Canon Speedlite 540ez: Compatible with a T3i? ...Worth $100

I have a chance to buy a gently used Canon Speedlite 540ez for $100, I just want to make sure it will fit my T3i, and are there any issues with this flash?

Thanks,

~Steve

You can use it as a manual flash. But its incompatible with the current ETTL system. The EZ flashes were meant for use with film bodies which took a reading off the film plane.

Great, thanks for the info...you just saved me some travel time and frustration. I would've tried it out first, but the guy didn't know if it was compatible or not.

Thanks again!

Ace and Deuce wrote in post #14327719
Great, thanks for the info...you just saved me some travel time and frustration. I would've tried it out first, but the guy didn't know if it was compatible or not.

Thanks again!

Happy to help. You want to look at the EX flashes. Ideally 430, 550, 580, and the II models of those. The 420ex is out there, but its ETTL only, no manual power controls.

I've been eyeing the 430ex II but haven't jumped on it yet because I don't see myself using it all that much. When I saw that one for $100, I couldn't have passed it up if it was compatible.

Ace and Deuce wrote in post #14327750
I've been eyeing the 430ex II but haven't jumped on it yet because I don't see myself using it all that much. When I saw that one for $100, I couldn't have passed it up if it was compatible.

The reason you dont see yourself using it much, is because you dont have one. Once you get a flash, and learn the subtleties of using it you will never want to be without one going forward.

$100 is a lot for that flash. I bought one used for $45..

I use it in manual and trigger it remotely.

You would be better off with a gently used 430 EX or the 430 ex II

I agree...

A used 430EX is a good value in flashes. I got one last year in great condition a couple of years ago for $150 USD.

The 420Ex is O.K. but, as mentioned, it cannot be used with the flash in manual mode; only in E-TTL mode. However, if you are willing to shoot in E-TTL, this flash can often be had used on eBay for between $75 and $100 USD.

The advantages of the 420EX over third party flashes in that price range is that: the 420EX can be used as a slave for the 550EX, 580EX and 580EXii and; the 420EX is capable of High Speed Sync HSS which facilitates daylight fill- flash.

I have the 430EZ coupled with the 550D and it is a manual adventure. Works great, just takes a little trial and error to get the exposure right. Otherwise it's does its job.

Ace and Deuce wrote in post #14327750
I've been eyeing the 430ex II but haven't jumped on it yet because I don't see myself using it all that much. When I saw that one for $100, I couldn't have passed it up if it was compatible.

I think that with your enthusiasm for photography, and the fact that you already have a T3i (for wireless control), the Off Camera Flash (OCF) technique will open a vast new horizon. Indoors...

Find and download the manual for the 430EXII just to see what it can do...

Thanks guys (and thanks for the kind words Makis)...I'll have to invest in the 430ex II. I'm curious to see how functional it is for me...I can't wait to experiment with it!