If I was a bit more free I’d post the technical review of the Sony HVL-F58AM “Cobra” flash that I just bought… but for now, here’s a video featuring Sony’s superbly-designed flagship flash with its unique Quick Shift Bounce.

Inspired by those TV “celebrity” sessions we have a transcript of the video!

Me: This is full power, 17mm.

Er… yeah, full power.

We’re gonna test how long it takes to recharge full power.

We wait for the light to come on… okay… waiting… waiting… still charging.

(0:25s, flash is fired)

Waiting… waiting… still charging.

(0:34s, ready light comes on 9 seconds later)

Okay now we try the F58.

*removed batteries from F56 to put in F58*

Muazam: Hohoho dang. racun racun!

Me: Okay. Full power.

Wait ah… okay now we try ah. But don’t look.

Silencers: Hahaha Albert looking still!

(1:08s, flash is fired.)
(1:13s, flash is fired 5 seconds later.)
(1:16s, flash is fired 3 seconds later at a lower power.)

Muazam: Fuh lagi cepat!

(1:18s, flash is fired 2 seconds later at a lower power.)

Silencers: Yeah yeah thanks to the shiny table la.

Muazam: Not full charge but it still can…

Ah you can still…

Full charge.

Okay okay let’s wait for the…

Ah see, it’s quite fast.

(Some bits I can’t make out.)

vandechrome: Okay okay or not.

Muazam: After youtube buy 58.

vandechrome: your opinion?

Alex: Very fast.

Very good.

Buy 58.

(End transcription.)

On a side note, Ewin recently Guessed That Lens correctly! Yes, it came from a Sony 55-200mm F4-5.6 DT. This is very much a Tamron 55-200mm F4-5.6 rebadge (the Sigma one doesn’t focus as close). This lens is pretty sharp, compact, and focuses to 95cm close! That’s closer than even the Minolta 70-210mm F4 “beercan” which does 110cm and the Minolta/Sony 70-200mm F2.8G SSM which does 120cm.

Ewin also has the 55-200mm. Go check out his blog, he has quite a few vibrant shots!

These, however, are from the Minolta 70-210mm F4 beercan. There is a difference in rendition of out-of-focus areas, and the greens get a lot more vivid.

There is a ‘fluffiness’ that is apparent here.

Thanks to Khai for letting me try his Sony 55-200mm F4-5.6 DT!