Flash for Sony a7Rii

[RyanB]

I've recently got a A7R II and wondering about flashes. Up until now I have only used Canon bodies so most of my speed lights are all either radio only or Canon specific with the exception of an aging Yongnuo YN560-II which only has one pin. Am I right in assuming the fact it only has one pin means it is a universal flash and therefore compatible with my new Sony body?
To date I have only ever used it as an off-camera flash triggered optically in slave mode so I would really like to know if there is a risk of it damaging my new body if I use it on-camera with the Sony.

Eventually I intend to get a new Sony specific Godox X-Pro controller so I can use my radio studio and speed lights but as a stop gap until my next payday I would really like to use the 560-II on its own(on camera) or to trigger my Canon specific flashes off camera optically.

Hope I explained that adequately. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Faldrax]

Yes, it should work on the A7Rii - but note that the Sony hotshoe is a 'variant' on the 'standard', with an extra set of micro contacts in the front, so do take a bit of care when attaching it, to both ensure it's properly seated and he centre pins align, without pushing it in too far and risking damage to those extra contacts

 

[RyanB]

Yes, it should work on the A7Rii - but note that the Sony hotshoe is a 'variant' on the 'standard', with an extra set of micro contacts in the front, so do take a bit of care when attaching it, to both ensure it's properly seated and he centre pins align, without pushing it in too far and risking damage to those extra contacts

Thanks Jonathan, it is the presence of those micro contacts which has had me worried about trying it out in the first place. Think I might just wait rather than risk the ability to use native Sony kit later on if there is any possibility of it getting screwed up.

 

[Phil V]

Depending on what kit you have already, you might be able to get away with Godox transmitter and receivers for your current gear. Worth looking into.
Failing that, sell all the Canon flashes and put that towards Sony - Godox gear.

 

[RyanB]

Depending on what kit you have already, you might be able to get away with Godox transmitter and receivers for your current gear. Worth looking into.
Failing that, sell all the Canon flashes and put that towards Sony - Godox gear.

I pretty much only need a godox xpro(s) as my studio strobes and macro twins are all godox 2.4ghz compatible. If I need to use the other speed lights they can be fired optically in manual slave mode.

Think I'll hold onto the Canon kit, can't see myself ever getting rid of my 5d. Might be older but it's a lovely setup. Playing with the Sony I don't think it will ever truly compete with the canon for things like Motorsport and other fast action stuff.

 

[Faldrax]

...

Think I'll hold onto the Canon kit, can't see myself ever getting rid of my 5d. Might be older but it's a lovely setup. Playing with the Sony I don't think it will ever truly compete with the canon for things like Motorsport and other fast action stuff.

The Sony A7R series aren't intended for fast action - they're the high resolution models - the A9 are the 'fast action' models, with the A1 as the 'good at everything'.

 

[RyanB]

The Sony A7R series aren't intended for fast action - they're the high resolution models - the A9 are the 'fast action' models, with the A1 as the 'good at everything'.

I was aware when I got it that it wouldn't be able to compete with the 5D for fast action, I got it mainly for my vintage lens collection and possibly macro stuff. It's more to compliment the Canon than replace it.