Recommendation for flash

I have $300 that I'm thinking of spending on a flash for my 40D. New or used. I haven't worked with one that wasn't built-in.

Mostly I shoot outdoor sports (soccer) and landscape, but I'm also getting requests to do some family portraits for friends and family. I'm thinking that the ability to move it off camera would be cool, but don't know how to accomplish that.

Thanks in advance.

This was posted earlier today. Very excellent deal. The 430EXII is a great unit, I've got 2 of them and 1 580EXII. I've dealt with Adorama a lot, great dealer.
https://photography-on-the.net …t=1077954&highl​ight=430EX

chadmcm wrote in post #13447177
I have $300 that I'm thinking of spending on a flash for my 40D. New or used. I haven't worked with one that wasn't built-in.

Mostly I shoot outdoor sports (soccer) and landscape, but I'm also getting requests to do some family portraits for friends and family. I'm thinking that the ability to move it off camera would be cool, but don't know how to accomplish that.

Thanks in advance.

do a search here, for $300 you could get a couple of Yongnuo flashes, wireless triggers (RF-603), stand, diffuser, etc.

Will the Yongnuo cover on-camera work for sports, too?

Yes it can be used on camera as well just as the canon can be. It's practically identical in every way except you can get a more powerful one, plus wireless receivers and a light stand and diffuser, instead of just a flash.

I went through this decision a couple weeks ago and chose a 430 EX II. I was looking for a versatile flash to be used as a dedicated unit and off camera. I was considering some Yongnuo's as well (primarily the manual 460II and 560). My reasoning for choosing the 430 was because I just trust Canon more. I really like the idea of an inexpensive flash with similar (if not better) features, but don't want to worry about any potential complications which have arisen with Yongnuos. There are, however, many many people whom are perfectly happy with their Yongnuos, so I certainly won't knock that as I don't have any first hand experience.

If the Yongnuo route is one you are considering, then check out the YN-565 EX (similar to Canon 580 EX II), or the YN 468 II (Similar to Canon 430 EX II). Those are both ETTL capable. From what I've heard reputable sources are the following:

Amazon CheaplightsThePhotoGadget - One year store warranty?
Yongnuo's eBay - 1 year manufacturers warranty

Otherwise, I'd say the 430 EX II is a great choice in the price range. Primary fall backs for it would be no PC connection and you're not able to use an external power supply (which could speed up recycling for sports shooting).

As far as off camera flash is concerned I went with the inexpensive Cowboy Studios NPT-04 trigger which has been working flawlessly thus far. Yonguo makes something similar (RF-603) and another common one would be the Cactus V4 or V5. These are manual radio triggers which allow for off camera flash, but you cannot control the flash from the camera. More expensive versions would be Pocket Wizards, Cybersyncs, Phottix, Skyports, Pixel Knight or Kings, Radiopoppers, etc...The more expensive ones generally have options to buy transmitter/receiver which allow for TTL as well. You can also consider a TTL cord of varying lengths.

Hope this helps and wasn't too jumbled.

Edit: I don't believe Yongnuo flashes support HSS or 2nd curtain sync?

I'll add my vote to the 430EX II. Very nice flash.

chadmcm wrote in post #13454254
Will the Yongnuo cover on-camera work for sports, too?

covers on-camera, off camera, sports and other stuff -
http://speedlights.net

HelenOster wrote in post #13456417

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Hi Helen

You guys have done well with my orders. Tell the powers at be that they really need to work on the website to get up it more user friendly, specifically so that you can filter by manufacturer and other criteria. Example would be Softboxes: manufacturer, shape, size.

Ralph

windpig wrote in post #13457190
Hi Helen

You guys have done well with my orders. Tell the powers at be that they really need to work on the website to get up it more user friendly, specifically so that you can filter by manufacturer and other criteria. Example would be Softboxes: manufacturer, shape, size.

Ralph

Already working on it:

http://theframptonfile​s.blogspot.com …etail-and-mail-order.html

- presuming there are no unforeseen hitches, it should 'go live' early in the New Year!

HelenOster wrote in post #13457263
Already working on it:

http://theframptonfile​s.blogspot.com …etail-and-mail-order.html

- presuming there are no unforeseen hitches, it should 'go live' early in the New Year!

I'm glad to hear it. I like to spread the $ love around to you New Yorkers