What flash should I get?

[ang1995]

I'm interested in getting a flash for my camera but I'm not sure which one is good to get.

I'm not looking to spend a lot of money. I was looking at the Canon Speedlite 420ex. Do you know much about that one and is it good?

I will most likely be using it for newborns and pics that are indoors or low light


Any suggestions???

 

[Big Mike]

What is your budget? I assume you're shooting with a Canon camera correct?

The Canon 420EX has been discontinued for several years. The model that replaced it is the 430EX, the current model being the 430EX II. It's the 2nd best flash in Canon's line up, the best one being the 580EX. The 580EX is very powerful but also very expensive. The 430EX still has plenty of power and is much less expensive, but still not cheap.

 

[Shutter Nutter]

I've just got hold of a couple of the latest offering from Yongnuo - the YN-565EX. They are a complete clone of the 580EXII save for a couple of differences that wouldn't make any difference in your situation. For the money they are fantastic value. Review here. Ebay link here.

 

[ang1995]

What is your budget? I assume you're shooting with a Canon camera correct?

The Canon 420EX has been discontinued for several years. The model that replaced it is the 430EX, the current model being the 430EX II. It's the 2nd best flash in Canon's line up, the best one being the 580EX. The 580EX is very powerful but also very expensive. The 430EX still has plenty of power and is much less expensive, but still not cheap.

I'm hoping to not spend any more then $200 if I do not much more. Yes, I have a Canon Camera.

I found the Older version of the 430EX on Amazon and they say that they have it in stock. Here is the link Amazon.com: Canon Speedlite 420EX Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras - Older Version: Camera & Photo

 

[Magellan]

Those are used (if it matters to you). The 420 hasn't been sold new for some time now. I haven't used the 430 extensively, but I found its rotation range limiting. That's why I went with a 580 as my primary flash.

That Yongnuo flash might be just what you want, at your price point. Personally I don't like to support companies that "copy" Canon technology (probably illegally). But if you want the most features for your money, you just about have to.

 

[Big Mike]

The 420EX would probably work well enough on-camera. But it's much less useful if you want to use it off camera (ideal for portraits, babies etc.). The 420EX does not have manual control, so if you take it off-camera, it fires at full power all the time.

Also, I've read that the 430EX recycles 40% faster than the 420EX....which is nice when shooting kids/babies.

I have no experience with those off-brand flashes mentioned, but the usual problem with them, is that the build quality is poor compared to the Canon model.

 

[ang1995]

I think that you got some of the numbers mixed up in the post above

I think that I will manly be using it on camera.

 

[Shutter Nutter]

I have no experience with those off-brand flashes mentioned, but the usual problem with them, is that the build quality is poor compared to the Canon model.

The early Yongnuo flashes did have problems with build quality (particularly with the zoom mechanism but they are dirt cheap too) but the 565EX appears to be extremely good. Time will tell I guess...

 

[philsphoto]

Be careful of non brand name flashes. Most of them do not support all of the features you may want down the road. Some of these other names cannot support off camera high speed sync, for example. While an external flash will take your pictures to a new level, you may limit your ability to move to an even higher level of getting the flash off the camera.

I went with a super cheap studio slave light kit, and regret that purchase. Those studio strobes collect dust, they are miserable compared to the Alien Bee studio lights I purchased. Money down the drain. I would sell those old strobes, but would feel guilty in doing so.

 

[ang1995]

I don't really want to get an off brand flash I would much rather get a name brand

 

[KmH]

I don't really want to get an off brand flash I would much rather get a name brand

You might want to read this thread: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/lighting-hardware/259717-question-re-using-e-ttl-flash.html

 

[ang1995]

Thanks Keith!

 

[ang1995]

So would you recommend the 430EX or 430EXII???

 

[zane80]

The 430EXII, i got a Nikon equivalent and has been loving it since.
Controlling it as an off camera flash while using the camera's menu is excellent. Most importantly, if you are getting new Canon DSLR in the future, it is also future-proof too. That is pretty important I guess.

 

[ang1995]

Thanks for the advice!
I never thought of that!!! It sounds like I should keep that in mind though