Need a new flash

Hello,

I'm currently running with a canon 5d3, and had a 580x type flash , along with 2 useless 430 models that I used on camera and with umbrellas, with Paul C. Bluff triggers.

Doing some after wedding outdoor shoots this winter, I slipped on ice, and when I hit the ground, the shock broke the attachment section of the 580, so I can no longer attach it to anything. So now I am out my one good flash, and I'm not sure what to replace it with.

Also, regarding the Paul C. Bluff triggers; they are great for practice, but aren't reliable when actually doing work. I find that I need to disconnect and reattach everything every few shots to keep everything working. It gets embarrasing after awhile to say the least.

So obviously I need a new flash or two, and I'm wondering what is a good bet these days that may or may not compliment my 5d3? I've never been able to use a TTL option, so I do everything manually with a bit of chimp to get set up.

Any recommendations? Will my unreliable triggers get better with an up-to-date flash? I pretty much had one good flash setup, and two more without umbrellas for emergency. I'd like to have two or three full, reliable off-camera flashes with umbrellas going forward.

Thank you!

I'd go with a couple of these flashes: http://www.amazon.com …keywords=yongnu​o+600ex-rt

And get this to get them off camera: http://www.amazon.com …keywords=yongnu​o+600ex-rt

Cheetah V850 with LiOn built in batteries.

The plastic hotfoot of the 580 can be replaced!

samueli wrote in post #17494418
... the shock broke the attachment section of the 580, so I can no longer attach it to anything.

This is easily fixed/replaced. It's a DIY thing--get the part, and replace it yourself. If you don't mind spending up to $50, you could even get an entire foot assembly and replace it and have a 3.5mm sync port on the flash.

I mean, if you want to buy a new flash, you can buy a new flash. But you could just repair this one.

But do you want TTL/HSS/remote power control?
What's your budget?
And are you sure you want to stick with speedlites? Or do you want bigger, more powerful lights? (AlienBees, Godox Wistros, etc.)

inkista wrote in post #17494659
This is easily fixed/replaced. It's a DIY thing--get the part, and replace it yourself. If you don't mind spending up to $50, you could even get an entire foot assembly and replace it and have a 3.5mm sync port on the flash.

I mean, if you want to buy a new flash, you can buy a new flash. But you could just repair this one.

But do you want TTL/HSS/remote power control?
What's your budget?
And are you sure you want to stick with speedlites? Or do you want bigger, more powerful lights? (AlienBees, Godox Wistros, etc.)

All of this^

GeeMack wrote in post #17494630
I'd go with a couple of these flashes: http://www.amazon.com …keywords=yongnu​o+600ex-rt

And get this to get them off camera: http://www.amazon.com …keywords=yongnu​o+600ex-rt

these look neat!

I didn't think that could be replaced. I didn't really look that hard at it though.

I wouldn't mind some better flash equipment. Everything I purchased was on a beginner budget. The 580 could be 2nd or 3rd flash. I have 2 430ex that shut off after 30 seconds. I could bump those out.

Indeed more power, but being mobile is important. I could spend on some lighting as long the equipment stays relevant.

flowrider wrote in post #17494633
Cheetah V850 with LiOn built in batteries.

This

Cheetah and Godox are the same? These look pretty sweet!

samueli wrote in post #17494961
Cheetah and Godox are the same? These look pretty sweet!

i have this setup, and the transmitter works flawlessly for off camera and the adjustments are easily made from the hotshoe with a readout of the power output, ideal for chimping

If you're not using ETTL you can get YN-560 III or IV with built-in RF receivers and a YN-560-TX RF trigger that will allow you to configure the flash settings remotely. You can get two flashes plus the trigger for under $200, and they are widely available on Amazon and eBay. Want faster recycling time or longer battery duration: get a pair of CP-E4 battery pack clones for another $60.

For your useless 430Exs, it might be an idea to check out CFn-01.

One reason I'm not using ETTL is because I could not. In the end, I probably don't need it since I've been fine without it and don't know if I'm missing anything. Hmm... So now it's back to nice equipment or cheaper equipment. There is a reason I kept away from these boards, lol.

The Cheetah/Godox are presented so very nicely. What about the Lithium batteries? Is that way better than 5lbs of double As? In all my camera stuff, with aftermarket replacement batteries, I have around a 25% fail rate on rechargables. Decisions, decisions...

Wow, the Yongnuo equipment looks pretty sweet as well, and I can get twice as much equipment for the price.


Thanks for all the responses!

Does that work for the 430? I remember getting a schematic from Canon that required board modifications. I eventually decided against breaking out the soldering iron.