Canon Compatible cheap flashes?

Nearly a decade ago when I bought my 5Dmk2, I lived with the conviction that to truly be trouble-free and of the highest quality, I had to stick with Canon name brand items, batteries, flash, lenses etc…

Years later, after never having upgraded from my 430ii flash, I'm considering one of the cheaper non-Canon brands. Trouble is, I don't know what's the most popular unit on the market. I shoot mostly food photography, as a hobbyist, and my apartment has deplorable natural lighting, necessitating better artificial lighting.

Back when I was looking at what others were using, it seemed to be Yongnuo was a compelling option. I'm just not sure where to turn. I'd like to be able to set up a simple lighting ensemble that lets me control each flash as easiest as possible. I don't think my 430ii can be a master, but can be used as a slave.

I've searched thru these subrforums, but nothing specific or current comes up as a buying advice for economic flashes nowadays. Any suggestions are appreciated. I'm only looking to make my home food photography look a bit better.

Thanks,

Look at the godox system. Cheap is relative but they offer great value, ,most have a built in reciever and rechargeable battery options.

I have 3 Godox (tt685c HSS with E-TTL) flashes and I like that the system is well integrated with all their other wireless systems, strobes, etc. I rarely ever use them on camera and control them using the xpro-c controller (sits on top of your camera and lets you set settings for all/each flash).

There are cheaper Godox flashes that are just designed to be slaves and there are more expensive ones with a bit more power and specialized batteries. I just went for the middle ground.

Thank you both!

I went from using Yongnuo on another system to using Godox with my Canon. Godox is better in most ways I think. Really like them, so consider this another favorable vote in the chorus.

Also, should note that Adorama has Godoxes rebranded as their in-house Flashpoint label.

Apparently the market has shifted a bit away from Yungnuo, as there have been a variety of issues encountered by users of that brand flash over a few years of experience with them. Post-sales support is (not surprisingly) the root cause of complaints. At least Godox, when private labeled for Adorama, has post-sales and post-warranty support available from Adorama.

Heya,

I went to Flashpoint (Adorama) because the support is with Adorama, even though its just a rebrand of Godox or another. The latest LiON Flashpoint TTL R2 series are excellent.

Very best,

I have 4 Yongnuo manual flash, 1 TTL flash, & a macro ring flash. I have never had a problem with any of them (flash wise). That said, I would go with the Godox for the reasons above. Decent product WITH customer service. I had an issue with a broken battery door almost 3 years ago. I am still waiting for them to respond to my email. It was obviously a well known issue as replacement battery doors were available @ B&H.

I almost pulled the trigger on the Yongnuo Twin Flash about 1 month ago but then heard of people in the macro section having problems with them. I got the Bolt version. I believe that Bolt is the store brand for B&H as Godox is to Adorama.

Àlso if you get into advanced flash use the godox system is fully integrated. You can use their speedlite alongside their 200, 300 400, 600 or 1200 watt second has strobes.

I appreciate everyone's input! These are due to arrive this Saturday. Can't wait to dig in more. It seemed wisest to go with the pair, and they seem to have tons of accessories like simple feet and whatnot, so that should make it a bi easier.

https://www.amazon.com …tle_o00_s00?ie=​UTF8&psc=1

Chips wrote in post #19090351
I appreciate everyone's input! These are due to arrive this Saturday. Can't wait to dig in more. It seemed wisest to go with the pair, and they seem to have tons of accessories like simple feet and whatnot, so that should make it a bi easier.

https://www.amazon.com …tle_o00_s00?ie=​UTF8&psc=1

Good choice!
You’re in for some fun times ahead.
The transmitter is ok once you’re used to it.
I switched to the Pro transmitter because it had fewer multifunction controls and my big forehead didn’t bump the controls.
Much easier for me to use.
http://www.godox.com …reless_Flash_Tr​igger.html

Since then, they came out with another one that’s less expensive, with a similar form factor of the original.
http://www.godox.com …reless_Flash_Tr​igger.html

Always happy to help others spend money!


Cheers!
https://www.jimthomasp​hotographer.com/Photo-pages/People/

Just noticed this is an older post

How has this been working out?

Opteka flash works with my 6d ii

The Canon 580EXII's are sub $100 for LN condition ones. I picked up a near new from a private seller for $65. He said he used it a few times but struggled to learn flash photography so it sat all these years.

Sorry for the late reply. I have been using them sparingly and I know I need to just buckle down and learn the details of how to control them. For now, I've only been using it on camera, and just one at a time.

Today I bought two Godox soft boxes and mounts to hold the flashes, so it's finally time I learn the basics of how to control both off camera.