad, with a little fall off in the corners and a very slight hot spot in the centre, but colour is good and there’s no discernible diffuser patterning. Recycling time with freshly-charged NiMH batteries is also pretty impressive in standard operation.

Verdict:
This is a good quality, albeit quite
basic, flash that offers plenty of power at a very reasonable price. If
you don’t need the bells and whistles of Nikon and Canon flashguns, the
Nissin Di622 makes a good low-cost alternative.

Pros:
Price, power

Cons:
Lacks the high-end functions of some flashes

What Digital Camera Score: 85%

Manufacturer website: www.nissinflash.com