What's is the range of the TTL Dedicated AF Flash FOR Pentax SLR. Is it worth $45. Club photos, portraits

Question

I'm just trying to figure why a flash would be $45 when I see some for over $500. What's the difference here.

Answer 1

Whatever flash you get, make sure that it's compatible with your camera. Read the documentation, or ask around in a Pentax forum like this one: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1036
In a worst case scenario, the trigger voltage of the wrong flash can damage your camera!
As for the price difference, to a small extent you pay extra for a brand name. To a small extent, you also pay more for better build quality. But for the most part, you pay extra for more features:
* What is the maximum range.
* Can the flash head swivel up/ down, and perhaps even left/ right.
* Does it do TTL / iTTL metering for better exposures.
* How long does it take to recharge between shots.
* How many modes does it have: front curtain, rear curtain, ...
* Can it be used as a master/ slave in a multi-flash setup.
* ...
A $45 flash will probably burp out the exact same pulse of light whenever you press the shutter button and take 8 seconds to recharge.
A $500 flash will do complex computations, illuminate a ball room, trigger 5 other flashes, recharge in under a second, and make you a cup of coffee.
You probably want something in between.