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Archive 2020 · Flash recommendation

jcverheijen1
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Flash recommendation

My old 420ex is dead....

I don't use flash that much, mostly for fill flash for outdoor portraits, or indoor for family snap shots. Looking for a replacement for the 420ex. Considering Canon offerings as well as generics. Would like to try and save some money.

Looking at Canon 430ex ii (refurbished once it comes back in stock: $150). I was happy with size and power of the 420ex.

Also considering some off-brands, all should be TTL compatible, have autozoom and are HSS:
- Neewer NW680 (rebadged Godox TT680): $56.
- Godox TT685c: $110
- Yongnuo YN568 ex iii: $98
- Yongnuo YN685: $102

What would you recommend? All the generics are cheaper, more powerful but consequently also a bit bulkier (more similar to 580/600ex?). Not sure if the extra bulk/weight would bother me, I would rely on pop up flash if I don't want to carry an external around. Will use the flash mounted in hot shoe, on camera. No interest in slave/master and off-camera at this time.

I am inclined to go with the Neewer to save some money, or wait for a refurbished 430ex ii to be back in stock. Any thoughts/feedback? Is quality of the Neewer decent? Since my 420ex died with very limited use having always been taken care of, I am not sure that Canon quality is any better than generics.

Jan 25, 2020 at 09:56 PM

John Power
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Flash recommendation

I suggest that you post this in the lighting forum

Jan 26, 2020 at 08:38 AM

mborozny
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Flash recommendation

I just went through replacing my old flash with the Godox TT685C for my EOS R. You are correct in believing that some of these options might be bulky, especially if you’re shooting an APC camera. Long ago I owned the XTi, and this flash would dwarf it. Nonetheless, I really like this flash for its build and operation.

Another flash you might consider is the Godox TT350, rebranded as Flashpoint at Adorama. My only concerns about having it as my only speedlite are that it takes 2 batteries, not 4, and its guide number is relatively low.

I need to familarize myself with the Neewer.

Jan 26, 2020 at 08:45 AM

mborozny
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Flash recommendation

Jan 26, 2020 at 08:45 AM

jcverheijen1
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Flash recommendation

John Power wrote:
I suggest that you post this in the lighting forum

Good suggestion, will cross post there

Jan 26, 2020 at 08:47 AM

jcverheijen1
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Flash recommendation

mborozny wrote:
Another flash you might consider is the Godox TT350, rebranded as Flashpoint at Adorama. My only concerns about having it as my only speedlite are that it takes 2 batteries, not 4, and its guide number is relatively low.

I looked at that one too. The GN on the 420 was enough for me, but I would not want to go lower. For lower power I would use the pop up flash; I like the idea of having the external flash have a higher GN. I believe the 430 has a GN of 141', the 420ex was 138' and the TT350 is 118'.

Jan 26, 2020 at 08:51 AM

Ziffl3
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Flash recommendation

The only issue i see with the smaller flashes is shooter try to get more power out of them.
Just know the flashes limitations.
you can work around it.... but this takes some practice and ability to see.

There is a reason for the canon 580/600 series flashes. or the godox 860.
we use these for wedding coverage or event coverage.

The flashes like the 430 and others can work.... just remember they do not have the ability to light up a back yard or other large venue area. they are good for a small radius around you.

If you can find small flashes with lithium batteries... better.
The best AA batteries are the eneloop batteries. these are rechargeable.
there are no other comparable AA batteries. just saying.

Jan 26, 2020 at 12:02 PM

Milan Hutera
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Flash recommendation

If you want to stay with Canon branded flashes, then the latest "smaller" flash 430 EX-III RT is a very nice unit. It has a built in bounce card, so you don't have to doctor any papers like with older models. The build quality is very nice, as are the controls and display.

The only drawback apart from smaller output power is, that the IR assist beam only works with center point, which is a major stepdown from 430 EX-II I used for approx. 9 years. And of course you can't do full 360 degree head rotation freely. You have to buy the bigger and more expensive unit to have this ultra advanced feature...

Jan 26, 2020 at 12:23 PM

jcverheijen1
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Flash recommendation

Ziffl3 wrote:
There is a reason for the canon 580/600 series flashes. or the godox 860.
we use these for wedding coverage or event coverage.

Exactly, that's why I am considering the Neewer, Godox and Yongnuo options. Would like to start with a cheaper more powerful flash to see what options that opens up compared to the old 420ex. I understand the Godox v860 and TT685 are very similar, with exception of lithium vs AA batteries, right? At almost half the price, I think I would stick with AA batteries. Would you recommend the TT685 over the Neewer or the 2 Yongnuos if I decide to go with a GN60 flash?

Ziffl3 wrote:
If you can find small flashes with lithium batteries... better.
The best AA batteries are the eneloop batteries. these are rechargeable.
there are no other comparable AA batteries. just saying.

Yes, I use Eneloop and the Fujitsu equivalent. Love them!

Jan 26, 2020 at 12:55 PM

jcverheijen1
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Flash recommendation

Thanks for all the feedback, you guys are the best!

Milan Hutera wrote:
The only drawback apart from smaller output power is, that the IR assist beam only works with center point, which is a major stepdown from 430 EX-II I used for approx. 9 years.

I had not considered that... What about the Neewer, Godox or Yongnuo options? I can't find any information on the AF points supported.

FWIW I would use these with a 77D (and occasionally with a 50D).

Jan 26, 2020 at 01:00 PM

Gochugogi
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Flash recommendation

You might want try the third party flash units with your camera first and make sure it works with your flash menu, wireless triggers and AF array. My Yongnuo went dark when I bought a 90D but my old EX units still worked fine. Of course if you only use the flash in manual power modes it doesn't matter.

Jan 26, 2020 at 01:11 PM

Milan Hutera
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Flash recommendation

jcverheijen1 wrote:
Thanks for all the feedback, you guys are the best!

I had not considered that... What about the Neewer, Godox or Yongnuo options? I can't find any information on the AF points supported.

FWIW I would use these with a 77D (and occasionally with a 50D).

I suspect smaller sensor cameras will be more flexible in this regard. I was really disappointed with this, as I was unable to get the assist beam with top AF sensors on 1DIV, which I have used almost exclusively. Same with 5DIV. I don't have any experience with third party flashes, so I can't comment on the AF area coverage for assist beam on these units.

Jan 26, 2020 at 02:17 PM

runamuck
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Flash recommendation

I use my Yongnuo 685s with a single YN622TX transmitter. They work in full Nikon i-TTL. I would expect the same frm the Canon model

Jan 26, 2020 at 03:20 PM

AmbientMike
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Flash recommendation

I've been happy with my 380EX, overall. Mostly occasional use but used it a lot last summer. I'd probably look at a used 550EX or 580EX, if I was in your shoes. Thinking yheure around $100? The 500 series have an extra stop of power.

I know you said you aren't interested, but I'd highly recommend getting a cord to get it off camera. Probably inexpensive anymore.

Jan 27, 2020 at 12:08 PM

jcverheijen1
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Flash recommendation

Based on feedback here and in the lighting forum, I am adding a used 580ex ii to the mix.

My updated list is:

1. Used Canon 580ex ii: power, accuracy, compatibility
2. New Godox TT685: power, expandability
3. New Neewer: power, price. Drawback: little experience from other users to rely on, but reviews look good and seems to be a rebadged Godox.
4. Refurbished Canon 430ex ii: accuracy, warranty, compatibility

I don't see any reason to consider Yongnuo over the Godox at this time. They share the same pros and cons, except the Godox gives more options to grow if I ever decided to move to a multiple flash off-camera setup.

Jan 28, 2020 at 06:48 AM

crteach
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Flash recommendation

+1 for the 580EXII - used ones on the B&S are very reasonable IMHO

Jan 28, 2020 at 08:19 AM

mdvaden
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Flash recommendation

jcverheijen1 wrote:
Exactly, that's why I am considering the Neewer, Godox and Yongnuo options. Would like to start with a cheaper more powerful flash to see what options that opens up compared to the old 420ex. I understand the Godox v860 and TT685 are very similar, with exception of lithium vs AA batteries, right? At almost half the price, I think I would stick with AA batteries. Would you recommend the TT685 over the Neewer or the 2 Yongnuos if I decide to go with a GN60 flash?

I was considering the lithium pack flashes for an extra, but if an extra battery is needed, that battery is an extra cost to figure out, plus the types of chargers is multiplied too. But I started with AA flashes. I still enjoy 2 x 430EX ii plus 2 Godox 360s. I also have one Godox that uses AA

My last flash, was the newer AI auto / semi auto flash. That was fun to include at indoor wedding receptions. I got a refurbished when they were down around $150. It also uses AA

If I was starting from scratch, I'd be looking at Canon and or Flashpoint.

Right now I'm using eneloops AA batteries someone else mentioned. I bought 4 chargers and mounted them all on one board for a charging bank that does 24 batteries at a time.

Jan 28, 2020 at 10:30 AM

jcverheijen1
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Flash recommendation

I ended up buying the Neewer just to try (liberal return policy). It's a pretty impressive flash for its price. Strong, ETTL, autozoom, built-in diffuser/bounce card, basically a cheap 580ex clone. The only issue I had was that my camera's AF was hunting a lot more than with the 420ex attached (even with single center AF point). I don't think the Neewer had a very good AF assist (and apparently the AF assist still works on my broken 420ex). So the Neewer is going back....

I then found a used 580ex ii in good condition on my local Craig's list for a price somewhere between the Neewer and the Godox. That one works beautifully, so that was a no brainer.

Am now the happy owner of a nice 580ex ii!

Thanks for all your input!

Jan 30, 2020 at 05:56 PM

TeamSpeed
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Flash recommendation

Nice... I sold both my 580exii for godox flashes myself but enjoyed those Canon flashes while I had them.

Jan 30, 2020 at 07:03 PM

RottenTheCat
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Flash recommendation

Sorry for getting in late to this conversation....

My three Yongnuo 568EXii's (now the EXiii) have been remarkably flawless....[b i]EXCEPT[/b /i] for the battery doors, who's latches are amazingly flimsy. My "forever fix" was to get some 8-32 nylon thumbscrews, and drill/tap the plastic though the doors, and flash body, and just secure 'em that way.

My fix might sound extreme, and it might prompt some to say "why?, just get a better flash!". I did the fix, because the flashes are that good, powerful, and work reliably for me. I've got the Yongnuo 622 series remotes, and life is good with these flashes.

Jan 30, 2020 at 07:33 PM


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