Flashguns are divided into three types:

Manual flashguns - have their power output fixed and a table on the back tells you which aperture is required for different film speeds and flash-to-subject distances.

Automatic flashguns - use a series of automatic aperture settings to correct exposure within a range of flash-to-subject distances. So you set your lens and flashgun to the same aperture setting and the gun's sensor cuts the flash output when correct exposure is achieved after firing the shutter.

Dedicated flashguns - work in conjunction with the cameras metering system and give perfectly exposed results. Just set the camera to auto and the gun and camera work in perfect harmony.

For our Pentax, Canon, Minolta and Nikon AF customers, Cobra offer a great-dedicated flashgun. The 480AF autofocus flashgun, which is a fraction of camera brand original guns, can function in total darkness and up to 5 metres using the AF illuminator provided. With a GN of up to 30 it has a versatile zoom and bounce head. 

If you want a gun that is the ultimate in flash equipment, we recommend the Sunpak PZ4000F. With GN24-40 it has power zoom and bounce head with illuminated LCD display. It's also reduced by £20 this year so is our recommended gun for dedicated AF cameras.