Options for OCF at Wedding Receptions

Hey folks. Just a quick question.

I have 3 x 580EXII's. At wedding receptions I usually have 2 of them on a light stand to light up the room and have the 3rd mounted on a camera. The problem is, I usually shoot with 2 cameras so I want a flash on my 2nd camera as well.

I was shooting a reception last night and was thinking it's such a waste to have 2 580EXII's on Manual mode on light stands.

So I was thinking about flipping one of my 580EX II's and buying a couple of cheaper off brand ones.

I've done some searches, and it seems like the YongNuo brand offers great bang for the buck.

Anyways, I need the flash to have the following:

• ETTL/TTL is of no concern. I set them to Manual mode anyways.
  
• I use PocketWizards Plus II's. Should be no issues right?
  
• Unit that has consistent sync port performance.
  
• Ability to turn any confirmation beep off.
  
• Ability to set it so the flash never goes to sleep.
  
• Just as powerful or almost as powerful as the 580EX II.
  
• Something solid, at least on the level of my 580EXII's.
  
• Price = Sell a 580EXII and get 2 flashes in return. So I would say $200 each max.
  
• Prefer metal feet.

I you are using manual for the OCF the YN-560s are perfect. They have the same head shape as the 580EX so slip on modifiers fit. Use RF-602 or 603 as trigger. They offer wake up and the flash slips into the hot shoe.

If you think you may want to do ControlTL PW in the future get the Nissin Di866. Its TTL and low RF noise so it doesn't cause a problem with Flex.

dmward wrote in post #12452193
I you are using manual for the OCF the YN-560s are perfect. They have the same head shape as the 580EX so slip on modifiers fit. Use RF-602 or 603 as trigger. They offer wake up and the flash slips into the hot shoe.

If you think you may want to do ControlTL PW in the future get the Nissin Di866. Its TTL and low RF noise so it doesn't cause a problem with Flex.

Is there a way to keep the 560's awake? I use 5 x Pocket Wizards Plus II's and don't foresee myself getting other triggers.

Also, how's the recycling times on these things? I usually use battery packs with the flashes on the light stands. Almost never fire them off full powered...probably more like 1/8-1/16.

As far as from the reliability standpoint, how does the LP-160 compare to the Yongnuo's? Again, I can probably spend as much as $200 a flash, so it doesn't necessarily have to be the $60-$70 el-cheapo ones.

For $200 why not get used 550ex? You still got eTTL option if needed. For full manul I prefer 540ez, same as 550ex but only manual. You buy used for < $100. Takes canon battery packs. Never had sleep issues with 550ex/540ez as they have a simple switch to turn the darn thing off.

I don't use my YN-560s often enough and in situations where sleep is an issue.
They take battery packs. That is a pre-requisite for me.

Used 580EX tend to be selling for closer to $300 in the forums. Not to say you couldn't find some on Craig's list cheaper. I have 3 and am thinking about selling them.

Yeah, I don't really need anything fancy. Just something to put up on light stands in manual mode. 550EX is an interesting choice. Looks like it doesn't have a PC Sync port?

nicksan wrote in post #12452216
Is there a way to keep the 560's awake? I use 5 x Pocket Wizards Plus II's and don't foresee myself getting other triggers.

Also, how's the recycling times on these things? I usually use battery packs with the flashes on the light stands. Almost never fire them off full powered...probably more like 1/8-1/16.

There are a few different settings for the power saving mode on the YN-560. If power saving is disabled, it will wait 60 minutes before shutting itself off.

Mine recycle slightly faster than my 580EX II and have about 1/2 to 1 stop less power than the 580. The ready beep can be disabled. They are able to use the same battery packs as the 580 and are about $65 at Amazon. They will also trigger optically, so you may not need a PW for each added 560.

nicksan wrote in post #12452430
Yeah, I don't really need anything fancy. Just something to put up on light stands in manual mode. 550EX is an interesting choice. Looks like it doesn't have a PC Sync port?

Right, no pc port on the 550EX. Slightly larger than the 580 and recycles a little slower.

nicksan wrote in post #12452430
Yeah, I don't really need anything fancy. Just something to put up on light stands in manual mode. 550EX is an interesting choice. Looks like it doesn't have a PC Sync port?

PC sync port on anything are junk IMHO. If flash had miniphone connector then lot better. I just use fleshzebra hoe shoe connector with cable for PW Plus II. Works like a charm.

Frogday wrote in post #12452488
Right, no pc port on the 550EX. Slightly larger than the 580 and recycles a little slower.

Not with external pack. And OP is saying 1/8 or 1/16 power where anything will recycle as fast he/she can shoot. I shoot night time football with 550ex on my 1dmk2. I am on 1/4 to 1/2 power.

Hmm...I use the PC Sync port on the 580EX II all the time without any glaring issues.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

i have the 560.. and so far i like it. if you are willing to spend up to $200. then get the LP-160. 4 way sync is awesome. LP-160 is a great flash.

Can the LP-160 be powered via battery pack like the Canon one of the off-brand ones?

Yongnuo advertises their yn-560 with a GN of 58, same as the 580exii. Not sure if those claims are true though.

They work great, and can't be beat for the price (<70$). i also ordered the sf-18 battery pack and im still waiting on those right now.

Seems like a good cheap alternative to mounting your ettl flashes off-camera and wasting them by putting it on manual.