Nissin Di866 - Anyone use one?

[cymruchris]

Tonight my Metz 58AF-1 flash exploded - well at least the bulb did... It's been tired for a while, with the diffuser coming away recently as well.. I guess 3 years and several thousand flashes, and it's now time for it to Rest In Peace (or is it pieces?)..

So as for a replacement - I'm thinking either another 58AF-1 - as it was a very good flash.. Maybe a Canon 580 EX2... Or alternatively the new Nissin Di866. Has anyone here bought one yet? I've read a little through Google search, and they appear reasonable - but would be interested in any real feedback from you guys and gals....

[cymruchris]

Surprises me that nobody here uses one? Not even 1 person? It's had a reasonably wide spread launch.... Been in a few mags, and even picked up some leaflets at a recent trade show...

[Dave Pickett]

I have a Nissin 622 which seems a reasonable match for the Nikon sb600, but there are few if any Internet reviews on Nissin stuff, which leads me to think they are not marketed that well.................

[cymruchris]

Thanks Dave - it's the lack of real reviews and people having owned one is putting me off a bit.. I just heard back from my big rechargeable battery company - and they don't yet (and probably won't for a while) make a cable to connect it to my pack - so it looks like this one is off the shopping list for now - it'll either be another Metz - or a Canon 580...

[ConfusedChicca]

I'm also looking into getting a Nissin, the 622, but Flash In The Pan will soon be selling fully manual flashguns so I think I'll wait.

[daveproctor]

I bought a Nissin 466 for my Canon and was really pleased with it. Very good level of facilities and excellent build quality - performance was also spot on.

AP reviewed the 866 in a Nikon fit and their view was that it was a match for the SB900 and £100 cheaper

[HoppyUK]

I've never used one but Nissin have a very good reputation in a low key way. They make a lot of stuff for camera manufacturers.

I can't think that it will be better than own camera brands, but it might be at least as good, and cheaper.

[purehillmanimp]

My Nissin di866 turned up today, next day delivered for £195, when I was looking at the Canon 580, it was a no brainer for me, and i'm over the moon. The colour display is a bit poor, but it displays everything it says it does, even if it does remind me of my first colour screen mobile. I highly recommend it.

[cymruchris]

I just ordered a couple of new 580's yesterday - as I couldn't find a good enough source of positive info on these.. Let us know how you get on - maybe fire off a few test shots to give us an idea of how these flashes compare... They're certainly a good price.... Good luck with it :)