p.1 #1 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
I just got a new Canon 6D, moving up from an XTi that had an onboard flash, and I have to get a flash so I can take indoor pictures. Does anyone have any recommendations on what would be a good but not expensive flash to meet the BASIC demands? I saw on Canon Refurbished that they have Speedlite 270EX for just over $100. Is this a good flash? It doesn't have to be Canon, as long as it works on my 6D. I have a great- working Vivitar that's more than 25 years old, but of course, it would blow up the electronics my a digital camera, so I'm not stuck on Canon. Thanks.
p.1 #2 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
billsamuels wrote:
I have a great- working Vivitar that's more than 25 years old, but of course, it would blow up the electronics my a digital camera, so I'm not stuck on Canon.
Actually, most likely it would not. Modern cameras should be able to handle up to 250v, and FWIW 6D manual says that high voltage flash "will not fire" so there might be some safety circuit. I can't say I've heard any stories of cameras fried by flashes in recent years, and even back when there weren't many first-hand accounts. That being said, I see how you might not want to turn your camera into a guinea pig.
So, one option is to get an inexpensive 3rd party flash, Yongnuo is one of the more popular options. Another is to get a set of wireless triggers and use your existing flash off camera.
p.1 #3 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
I've seen the 430EX II as low as $220 Canadian. Usually going below that used on B&S. I have one and they're great for indoor and outdoor. You want a flash with a head you can manipulate so you can bounce off the ceiling and walls...much better results inside than pointing it directly at the subject.
p.1 #4 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
The 270ex II is an excellent surprisingly strong flash. The head will tilt upwards, but not sideways. I would recommend the 430ex II as it has more functionally adjustable issues. For someone just starting out with digital flash use it is a very excellent value for the buck! (I have both & use both) My flash use is very basic & although I have 2 580EX IIs I really use the 430 more than any & carry the 270 in my pack just in case.
PS: congrats on the new 6D-great camera!
p.1 #6 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
As others said, you'll want bounce and swivel capabilities. The 430 EX version I or II is the most reasonable. You can probably find the version 1 used on these forums for under $150 when they pop up. KEH.com has them for $150-190ish depending on condition.
p.1 #8 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
I'd say if you want a basic flash, do yourself a favour and do get one that swivels around. If the 270EX doesn't swivel, get something better. A 430EX II, 430EX I or even a 420EX would fill the bill. I think the 430EX series would be more flexible if you ever thought about moving to off-camera flash than a 420EX, but any of them make fine on camera flashes. Also, there are some very good import brand flashes out there. This is a good time to be looking for a flash for a Canon camera.
p.1 #10 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
Until you turn into a flash junky - and it could happen - you'll be delighted with a 430 to completely take you to the next level. The 270EX will suffice and give you excellent photos, but the 430 will teach you how to change your technique. It will take you to a whole new level.
A 580EX or 600EX run the risk of being too cumbersome, and you might not take them when you could use them. The 430EX is Goldilocks right. For size, output, flexibility and learning curve.
In the future you could pick up a 90EX to trigger the 430 optically (I just got one for my 6D), or better yet get a set of triggers - and the conversion to flash junky is nearly complete!
The reason I'm not going with a Yongnuo or Metz or Nissin is you're moving up in size again. Plus, there's a lot to be said for Canon's reliability in flashes. I've got a Yongnuo, and IMHO it's for folks that already have flashes and know what to do with them.
I'm hoping Canon hurries up and comes out with a 440EX-RT!
p.1 #14 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
Best Canon-compatible budget flash on earth: Yongnuo YN568EX II -- $169 on Amazon.
Feature and power-wise, this strobe compares favorably to the Canon 580EX and runs circles around all the Canon models below it. Its a tough little strobe too.... I've had mine in humid rainy jungle daily for weeks at a time with no issues.
If I depended on my strobes for a living, like wedding and event photographers do, I'd be shooting Canon 600EX-RTs and paying $550 a pop. For me, however, strobes are lots of outdoor fill-flash and the occasional indoor shot. For this, the Yongnuo has never disappointed. They are compatible with common accessories such as the Better Beamer and various diffusers just like the Canon 580 is.
p.1 #15 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
So I bought the Canon 430 EXII Refurbished from Canon, paid about $230 and it works great. Not quite as bright as my older Vivatar, but it won't blow up my new Canon 6D and it seems to do what I need it for, so thanks everyone for the great advise. I tried taking pictures aiming it both up and to the side and it I was surprised how different the photos are. So I can't wait to see how it works in real life situations. Taking pictures of my cats just doesn't bring me as much real-life joy!
p.1 #16 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
I use the 430EX II and 90EX on my 6D and they both work great, making a dynamic duo. I use the bounce feature when I can but it's rare: most places I shoot in lack near enough walls and ceilings (auditoriums & outdoors). The 90EX seems to be an odd bird but is so tiny and light I keep it in my bag 24/7, so it's basically the missing popup. The 430EX is big and heavy so I leave it behind unless I'm sure I need it. However, it works great off shoe with the 90EX as master, usually bounced off a reflector for macro.
If you're an occasional flash user, you can reduce 430EX weight considerably by using lithium batteries. They can sit in the flash for many years, rarely leak and are always ready to go. If you use it regularly, Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable AAs are a lot lighter than alkaline AA (but heavier than lithium), recycle almost twice as fast and hold a decent charge for a couple years when stored.
p.1 #17 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
I spent years relearning the lesson that goes something like buy it right, buy it once and save money at the end. I kept justifying that at my level, I don't need the higher model, etc. ...I'm not a good learner. I now own 3 flashes, the 430EXII, 580EXII and 600EX-RT...should have just got the 600EX-RT and be done with.
To be honest, I can't tell the difference between the 580EXII and the 600EX-RT (I haven't used the RT feature, everything I have is optical so far). Between the 430EXII and the 580EXII, imho, there is a noticeable difference in brightness, ETTL accuracy...
p.1 #18 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
I used a 420EX last night with my 6D and it performed admirably.
I would have brought a 580EX with me, but the flash foot (the part that fits in the socket on the camera) disintegrated into three pieces. I guess that after five years, the plastic got brittle. Thankfully it's a simple fix - I'm now waiting for the replacement foot I bought for $12 on E-bay.
p.1 #19 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
I have an el-cheapo ETTL flash that I picked up from Wal-Mart that's actually performed fairly well. Popped four Eneloops in it and shot away in near dark, and with the AF-Assist light firing the 6D didn't miss a beat. Even worked great for outdoor fill flash.
But if I had to buy something reliable, a 430EXII and 90EX combo (I have the 90EX from the EOS-M kit sales) would be it. Could use the 90EX at minimum power with a diffuser as a key/front fill, and then put the 430EX II somewhere else as primary fill or backlight for those times when the 430EXII isn't on the camera, which is where I'd want it most of the time if I'm using any flash at all.
Also, while the 600RT is worth it's weight (as are discounted 580EXIIs), weight and size are not things that it's short on, and the 430EXII has all of the power you'd need, as well as features like an auto-zooming flash head that matches lens focal length between 24mm and 105mm. The only feature it's really missing is that it cannot be used as an optical flash commander.
p.1 #20 · What Flash should I buy for a new Canon 6D?
The Canon 270EX and a small flash chord is really excellent. Its small, portable, light weight and the flash chord gives you a lot of flexibility. If your just starting out with a flash the 270EX is an excellent place to start. Learn to use ETTL/flash compensation and vary the position of the flash and you will get some really nice results.
