question about upcoming flash purchase...

happy thanksgiving, everyone. I am likely picking up my first flash this weekend and am leaning towards the 580ex ii, but am wondering if I should look at anything else? are other companies' flashes worth looking at or should I stick with canon?

also, does it require anything else in order to use it off of the camera?

thank you!!

Which camera do you have? Not all have built in transmitters so you may need a way to trigger OCF. I'm very happy with my 580II. If you are not Canon dedicated the Yongnuo 565 has ETTL but I'm not sure about High Speed Sync (HSS). Very highly rated flash and less than 1/2 the price.

Maybe someone can help about the HSS.

I've got the 60d.

I'll take a look at that flash. thank you.

personally I prefer to stick to OEM products for the most part. But affordability becomes everyones limitations. I like Metz as an aftermarket flash.

The 60D has a built in transmitter. Optical which is not the best but it works. Radio triggers are better. Only with a Canon flash though. If you get a Yongnuo or other 3rd party you need a trigger.

I bought a YN 565 for my 60D. The thing is a beast. The build quality is very good. It works great for an off camera flash. The 60D triggers it using the BIF. It does not have HSS, but I have not found this to be a limitation yet. You can find it on Amazon or eBay for about $160.00. IMO you should definitely consider this over the Canon, especially since its about $400.00 cheaper.

thank you, guys. so if I got the yn 565, I would need to buy a transmitter, but I wouldn't with the canon 580, correct? seems that the cost would end up about the same in that case...

I think steelhead said it would fire it but you should get confirmation before you buy.

I ended up getting the canon 580ex ii. I figured that I should spend the extra $$ for at least one and can go with cheaper flashes, like the yongnuo for slaves down the road.

picked it up for $419.

I have that flash. You will appreciate having HSS.

digital paradise wrote in post #13454435
I have that flash. You will appreciate having HSS.

that was one of the major factors in getting this one. I don't know if I even need it right now, but I don't want to regret it down the road.

Swets, I have always preferred the Metz line. The 58c AF is my choice over my Canon flashes. You will find the software very easy to use. Also, you can update your flashes operating system cheaper than you can buy a new flash!?