which are the best cheap flashgun ?

hi

i have always used canon flashgun

but on the net i watched some videos , with many very cheap flashguns , and the result were amazing

may i ask you some feedbacks about the best cheap flashguns do you have or used ?

thanks

I've had good luck with the Yongnuo 560-II, they're about $75, full manual flash.

Hi Mantra: I think it is important to realise that "amazing results" come about from the way in which light is used rather than the actual equipment. Many people seem to think that you can buy results - you can't, it is the skill of the photographer which makes the results 'amazing'. But you no doubt realised that anyway.

Putting that aside, I understand that the Customs service in Italy are very awkward about non-EU imports and this may limit your choices to what has already arrived within EU borders. The alternative seems to be either a long wait for clearance through Customs and/or heavy import duties. In addition to mainstream brands like Canon (which you mention) and Metz, I have had very good service from 4 Yongnuo YN-565EX units as have 2 colleagues in Ireland. Here is a link to the YN-560 II mentioned by 'flyinlow007' from a reliable UK supplier I have used which may be helpful as they are within the EU. I have also heard good reports about some of the Nissin range, especially the Nissin Di866 Mark II. Like Metz, Nissin have a policy of making units which can be upgraded to accomodate newer camera models - something which may save you money at a later date.

Everything depends on the Italian Customs service though. What brands are available in Rome? In ascending order of price, I would look for Yongnuo, Nissin and Metz. Yongnuo are certainly the cheapest and offer a range of models although some have reported problems (many more have not, so don't let that put you off). Nissin & Metz are a bit more expensive, much longer estabished, have worldwide supply chains in place (important with awkward Customs regulations) and offer that possibly important upgrade path.

Whortleberry wrote in post #15442972
Hi Mantra: I think it is important to realise that "amazing results" .

i mean the use of 8 flash units , in manual mode , i got great results

i have right now ,2 units without a recevier
i would like to expand my flashguns units numbers
and if i can get them at a lower price i would be happy

Putting that aside, I understand that the Customs service in Italy are very awkward about non-EU imports and this may limit your choices to what has already arrived within EU borders. The alternative seems to be either a long wait for clearance through Customs and/or heavy import duties. In addition to mainstream brands like Canon (which you mention) and Metz, I have had very good service from 4 Yongnuo YN-565EX units as have 2 colleagues in Ireland. Here is a link to the YN-560 II mentioned by 'flyinlow007' from a reliable UK supplier I have used which may be helpful as they are within the EU. I have also heard good reports about some of the Nissin range, especially the Nissin Di866 Mark II. Like Metz, Nissin have a policy of making units which can be upgraded to accomodate newer camera models - something which may save you money at a later date.

i see you know italy
well these units are available here , so i should not have problems to find them

thanks Whortleberry

Vivitar 285

You can usually find used Vivitar 285 units for twenty bucks or less. They have full manual control and you can purchase some inexpensive triggers...

If you are going to use the speedlites in manual mode, the YN-560 is a creditable unit. And the YN RF-603 triggers work well and are also inexpensive.

I have several of each and they do the job. As mentioned one consideration is import. I'd be surprised if there isn't at least one importer inside the EU for YN products.

I'm very satisfied with my Yongnuo 560EXII, I have two of them.

They include an optical slave mode, so there's no need to buy extra triggers unless you're shooting in the same room as another photographer who is using a flash. In optical slave mode, it watches for any other flash to fire, then fires at the same time. (okay, not EXACTLY the same time, but faster than your camera's sync speed)

I stick with metz for ease of getting parts.

isoMorphic wrote in post #15448256
I stick with metz for ease of getting parts.

That suggests you're in Europe - the US distributors are developing a pretty pathetic reputation. Not a problem for me in the UK or Mantra in Italy but our benighted transatlantic cousins seemingly get a rougher deal.

US side and only ordered parts never needed service.

isoMorphic wrote in post #15450233
US side and only ordered parts never needed service.

That's really good to know. Parts are usually a very reasonable price, the labour rather less so on occasion.

Another vote for the 560 II. I use mine with a set of cactus v5 transceivers and couldn't be happier.