[Recommendations] TTL flash around $150 for basic Av shooting indoors

Hello all,

Just getting back into photography after a few years off and looking for a budget TTL flash.

I used to shoot with the 580EX II on an original 5D with a EF 35/2 non-is and was very happy with the performance and results while shooting indoors in Av mode using E-TTL and bouncing the flash off the cieiling etc.

I picked up a 7D II and a S150-600C for my main setup since I mostly shoot sports and wildlife outdoors, but also wanted to emulate the same setup of my 5D/35 combo for family events etc., so I purchased the 24/2.8 STM and now I'm looking for a flash.

I don't plan on doing much else with it other than utilize the TTL for basic shooting indoors. Just looking for something realiable that will get the job done without too much tinkering.

I was looking at used 580EX II's which run between $150-200 but also saw the chinese YN600 RT was a cheaper new.

Any thoughts/experience with the YN flashes? Any other alternatives to something equivalent to the 580EX II in my price range?

Thanks everyone.

My 2p is that I'm still using a couple of Canon 580ExIIs and feel no compulsion to change - especially as when I'm relying on ETTL II, I feel that Canon original equipment is most likely to get closest exposure-wise.

If you were getting into adding strobes and Off-cam flash, then it gets more complicated: Godox, Jinbei, Phottix/Elinchrom etcetcetc.

Godox tt350, and then add the xpro transmitter. This gives you a small ttl flash, but also the ability to do off camera flash triggering too, all very under your budget. Very versatile and travel friendly.

https://www.adorama.co​m …iPTBzZ2gVWKhoCH​cEQAvD_BwE

https://www.adorama.co​m/fprrr2proc.html

If you want a larger flash, then substitute the TT350 with this, and still keep the wireless capability, allowing you to expand into other Godox/Flashpoint items later. This will put you over your budget by about 30%.

https://www.adorama.co​m/fplfsmzca.html

I moved away from all Canon flashes (including 2 580II) for this system, because of the built-in wireless capability between all their devices, meaning I don't have any extra RF transmitters/receivers all over the place.

Amazon has some used but like new condition 430 EXII units listed. See https://www.amazon.com …=true&f_usedVer​yGood=true for a summary of "like new" and "very good" condition units.

Loxley wrote in post #18580612
Hello all,

Just getting back into photography after a few years off and looking for a budget TTL flash.

I used to shoot with the 580EX II on an original 5D with a EF 35/2 non-is and was very happy with the performance and results while shooting indoors in Av mode using E-TTL and bouncing the flash off the cieiling etc.

I picked up a 7D II and a S150-600C for my main setup since I mostly shoot sports and wildlife outdoors, but also wanted to emulate the same setup of my 5D/35 combo for family events etc., so I purchased the 24/2.8 STM and now I'm looking for a flash.

I don't plan on doing much else with it other than utilize the TTL for basic shooting indoors. Just looking for something realiable that will get the job done without too much tinkering.

I was looking at used 580EX II's which run between $150-200 but also saw the chinese YN600 RT was a cheaper new.

Any thoughts/experience with the YN flashes? Any other alternatives to something equivalent to the 580EX II in my price range?

Thanks everyone.

I use Flashpoint R2 TTL Zoom (LiOn) and Flashpoint R2 Mini TTL. They're excellent, cost budget, but don't behave or perform like budget. The R2 Mini TTL is so small, only need 2 batteries, and just works so well. I use it off camera and on-camera in the house often. Mixes into the R2 family great.

Very best,

I have left canon , but I have a beautiful canon 430exIII for sale that really has been exceptional. I used it mostly in bounce ttl mode. It is light and powerful for its size and also has the benefit of the built in canon radio setup...it will also trigger other brands like Yongnuo without need for another receiver. you could have it for 150

Godox V860II is a great flash for $179 and at times can be found as low as $139.

Also Adorama has a 'flashpoint' version, same thing, r2 zoom li-ion

This means you have a battery to recharge, that is more powerful and last longer than double AA batteries. I love mine. Highly recommend.

Thanks for all the ideas everyone.

I see a lot of recommendations for Godox and Flashpoint. I used to hear a lot of good things about Yongnuo but I've been reading recently they have some realiability and consistency issues. How do the Godox and Flashpoints compare?

Loxley wrote in post #18581166
Thanks for all the ideas everyone.

I see a lot of recommendations for Godox and Flashpoint. I used to hear a lot of good things about Yongnuo but I've been reading recently they have some realiability and consistency issues. How do the Godox and Flashpoints compare?

Godox and Flashpoint are the same thing, Flashpoint is the Adorama branded version. So far, after 1 year, I have had no issues with Godox/Flashpoint, and they address issues very often with many firmware updates in this time, so very responsive. I have had YongNuo too in the past, but the types of lighting and modularity of Godox moved me over to their more painless built in wireless units and strobes/flashes.

Sounds like the Flashpoint R2 will fit my needs.

Going to try the Li-on version.

Thanks!

I've recently purchased 3 Canon 550EX units on E-Bay for about $50 each. Half the price of YN gear, and you get all the reliability of OEM Canon equipment.

Bassat wrote in post #18582387
I've recently purchased 3 Canon 550EX units on E-Bay for about $50 each. Half the price of YN gear, and you get all the reliability of OEM Canon equipment.

Do you know the history of those speedlites? Have they been used outdoors at full power hss? At 1/16 power a couple of times every 2 month? Baked or taken care of?

soeren wrote in post #18582474
Do you know the history of those speedlites? Have they been used outdoors at full power hss? At 1/16 power a couple of times every 2 month? Baked or taken care of?

Do you know the quality of YN gear? How many of them burn up/out the day after you unpackage them? How utterly worthless the customer support is? For $50 are you really all that worried about getting a lemon? If one of my $50 550EX units fails tomorrow, I'd throw it in the trash and order another one. I'm on units #3, #4, and #5 now. All of them together cost me less than a new 580EX II.

I've been buying used photo gear since the '70s. In 40+ years, I've gotten exactly three defective items. A Yashica FX-3 S2K with an unglued mirror. Fixed it for nothing. A <$20 Vivitar 28-105 C/Y zoom with fungus. Tossed it in the trash can. A $20 Yashica 135 2.8 with a broken aperture control. I trashed it; the seller refunded my money without question, or a return.

I've probably purchased more than $10,000 worth of used digital gear. I've never gotten a defective anything. I've never had one item fail on me. I can collect Social Security next year. I've got camera gear that is older than I am. It still works.

I guess the answer to your question is, "No. I have no idea of the provenance of those Speedlites." A bigger question would be, "Why would I care?"

Oh, I almost forgot. Thank you. I appreciate folks who worry about buying used gear. Fewer folks buying used gear drives the prices down for those of us who appreciate good stuff and a good price.

Whow
Well im not the one recomending yongnou. In All for Godox myself.
But when you say "All the reliability of Canon....." I just have to thrown in the "that depends on use/abuse" and that is true for all makes.

soeren wrote in post #18582486
Whow

Re-read my post. It seems a bit hostile; that is not what I meant. I'm just trying to say, "I AM CHEAP!"