t2i - External Flash Recommendations?

Okay so here's the run down.


I got a t2i, basic 18-55mm kit lens and 50mm 1.8 II lens . I am getting into low light even shooting (private dinner parties, private lounge parties, etc). From what I have read a external flash will get me the best shots.

Im a total newbie to external flash and couldn't find any recommendations out there for 'club photography' - I've seen recs on canon 430ex and the yn-468.

Now my budget being small (under $200) - what is the best ideal flash that will get me some good results that are sharp and capture the right light?

Please guide me! lol - example shots and links are welcome so I can see comparisons!
(also any recommended settings to use to get the right amount of light in? heard mixed things on Av mode vs M mode with a fast lens ).

Thanks ahead for the help folks!

-rimple

Well for the price, the YN's are the way to go... carry spares though, especially if its a paying gig. Depending on what you want to do, you could get a 468 of on camera work and also pick up some YN-560's to put on stands. Put some CTB and CTR gels on those suckers and they'll give you some cool effects (again depending on what you're going for).

aaron.dunlap wrote in post #11886233
Well for the price, the YN's are the way to go... carry spares though, especially if its a paying gig. Depending on what you want to do, you could get a 468 of on camera work and also pick up some YN-560's to put on stands. Put some CTB and CTR gels on those suckers and they'll give you some cool effects (again depending on what you're going for).

Thanks Aaron for your advice!

QQ - what does CTB and CTR stand for ? (any helpful links for what you reccomend?) Understand these come in various colors - any example shots you have links to with gels used?

The look is pretty much a simple pop of color - no bright 'in your face' flash where they get blinded lol but a look that gives a smooth dark tone.

Similar to this effect from a NYE party I went to - http://photos.trevoray​.com …28_Cmc7q#114478​2112_iQCid

I love the lighting and it gave off some great effects.

Cool pics.... they look a bit underexposed to me, but thats just my opinion.

CTB = color temperature blue
CTR = color temperature red

By shooting a couple of those at your background (or the ground, ceiling, whatever), you'll get some blue tinted light, some red tinted light and then a nice purple mix where they intersect each other. Makes for some neat effects. You could also set them behind your subjects to point at the camera and ad a colorful halo-like effect (also looks neat when shot through fog out of a fog machine or something).

That flash should be fine.

Thanks for the advice so far - anyone used a vivtar 383? thoughts on that one vs the yn468?

http://www.amazon.com …2&camp=1789&cre​ative=9325

any other brands suggested for something under at or under 150?

Good morning guys,

I am also a newbie. I am a college student and I specialize in natural lightning. Also, just yesterday I was invited to shoot for a local DJ next month, but I do not have the equipment. I have a Canon t2I, with the kit lens I believe it's a 18-55mm f3.8?? I don't have the manual with me at the moment. I had also heard buying a yn-560 for night club/low light shoots would be great. Then I read on this thread about the gels, and I got a bit confused. I do know the effect they make (which I gotta tell you I've been researching like crazy to find out how to do those effects, and I finally found it on here THANK YOU!!) but what I have no clue is how to set them up.. do they go on the flash which is attached to my camera, or what do you mean by stands?

If you would be so kind to tell me as to what lens I should upgrade (plan on doing couple pictures the most) and also which lens would be better (also accesories.. I read a CTG and CTO would be great for florescent light?)

I'm sorry if my post is a bit confusing, like I said I'm still pretty new.
Also my budge for the flash is $100
For the lens $200

Thank you for all your help guys

You do know that the Yn-560 is a manual only flash? it does not support eTTL. This is okay in constant light conditions but if the light is changing and/or your distance to the subject is changing you are going to have to change the flash power manually.