p.1 #1 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
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. My criteria are: TTL compatible, autozoom and HSS:
- Neewer NW680 (rebadged Godox TT680): $56, $60 with diffusers and triggers
- 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.
p.1 #2 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
I use a 430 EX II and a yongnuo. Both work fine with a 5D III, but I bought an eos RP and the yongnuo TTL is a stop or two off. It's also a lot bulkier than the Canon.
I see tons of people selling used Canon flashes for about 50 to 75 in great shape so I vote for the original over Yongnuo, particularly if if you get an eos RP. I don't know anything about Neewer.
p.1 #3 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
I have Godox and Canon.
I find frequently that that Canon 430 Mk2 or 580 mk2's are generally more predictable and reliable in ETTL mode than the Godox TT685 speedlights.
But I do love the range and ease of the Godox radio system.
My solution is to use the newer Godox X2T transmitter and 430EX on camera with a Godox TT685 speedlight as a secondary speelight set to be controlled in manual from the Godox trigger.
I work in parties / events often and so use on camera flash with off camera backlighting, and I've found this is the ideal combo. The Canon is just much more predictable with FEL than the Godox.
p.1 #4 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
If TTL accuracy is a factor above all other considerations then get the first-party flash. Otherwise, get the Godox. Yongnuo and Neewer really aren't worth considering IMHO; their system is nowhere near as fleshed out as Godox is as far as giving you room to grow in the future.
p.1 #5 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
Thanks all. I guess I will add a used Canon 580ex ii to the mix.
I am not too concerned about the expandability of the Godox vs Yongnuo or Neewer at this time, would probably just use it as an on camera single flash.
Accuracy and future compatibility with the Canon is a definite plus compared to the other 3....
p.1 #6 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
So I guess 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.
p.1 #7 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
godox all the way. Yes, the godox, neewer and yongnuo are all cheap chinese flashes, but godox at least has a slightly better warranty if you purchase through B&H or Adorama.
p.1 #8 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
jcverheijen1 wrote:
Thanks all. I guess I will add a used Canon 580ex ii to the mix.
I am not too concerned about the expandability of the Godox vs Yongnuo or Neewer at this time, would probably just use it as an on camera single flash.
Accuracy and future compatibility with the Canon is a definite plus compared to the other 3....
Just a suggestion. You might also consider a used canon 600RT mkl. I think it’s the same size as a 580 and yes it’s more money. I see them used for $180.
But that gives you the advantage of going wireless off-camera in the future. These speedlights are also somewhat complicated and you have the advantage of being able to call Canon Tech with questions problems.
For very occasional lighting you always have your pop-up and don’t need to use a bulky speedlight.
I think the Godox system is good, or at least Flashpoint system is but I would not stake my entire lighting future on one Chinese flash.
But the Canon system definitely costs more. Good kuck
John
p.1 #9 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
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.
p.1 #10 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
So I got one of those TTL splitter adapters, and now I can run all Godox.
I've got a TT685 and a XPro on top of the camera, and then some combination of 1-4x TT685, and the AD200 thrown in for good measure. XPro makes adjustments so easy, and I'm not sure I'll ever go back to anything smaller for lighting control.
p.1 #11 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
I went with a 580 EXII first and now have two Godox TT350C’s on the way along with an XPro. I figure this will give me a lot of off camera control. I’m interested to see how they all play together
p.1 #13 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
I thinking about working with the godox system for simplicity.
Feb 04, 2021 at 11:53 AM
AmbientMike Offline • • • • • • [X]
p.1 #14 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
jcverheijen1 wrote:
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. My criteria are: TTL compatible, autozoom and HSS:
- Neewer NW680 (rebadged Godox TT680): $56, $60 with diffusers and triggers
- 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....Show more →
I'm still using a 380EX + cord. Very inexpensive and the same power AFAIK. I definitely recommend a cord.
I'd think the 550EX and possibly others might be available in the $100 or less range.
p.1 #15 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
I began trying out Godox about two years ago. I bought an X2T because the top hot shoe on it let me continue to use my old flash trigger and speedlites as I migrated to Godox (or some other brand). I have grown to be very fond of Godox / Flashpoint, their speedlites, and now also my studio lights. As of about 11/20 all of my flash equipment, both studio and field, are now Godox / Flashpoint. Along with the X2T transmitter, I now have two X Pro transmitters. The X2T is in my field kit with 5 Godox speedlites and the X Pro are used in my studio where I have 7 Godox / Flashpoint monolights and 2 Canon cameras in use. I have a third camera, a Sony, but when I use it, so far I'm relying on it's built-in flash to operate the IR receivers of my lights. I may buy a Godox / Flashpoint transmitter for it someday, but the IR is working adequately so far for what little this camera is being used for.
p.1 #16 · Flash advice: Neewer vs Godox vs Yongnuo vs Canon
Basenji wrote:
godox all the way. Yes, the godox, neewer and yongnuo are all cheap chinese flashes, but godox at least has a slightly better warranty if you purchase through B&H or Adorama.
Most Godox at Adorama is rebadged as Flashpoint. It's what I buy and I'm happy with it.
