Question: What Speedlite(s) to get next…

A brief background first:
I’m a photographer/retoucher by trade - but its also my hobby. The work I do is mostly product photography, but the hobby is much more creative and ever-increasingly strobist in nature.

What I’ve figure out so far:
I’d like an ETTL flash with HSS and I’d like to stay in the sub $200 range to pick up some modifiers (on a budget).

Been looking at used Canon 580EX’s ~ 430EX II’s, or new YongNuo YN-568EX and YN-500EX or even the Godox Ving V860C.

The question:
I’m looking to get more/better speed lights - considering the gear in my signature what would be your recommendation as to what would be a good fit in my kit with an eye towards the future? I could possibly afford 2 each of the 430EX IIs or 500EXs - but I’m afraid of regretting their limitations down the road. I’m not opposed to making a purchase now based on dropping my current Speedlites at a letter date and replacing them. Also keep in mind that since I plan on continuing to use my YongNuo triggers that I realy don't need Speedlites with "Master" capabilities.

I welcome any opinions and/or questions regarding this. Thanks you very much in advance for your time.

Consider the Metz 58af-1. The Metz flashes can be updated via the internet for free, so you're able to maintain future compatibility. They are top of the line.

The Metz 58af-1 is equal to the Canon 580ex II and is within your price range. You can go HERE for a comparison.

Mine have always performed flawlessly and I much prefer those to the Canon 550ex of which I've owned numerous. BTW, the Canon 430ex II would be a downgrade to the Canon 550ex (less power, no master ability, no strobe...) so I wouldn't go with that.

Ralph

I own two Yn-568ex flashes and they have performed as expected. I also have an older Canon 580ex that gets put in the mix along with multiple YN triggers. I have no complaints with the above flashes. If I were purchasing another hotshoe based flash, I would look at the Yn-568EX II. I think they are priced to be of good value for the $$.

Regards,

110yd

I love my 580EX II as an on-camera or master flash. The 550EX is nearly as powerful, just as flexible, and about 1/3 the price. The 550EX is also easier to use if you don't have a camera-menu for flash. That goes back a ways now. My 430EX II has been relegated to the occasional use as a slave. Never tried the YN-568, but never heard of anyone complaining about them, either.

I'd stick with Canon or some other brand. My experience with the YN-568EX II was not good. First copy, the battery door cover broke after one use. Second copy, the mounting ring would not tighten and the focus assist beam cover fell off. Third copy seems to be OK and hasn't broken yet, maybe because I only used it once and put it back in the box .

Thanks for the input people, you have given me some great food for though - which is exactly what I wanted.