(Part 2) Best shoe-mount flashes according to redditors
We found 729 Reddit comments discussing the best shoe-mount flashes. We ranked the 217 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
> And that is at least 3 or 4 thousand dollars of gear she is holding
How do you figure? It's a 70d which is $999, probably has a kit lens on it so make that $1350 total. Even if the flash is a 600EX (which is unlikely for the entry level "enthusiast" Canon DSLR - it would literally be half the cost of her camera), that's only bringing it to $1950 total (realistically (if her flash is even Canon) she's got the 430ex at $250 making her total $1600), nowhere near "at least 3 or 4 thousand".
> Also, on a Canon like that you wouldn't be looking through the viewfinder to fiddle with settings when the body has two screens and about 250 buttons.
Also it's worth pointing out that anyone with half a clue will fiddle with settings looking through the viewfinder - that way you're learning how to change settings on the fly while composing the shot rather than staring at the back of the camera like an amateur while you miss the shot - this is actually the reason it has "about 250 buttons (actually 30 tops).
> This is just a rich girl going all out for instagram.
I think you might be the one without a clue here.
As an example:
http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN-565EX-Speedlite-Flash-Nikon/dp/B006R6TUJI
Yongnuo makes some pretty nice flashes at very low prices. They replicate Canon/Nikon speedlites.
Check out the Vivitar 285hv
Depends on what your goals are. If your goal is to have a nicer camera, then sure, it's always time for a new camera. (It's perfectly fine to want to buy something nice if it makes you happy. Just be careful about your budget.)
If you want to improve your photography, then ask yourself, "What is the thing that's limiting my pictures being better?" You might find that thing to be your tools, but it could also be the squishy bit behind the viewfinder. Find some photos that you like and ask yourself, "What's stopping me from taking pictures like this?"
The last time someone asked about equipment for beginner car photography, this was my advice:
> I think good car photography is more about composition, lighting and editing more than quality camera/lenses. For example, here's an interesting way of doing car photography with an ice light. They're $400 each, but if you're into DIY, I'm sure you could figure out your own solution.
> Off-camera flashes are also good - YongNuo and Neewer are pretty popular affordable solutions.
> Photoshop is also an extremely useful tool in car photography.
> I'd say to get the cheapest camera that has a hotshoe, shoots RAW, and has a remote trigger option. Get the cheapest lens with a useful zoom range. One example is the Sony NEX-5N. A tripod is essential. A circular polarizer is pretty useful for cutting down on unwanted glare & reflection.
Don't fall into the trap of getting a great camera and no lighting. Good luck :)
What is your budget? That will play a huge role in what flash you can get. If it is really low, you are looking at a manual only flash. If you have a bit more, you can get into a flash that works with Canon's TTL system, High-Speed Sync, etc. I have the Canon 600EX-RT Speedlite (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-600EX-RT-Speedlite-Flash-Black/dp/B007FH1KX2) and it is a beast, probably way overkill for your first flash, depending on what you shoot. However, I also own the Yongnuo YN600EX-RT (http://www.amazon.com/YONGNUO-YN600EX-RT-YN600-EX-RT-Speedlite-600EX-RT/dp/B00OUU7W8O) which is essentially a copy cat of the way more expensive Canon flash. However, in my using them in the field I have not been able to tell a difference. $120 vs $470 and nearly identical besides some minor build differences, up to you. I would buy another Yongnuo in a hearbeat. In fact, I am looking at picking up another along with their YN-E3-RT (http://www.amazon.com/YN-E3-RT-Speedlite-Wireless-Transmitter-600EX-RT/dp/B00V62FTB6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1450215512&sr=8-2&keywords=ST-E3-RT) so I can get all my flashes off camera and still control every aspect of them.
Oh, one more thing, the Yongnuo and Canon radio systems are compatible, so they talk to each other which is beyond cool.
I use two Neewer NW561 speedlites which can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Display-Speedlite-Cameras-Standard/dp/B010XCEABO
I have gotten so accustomed to just pointing the flash in the direction that offers the most diffusion without being too distant or high away as to not give back enough light. It's really something you learn best by doing! For example-- I notice shadows on the left side of the face, so I shoot it at the left wall maybe 10 ft from them and let that light bounce back over those shadows a bit. I never try to eliminate all shadows-- because that just leaves you with flat images, which isn't how things are.
And thanks for the compliment!
Canon 270 EX II maybe? - https://www.amazon.com/Canon-270EX-Speedlite-Flash-Cameras/dp/B004M8SWBK/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=compact+camera+flash&qid=1564674808&s=gateway&sr=8-8
Just do a search?
https://www.amazon.com/YONGNUO-YN-468-II-Speedlite-Display/dp/B00660H6KU/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=yn+468+ii&qid=1557892423&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spell
https://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN-565-Speedlite-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00844N5OC/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=yn+565&qid=1557892447&s=gateway&sr=8-3-spell
https://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN-568EX-YN568EX-powerful-speedlite/dp/B00DA8459G/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=yn+565&qid=1557892447&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spell-spons&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN568EX-YN-568EX-Speed-Speedlite/dp/B0094O6GNI/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=yn+568&qid=1557892461&s=gateway&sr=8-6
https://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN-568EX-YN568EX-powerful-speedlite/dp/B00DA8459G/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=yn+568&qid=1557892461&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
I wrote that FAQ entry and I think they're all good buys. Why would we bother listing something that isn't?
Godox also makes good third party flashes and are more popular recently, but I'm less familiar with their model numbers.
No matter what kind of lens you use, it really comes down to lighting. Properly diffused lighting. I would spend the $150-200 on a pair of strobes like this and product box like this. You'll also need this to fire the speedlights. It all comes out to about $135 before shipping.
Well, on-camera flash tends to look pretty terrible when it is pointed directly at the subject. (Think deer in headlights) Direction of light matters more than diffusing, but diffusing is useful.
So first, you want to address light direction:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LEX4RW4/
Once you get the hang of light direction, you can add "modifiers" like diffusers to the front of the flash to soften the light or direct it.
I would experiment with bounce flash first with the built-in flash. Note that bounce flash becomes ineffective in places with high ceilings like hotel lobbies/atriums.
Once you are ready to buy a flash, I recommend the Godox TT865S which supports Sony TTL and HSS for about $119. It can mount in the hotshoe for bouncing at much higher power than the built-in flash. It can also be used as a off-camera triggered flash with the Godox X1T-S transmitter. Both of these can be purchased for about $150 total. You can set the power level or flash compensation on the transmitter and put the flash on a stand or hold it out with your hand, or have a friend/assistant hold it to the side of the model, etc.
Here is a amazon link for the Godox TT685S for $119 and includes a softbox diffuser that optionally covers the front of the flash:
https://www.amazon.com/Godox-Speedlite-0-1-2-s-Supports-20-200mm/dp/B01DTXB66G
Here is the transmitter for $46:
https://www.amazon.com/Godox-Wireless-Trigger-Transmitter-ILCE6000L/dp/B01EHJM8QI/
Please note that these links are NOT referral links, I am not trying to make any commission, these are just direct amazon links.
Best of luck!!
i use a 50mm f/1.8 for no flash photos, but you might want to snag a flash as well...
i made a thing i call the drunk flash. it consists of a cheap vivitar flash with a tilt head. i then took a 30pk beer box and cut it up to make a hood on the flash. kind of like a snoot, but not so tapered. shoot at 18mm f/14 1/125 with the flash. you'll get black edges, super in focus subjects and the thing is easy as hell to shoot. just point and click.
here are some samples:
wedding
deer
model
I would go Godox myself, and forget about TTL unless you are using it on camera...
https://www.amazon.com/Godox-Speedlite-Wireless-Transmission-Standard/dp/B01969PLQ8
https://www.amazon.com/Godox-Wireless-Trigger-Transmitter-Cameras/dp/B017XKPTNC/
That will get you HSS, and remote power control.
> yongnuos does not have autofocus IR lights nor ttl
http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN568EX-YN-568EX-Speed-Speedlite/dp/B0094O6GNI
TTL and IR auto-focus. Also comes with a built in bounce card and diffuser. I like to use it as a bounce flash. It is big, but the resulting quality in low light is more than worth it.
Godox 685S
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01DTXB66G/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511245896&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=godox+685s
Well, for a camera body I recommend something like the Canon 5d or 7d or the new full frame micro 4/3 with an adapter to ef mount lenses. Basically any body that is compatible with the lenses with red dots (EF). Full frame vs cropped doesn't matter IMO unless you wanna start using really wide lenses like a 10mm.
Then for the lens either grab the Canon 100mm macro, the Tamron 90mm IS macro, or the Canon MPE-65.
Lights are easy, just grab a pair of yongnuo flashes that step down their power. I have these guys and love them. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00LSGDHNC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qAhTCbCTMEZHY
Really you can pick and choose what you want to buy but I at least recommend the macro you buy is 1:1 and has built in imagine stabilization. Mine doesn't and it's the devil trying to use it for video lol. You can use macro lens as normal lenses too they just have the option to go in really close.
I switched a three-light Yongnuo YN-568EX system for under $500, or less than the price of one SB910:
Qty 3 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009CQKGSO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Qty 1 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NKXPGDA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Qty 1 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CXM03D2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Bonus: The only book you'll ever need on lighting anywhere
My first gig with them was an indoor wedding at night. I can post example pics later if you want. I love the system. I had an SB910 and sold it after. Even the used price I received covered most of my costs of changing to this new system.
-------
To add to this, you can use the above setup to slave or to TTL. There are four channels (A, B, C, D); you can set each flash independently (with the remote triggers) to a specific channel, the same channel, mix/match, etc. You then use the receiver that sits in the shoe to control which channel you want to control/adjust. The user manual is not clear, but there are good YouTube video guides on how to set it up/use this system. I mostly used the TTL and split everything on two channels or one (it seemed unnecessarily complex to use three-four channels at an active event like a wedding).
Yeah sure, I can link!
Canon 270 EXII flash
Pixel Componor system
Manfrotto 330B bracket
I've had really good luck with these flashes.
I have one V860N
and I have two of the 850's rebranded as Neewer rather than Godox. For the price of one Nikon Speedlight I have a full three light setup including wireless triggers. I am aware that the 850's and the 860 only work as manual flashes, but thats what I wanted so I could learn how to set up lighting myself. As opposed to having a full CLS system that meters and manages the flashes for me.
I hope this helps.
good luck, let us know how it goes.
(Edit, spelling.)
The Vivitar 285HV was my first external flash. It's the perfect way to learn flash (the hard way). But, this flash was so good they started making it again exactly like they did in the 70's or 80's or whenever it was from. I got it with this wireless set to take it off axis and eventually ended up saving for umbrellas, stands and more strobist gear. For less that $100, it's a great way to start.
The best system for you is probably Nikon DSLRs. They have the best low light performance for your money in the DSLR world, and being a camera manufacturer pretty much exclusively, they have looooots of lenses.
My recommendation:
Refurb D7000 - $519. 1/320 flash sync speed, plenty good in low light, pro ergonomics, works with nikon's newer and older lenses.
Lens: 50mm f1.8G. You said portraits only, so here is your best bang for your buck lens for that. $215.
Lighting: Check out the strobist 101 lighting kit. $100ish.
Flash: YN 565 + radio triggers. $150ish.
With a memory card and whatnot, that comes to around $1000 and you have a great portrait setup. But, you're limited to one focal length (albeit a very useful one). Here are some tips if you wanna push it into the $1000-2000 range:
Nikon 80-200 f2.8D - crazy bang for your buck.
Sigma 18-35 f1.8 - the best wide/normal zoom lens for aps-c cameras. The quality out of it is nothing short of astounding.
85mm f1.8G. You want shallow depth of field? You've got it.
This Ramen cookbook would get lots of use.
If I won either this flash or a PS4, I would explode with delight (I really need a high quality flash), and for a cheaper-but-still-not-cheap prize, this hoodie would make me love you all forever, since I've been wanting it for years. And yes, it's linked to my Amazon wishlist :p
Bombs away!
Recently got a speedflash (SB-700) and I'm looking for a remote trigger system, as I have a D5300 and that doesn't have a commander mode. Budget is $100 ^(but being below it would be great.)
I know some people in this thread recommended the Yongnuo YN-622N or something from Godox (looking at the X1N Kit), but I noticed Altura has a kit with two receivers for $30. The biggest disadvantage I can tell is that I can't remotely adjust the flash power with both the Altura and Yongnuo kits.
Just looking for opinions or suggestions here/if I should spend the extra $50 on something like the Godox kit. I'm also looking at 2 receivers as I occasionally can get my hands on an SB-900.
If you want to help out the photography subreddit, buy through amazon using these links:
Here is the Canon 5D Mark III Body + kit lens. $4,299.00
But a real killer wedding photography kit for someone with unlimited funds would be:
Canon 5D Mark III Body only. - $3,464.00
24-70mm f2.8 lens - $2,179.98
85mm f1.2 lens - $1,999.00
600EX Speedlite - $579.00 (Be sure to get a diffuser for it, and/or learn to bounce.)
Amazon gives us a % of the profit when people buy from these links, I plan to use the profits to fund prizes for photo competitions, and other projects to improve the /r/photography community.
I haven't been pushing the link very hard though, and so far we haven't actually gained much money at all lol.
Of course - if you can get a better deal from someone who isn't amazon, e.g. a local seller or adorama, keh, or if you want to buy used, please buy from them.
You can re-sell the kit 24-105mm kit lens later if you wish. You probably wouldn't want to have the 24-105 AND the 24-70. The 24-70 covers the same sort of area, and is better in low light, and gives you better bokeh control. (That sharp-subject-with-a-soft-background look)
Some prefer the 70-200mm f2.8 over a 85mm prime lens... This might be easier to use, but if she learns to use the prime lens, her photos will be better.
Tip for buying canon cameras - buy a cheap broken one on ebay for less than $100, then ask canon to trade it in for credit towards a new Canon camera. It's their loyalty program or something. I'm not a canon shooter, so I'm unfamiliar with it.
***
Nikon is just as good as Canon. Pick whichever one your friends/family have, so you can share batteries, lenses, flash units etc. and they will be able to show you how to use the controls because they will be more familiar with their own system.
If you want the killer Nikon wedding kit, get a D4, 24-70 f2.8 and 85mm f1.4
Also, if anyone criticise you for buying thousands of dollars of gear for a beginner..... well, haters gonna hate. I'm sure a lot of people are jealous of your wife right now (myself included). But this is what happens when you pursue a career and earn money from something other than photography, and THEN get into photography.
It is much more comfortable to study something where you can get a job and earn money, then buy expensive cameras, than to study photography as an 18 year old in college, work part time, and spend 90% of your money buying a cheap camera!!!
I'm trying to decide to get either a large strobe like a Neewer C-300 - or just get another speedlight.
In terms of actual power output, how much "wattage" is just a basic speedlight like, say, This?
The Yongnuo YN-468 II for $87 has E-TTL support, and as a Nikon shooter is definitely on par with the Nikon flashes, and about 1/4 the price (looks to be 1/5 the price of the 580EX II.
If you're not aware, TTL = Through The Lens, and means that it is able to automatically meter the light and adjust the power of the flash in tandem with the camera to get a decent exposure.
If you've not done any flash photography before, then I'd definitely recommend a TTL Flash.
Otherwise, you can spend even less, and get the Yonguo YN-560 II for $71, which is a manual flash (I bought two to accompany my older YN-467 TTL flash to use as off-camera flashes). I believe the YN-560 II has a longer range (more powerful flash), but I don't think it will impact you in your situation.
You might also try looking at the Yongnuo 568EX or the Yonguo 565 EX which are intended to be direct competitors to the 580 EX2 recommended by /u/arachnophilia but I have no experience with either.
Note there a bunch of Amazon pages for all of these flashes, so hunt around a little and read lots of reviews. I love my Yongnuo flashes :)
I would check out Keh.com for some great stuff.
Here's 60D for $550. You can snag a 17-85f/4-5.6 for another $200. They only have new copies of the 50mm f/1.8 for $125 (but can be found for less than $100 used). For another $200 you can get a pair of serious Yongnuo flashes and a trigger. Take that other $500 and grab the accessories you need and shabang you have a very nice kit to work with.
Sounds like the flash unit is not properly seated on the hotshoe. Make sure the pins are making contact with the camera's hotshot. If you're still having problems with it return it for a refund. Try the Yongnuo YN-560 III instead.
I think you should absolutely use a flash!
Get a flash with a reflector/diffuser. They are great for getting action shots, and when you have the flash pointed up, it won't be as harsh on the eyes of people in the room.
The cheapest ways to do studio lighting is probably with large continuous bulbs, if you havent worked with lights before, this can be nice because you can see where the light falls, and get instant feedback on what it looks like when you move a light. The other option is strobes (rather than continuous), you can get into this relatively cheaply as well if you look at off brand, all manual flashes, and some radio triggers to hook them up to your camera. If you are planning on eventually working weddings and events, you will definitely need to learn how to work with on camera flash, and off camera is a plus as well. I would recommend buying some cheap manual flashes to play with if only because you want to do weddings, and you can use the same lighting set up for studio work and weddings if you use flashes rather than continuous.
Here is a link to a continuous lighting kit for cheap, its pretty basic, but get you some brollys and light stands to start with so you can play around!
Here is a link to a manual flash that may be a good fit for you starting out, it has a radio receiver built in so you don't have to add fiddly triggers to it. It's the Canon version, but there is one for Nikon as well. The trigger goes on your camera and tells the flash when to fire.
Here is another transmitter option for the above flash, it will let you control its power from across the room so you don't have to walk over and adjust it all the time. Again make sure you figure out if you need Canon or Nikon.
Here is a valuable research to teach you a little about the principles of lighting (both with flashes or continuous lights) if you aren't there already.
Yeah that's the one. For receiver.
They also sell flashes that have built in radios. I have a TT600 and a TT865. They've been solid (not that I use them a ton I guess..)
Also pick your own sellers I just linked randomly.
Long exposure with people is fine, but consider using a flash to pop at second/rear curtain. That'll freeze your image just before the shutter closes. Underexpose yourselves and use the flash to provide the illumination.
Any DSLR should be able to adjust that option, and a $30 speedlight that can dial in its power setting is all you need. You can get some mote dramatic lighting with a lightstand and a remote trigger, or use your on camera popup flash to trigger the remote flash of you need that much light.
It'll take a little practice to dial in a good exposure, but it's fun. Good luck!
I have a 600. I also have a 700.
I actually like the 700 a lot more. The controls are a lot easier to use- on the 600, you need to do a long double-button for most functions, many of which can be quickly adjusted with a simple switch on the 700, like switching between on-camera and wireless mode. I'd say to just spend the bit extra and get a 700. A 700 is also capable of commander mode which a 600 isn't, which means that down the line when you get a second flash you can use wireless flash even if your camera doesn't support commander mode- although I guess you could easily just get the 700 as the second unit at that point. Even so, since I've gotten the 700, I've found that I prefer it for everything except being the remote unit in a two-light setup. Really, the 700 is just a smaller version of the 900 (minus a few very pro features), whereas the 600 was really a much lower model.
I've actually seen 600s going for more now than when they were new. A flash isn't an item that will depreciate much, so I wouldn't worry too much about spending $100 or so more for the 700, which you can get new practically anywhere for the same price.
If you can find a 600 for $200 or less, it's a great value. If you end up paying more than $200, I'd just get the 700 which comes with filters, a warranty, and a bunch of convenience features.
Also, consider the Yongnuo 467. It's basically a knockoff of the SB-600 for a fraction of the price.
Or this one? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KEYPTO4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They still have the YN-467 for Nikon eTTL. I have one, it's a decent flash. Doesn't have the LCD screen, otherwise works dandy.
Vivitar 283 has been the workhorse of pros for decades.
Vivitar 285 if you want to get fancy.
More info.
You can literally get a FLEET (>#) of cheap chinese flashes(http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN-565EX-Speedlite-Flash-Canon/dp/B005HYMUX4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1347995743&sr=8-4&keywords=youngnuo) that meter through the lens for the price of an OEM flagship. (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-5296B002-Speedlite-600EX-RT-Flash/dp/B007FH1KX2/ref=dp_ob_title_ce) They do the same for Nikon. With an OEM master, these will slave to your body.
since the G12 is a point and shoot camera is... well, a point and shoot camera. Getting a full size flash such as the Canon 580EXII is a pretty silly idea.
I suggest the small, compact, yet great Canon 270EX II.
Yongnuo and metz are other pretty decent brands.
I have a Panasonic GX7 and am wanting to buy a speedlight for shooting in dimly lit situations. So far I've narrowed it down to:
Neewer TT850
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GJMD08M/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATJ1HHEILSBYQ
or
Yongnuo YN 560 III
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BXA7N6A/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1WCSKG2O1T7Q8
Any suggestions? Here are some pics I've taken! http://www.flickr.com/photos/58109121@N00/
Do you think the Yongnuo would be suitable for the Pentax K10D?
If I were to not really need wireless, is there any other disadvantage to the YN 560 II? It's only £35 here, which is about the price of the III minus the price of the wireless thing (which was around £20), which I'd assume I'd need in case I needed to put it externally.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009APY9TO
I know Pentax recommend P-TTL flashes, but I'm sure it's that that forces everyone I take photos of to have their eyes shut or squinting for every shot, so I don't really mind messing around manually if that's the only way to avoid that.
Is there a diffuser recommended for use with the YN-560?
I dont have a lot of personal experience with flashes - it's an area i need to work on. However, i have looked into it and my suggestion would be not to stick with canon brand flashes - you'll pay a lot more just for the name. Yongnuo seems to make some decent flashes. I picked up two along with a wireless controller for i think about $300 and they work with canon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R29OF2G/
got two of those
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H7XFOKO
I bought a DBK off-brand speedlight as an auxiliary flash sitting beside the object with the defuser. It worked great surprisingly! Link to flash - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H3EBXJS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That's great info, thanks very, very much. This is starting to take some (admittedly amorphous) shape in my brain.
Would these Yongnuo YN-622N Transceivers suffer from the radio limitation you describe (RF I presume)?
Or were you referring to the less expensive kind such as these?
The way we did it years ago was use a camera flash https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H3EBXJS/ref=psdcmw_3109929011_t2_B01I09WHLW put it and the discs in a black garbage bag set it off 5 or 6 times and it will charge multiple at a time.
I'm interested in getting a flash to start learning with and I'm ideally looking for one that I can fire remotely off something like a light stand. I'd prefer to stay around $100, and so far I've narrowed it down to these two but can't really tell the difference.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PGTOX26?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_4&smid=A1NZ7IEFV816B1&pldnSite=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OUU7W8O?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_8&smid=A6EGA15UEFYEQ&pldnSite=1
Any help / recommendations?
I have a Canon T3i btw.
I went for the 600EX-RT to go with my 6D and love it. It's the top of the line flagship Canon flash, what's not to like about it.
In terms of every day use, the 430EX II is nearly as good. The 600 is a bit more powerful, the extra rotation on the head comes in handy, and the backlit screen is super helpful at events. But nothing deal breaking.
Tbh, if you're strapped on cash now, thinking that the Canon RT system is a good investment to make now might be an overestimation. I felt like I should start off with the tip-top very best wireless flash solution now and not waste money trying anything less. But the Canon RT system is SOO expensive it's kind of out of reach unless you're realistically going to buy multiple 600EX-RTs and the Canon RT trigger (thousands of dollars total).
The Yongnuo wireless solutions are nearly as good and start at $29 (~$70 for ETTL, and their ST-E3-RT clone is $140). They also just announced a 600EX-RT clone in the last week or two, no official price, but I'd guestimate around $200-$250.
I don't want to persuade you away from the Canon. I love mine and know I can rely on it. But my mindset when I bought it was Canon RT wireless system and nothing less. I've definitely shifted toward Yongnuo. I will definitely be getting the Yongnuo 600EX-RT when it's available, along with the Yongnuo RT trigger.
Good luck!
Yongnuo YN600EX-RT: http://flashhavoc.com/yongnuo-yn600ex-rt-images-details-released/
Yongnuo YN-E3-RT: http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-Speedlite-Wireless-Transmitter-YN-E3-RT/dp/B00H7XFOKO
There are several Li-ion based flashes out there now from Godox, Neewer, and Flashpoint.
They have better battery life and recycle faster than AA powered flashes, but require propitiatory battery packs.
Hoping not too late... being on a serious budget I have to get kit in drips and drabs and sometimes as gifts. I've got a 600D and want to learn how to use a flash gun properly. As christmas is coming up, my hope is that when my parents ask what I want I can suggest a cheap flash.
Is kit like this worth getting? : http://www.amazon.co.uk/YONGNUO-YN-560-II-ELECTRONIC-SPEEDLIGHT/dp/B009APY9TO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1S9QPZ4GYKGI8&coliid=I3O4T7YIGQEA8Z
Can you suggest better (prefreably under £100)?
Thanks!
Is this the Yongnuo one that's equivalent to the Canon 600EX-RT?
What are the biggest differences between the YN565EX II and the YN600EX-RT? And is this recommended for beginners like me? Is more flash power the better?
Here are a couple $70 ones to check out:
You could also look for a used Canon-branded flash, like the 430ex ii, used on Craigslist/Ebay, but since you're considering switching systems eventually, you may just wish to go with the cheaper off-brand flash for now.
If you don't like the direct flash look, you really just need to mount it off camera, on a softbox or umbrella. For speedlights, Godox is the natural choice for Fuji now. You can get something like their TT600 for $65USD that has a wireless reciever built in. It'll work on the hotshoe of your camera right off the bat, and you can get a wireless trigger like their Xpro-F to stick on your camera to trigger the flash remotely somewhere else.
I'm a casual shooter and want to get a flash to step up my game.
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Display-Speedlite-Cameras-Standard/dp/B010XCEABO
Will this suit a beginners needs? Can I wirelessly fire this as a slave unit from my Canon 40d? Is this good for portraits and doesn't have too steep of a learning curve?
According to some posts I found it does not :\
The Yongnuo Speedlite Wireless Transmitter YN-E3-RT apparently is compatible with the Canon 600EX-RT's built in radio, however I don't know much about this controller and at a glance reviews aren't as good. Plus it costs twice the price of the other controller,
I generally take food photographs and I want to up my game. I was thinking a flash to setup as back lighting so I could get more consistent results. Right now I rely mostly on natural window light which varies a lot.
Option 1: Alien Bee B800 - I would use this with a softbox as the main back lighting source. Reviews look pretty good, although I don't know if this is overkill or too little for what I want to do.
Option 2: Nikon SB700 - I'm sure this isn't as powerful a flash as the Alien Bee but this has the benefit of being useful outside of taking standard food shots in a static environment
Option 3: Yongnuo YN565EX - Off Brand flash, much cheaper than the Nikon, are there any negatives for the casual photographer?
Thoughts?
I'm pretty cheap with my lights since I don't use them that much, but I've been using an Altura TTL speedlight for the last year or so.
TTL, AF-assist laser, etc. Solid thirdparty option.
Going to LA Convention Center for an anime convention. Will be taking solo and group pictures inside. Here are pictures 1 2 3 from previous years using the 550D/t2i without flash. Flash was making the background too dark and the subject light up too much. I'll be replacing the kit lens with the Canon EF 85mm f1.2 USM ii lens.
I was looking at the [Neewer NW-561](https://www.amazon.com/NEEWER%C2%AE-Dimmable-Digital-Camcorder-Panasonic/dp/B004TJ6JH6/r NW-561 speedlite flash. Someone recommended to get one with TTL, they recommended the Yongnuo YN-568EX II. The Neewer NW670 / VK750II E-TTL is cheaper and also has TTL. Which one should I get? Do I get a diffuser or softbox? Which way should I face the flash (walls and ceiling too far/high)?
I don't really know whether ones better than the other. I owned a D40 but I've never used a D70 nor really looked at them.
You can do a quick comparison here - http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon_D40-vs-Nikon_D70
But either way, you are better investing in lenses rather than the body. So I would say get whatever one is cheapest so you have more money for a good lens.
I'm not really sure what to recommend in terms of continuous lighting as everything cheap I've used has always sucked but you could pick up a Yongnuo flash. The set up with a flash would probably be about £75 (There iwll be cheapest places for some of this stuff).
This might be a bit over kill to begin with but some links anyway just in case:
flash and triggers:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/YONGNUO-YN-560-II-ELECTRONIC-SPEEDLIGHT/dp/B009APY9TO/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yongnuo-Wireless-Trigger-Shutter-Transceiver/dp/B004YW79F4/
Stand, bracket and umbrella:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Photography-Light-professional-studio-photolamps/dp/B0011363NS/ref=pd_bxgy_ph_img_z
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Flash-Shoe-Umbrella-Light-Stand-Holder-Bracket-Mount-B-/390442523341?pt=UK_Photography_StudioEquipment_RL&hash=item5ae8301acd
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/33-Studio-Flash-Translucent-White-Diffuser-Umbrella-/190507468777?pt=UK_Photography_StudioEquipment_RL&hash=item2c5b2147e9
It is... you can't do much with it. You can get cheap alternatives for the brand name flashes like nikon and canon. https://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-AP-N1001-Speedlite-Auto-Focus/dp/B00KEYPTO4/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1479218117&sr=1-4&keywords=nikon+flash+altura for nikon
or
https://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-Professional-APC-958X-Cameras/dp/B01BFONGL4/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1479218175&sr=1-8&keywords=canon+flash+altura for canon
once you learn how to use a flash like this your photos have the potential to be amazing. You can color the flash with gels and have some really cool photos.
I have the first flash for my nikon and it works really well. It's as good As the nikon one. If you look up tutorials on youtube how to use flash you can get amazing photos indoors with low light as well as outside. You can also shoot backlit things with ease.
I wouldn't recommend that cheap flash. Looks to be only (or mainly) manual flash, which would require that you know how to use it. The cheapest one that I recommend these days is this http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN-565EX-Speedlite-Flash-Nikon/dp/B006R6TUJI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Or else maybe rent a Nikon SB700 or SB900 etc.
Even though they have 'an uncle' doing the photos, I'd still recommend treating him with all the respect that you would give a pro. At least until he proves unworthy.
Let him know who you are and what you're doing, maybe the two of you could work together to give the B&G the best photos.
I use manual flashes like the YN mentioned above, as well as the remote trigger/commander for it. The GX7 knows when the transmitter is on or off, and adjusts the live preview accordingly. The camera and transmitter also know when each other is asleep and or awake, so that's cool.
560TX & YN-560 III https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LSGDHNC
I've got a Vivitar 285HV for my e-520, but I'm not sure how "cheap" you're looking to go with.
http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN560-TX-Wireless-Controller-Speedlite/dp/B00LSGDHNC/ref=sr_1_1?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1453462989&sr=8-1&keywords=560TX
I've had good luck with amazon warehouse deals on some gear. Always just been packaging that's been banged up a bit. $124 - if this was for Nikon, I'd pick it up. THIS IS FOR CANON - you didn't mention what you shoot..
Maybe hold off on the hardware and get her https://www.elixxier.com/en/products/setalight3d.php
Also, since she is a beginner, maybe instead of getting a camera that has interchangeable lenses, get something like https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1329682-REG/panasonic_lumix_dc_fz80_digital_camera.html
It's the same size as a dslr, has a hotshoe for flash, wide range on the lens, and well within your budget. So for $800 you could get this, the software, and 2 of Godox TT600 Camera Flash Speedlite with Built-in 2.4G Wireless Transmission https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01969PLQ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nTuqDbTPZT1E3 with a litestand and softbox