Flashgun: Dedicated vs Non-dedicated

pauljs

pauljs

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Hi, I'm new at getting into the DSLR world, and am looking to buy a new sytem (probably Canon), but am not sure on what type of flash to go for; either manufacturers dedicated or other make non-dedicated. Any guidance would be most appreciated.
 
If you're new to the DSLR world, you are probably going to want to be able to use the flash on automatic mode (which on Canon cameras is called eTTL). In that case, you really want to be going for the Canon 430ex II, or if you can afford it the Canon 580ex II which is a little larger and more powerful and with much friendlier control buttons. The 580ex II is a little more futureproof in that it can act as a wireless commander to other flashes which is something you may want to take advantage of in future. Both of these will provide plenty of power for most day to day uses.

Some people will say that you should bite the bullet and learn how to use manual flash (i.e. having to set the flash output level yourself rather than relying on the camera to do it). Being able to set flashes manually is a very useful skill, but given that you're new to DSLRs I suspect your learning curve will be steep enough at the moment.

On the other hand, non-dedicated flashes are significantly cheaper - so you may be forced down that route by your budget.
 
Thanks Mark, budget is an issue, which is why I was looking for the differences between the two. I would very much like a Speedlight but will a non dedicated flash offer the same/similar functionality?
 
A non-dedicated flash won't let you use it on automatic mode - you'll have to set on the flash how much light you want it to emit. Essentially it makes it very difficult (if not impossible) to get the photo right first time because there are simply too many variables. With a fair bit of experience you'll get good at guessing which settings will work in a given situation but it's still a bit hit and miss.

With a dedicated flash gun you can set everything manually (and so take advantage of situations where this is helpful - such as studio-type work) but you also get the benefit of automatic mode (TTL), in which the camera calculates the amount of light that the flash should emit. TTL flash isn't right every time by any means, but it's a far less steep learning curve to learn how to tweak the automatic settings than it is to set everything manually.

It's just occurred to me that you could look at dedicated flashes made by different companies to your camera. Flash in the Pan (a member of this forum) sells a budget flash which is compatible with Canon or Nikon (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1809826&postcount=9) but I haven't used one so I have no idea if it is as reliable as branded flashes.
 
Thanks again Mark, very helpful.

I didn't realise that you could get dedicated flashguns made by different companies to the camera manufacturer. I will research this more fully, but would I be right in saying that if a flashgun said "dedicated" in terms of Canon, it would give same/similar functionality to a Speedlight?
 
It will be similar functionality, but possibly not as consistent. Essentially Canon/Nikon etc don't provide very much information to third party companies so other companies have to reverse engineer the speedlights in order to produce their alternatives. There are mixed views on whether thirdparty flashes are a good investment or not - a quick search on any particular model should provide plenty of reading.
 
As Mark says, the likes of Canon and Nikon don't share their technology with the third party manufacturers so they have to reverse engineer their systems. The manufaturer's own flashgun is always going to be the one that is as near a perfect match as possible, however the trade off comes with price, the YongNuo TTL flashes I sell are £52, the Canon 430 EX II by comparison will set you back roughly four times as much.....
 
If budget really is an issue AND you want a Canon then possibly look at a used Canon 430EX? I've got hold of a couple for £130 each for use as part of a portable lighting setup, but I think for your needs should be plenty to start with, and will allow expansion within the brand should you go the multi flash route.
 
Flash In The Pan said:
As Mark says, the likes of Canon and Nikon don't share their technology with the third party manufacturers so they have to reverse engineer their systems. The manufaturer's own flashgun is always going to be the one that is as near a perfect match as possible, however the trade off comes with price, the YongNuo TTL flashes I sell are £52, the Canon 430 EX II by comparison will set you back roughly four times as much.....
Click to expand...

FITP - do you do a daily search for threads you're mentioned in? You're very good at turning up to help out!
 
If you really want a non-dedicated flash, you'd do well to take a good look at Metz strobes. I use an AF-48 to supplement my two 430's. It gives full e-TTL information and works as a slave (although only in e-TTL).

If I'm working with three groups, I tend to use the three guns in two groups with either the ST-E2 or the 7D's onboard commander. The Metz is controlled by the camera (or ST-E2) and the 430's are set manually... Seems to work ok for me! ;)

Sorry to muddy the waters a bit but there's a lot of choice out there if you look around. In general though, my advice would be to get a genuine Canon one first and then look at other options.

Hope that helps,
Si
 
hi paul, if your going the canon route i would defo go for the 580ii,i didnt know what one to get like you but decided to go the kinda future proof way 295 delivered from kerso next day delivery, 580ii is a fab bit of kit,would recomend it 110%
 
Yes, definitely get a dedicated model, I didn't and was really annoyed! :)
 
Thanks for all the advice guys, much appreciated. HS, I will not shell out 300 quid for a flashgun at the moment, although all things being equal that would be my choice.
 
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