Nissin or canon flash

[GR3Z]

I currently have a yongnuo yn 468 speedlight its af assist is crap, it shines on the wall out of shot so doesn't work at all and it lacks power and some of the features I'd like which is available with the better speedlites, high speed sync in particular for portraiture... I've been considering these, nissin di866 mark ii or canon 580ex ii..

I could stretch to a brand new nissan or a second hand canon, but not sure which to go for think I'd like the canon but don't know if it's worth it for me.

I'd like to hear some first hand experience and thoughts on what others would go for?

Cheers
Grez

 

[ah5168]

I would go for the Nissin version. I have a few which I use to shoot interiors and the performance is very consistent, they are totally reliable and 1/3rd the price of a comparable Nikon. The real benefit for me though is the cost and availability of replacement parts. The casings on mine constantly get broken as light stands get knocked over or they fall of doors etc. Bits generally come next day and are very cheap, Kenro the importers give great service.

 

[jj_glos]

I went the Nissin route, and wish I hadn't.... The Di866 mkII overheats pretty easily, I ended up going back to my 430EX II (which I have never had an overheat problem with). If you're not going to be using it in a situation where you'll be firing off shots every 10 secs or so (weddings), it is a nicely spec'd flash. I like the sub flash idea and it works quite well. The menu is a bit clunky and I've had it do odd things a couple of times (lose settings etc).

I haven't used the AF assist as yet. I'm not convinced it is going to work as well as the 430EX as it's just a red light rather than infra-red beams. I haven't tried it in anger though.

 

[GR3Z]

I went the Nissin route, and wish I hadn't.... The Di866 mkII overheats pretty easily, I ended up going back to my 430EX II (which I have never had an overheat problem with). If you're not going to be using it in a situation where you'll be firing off shots every 10 secs or so (weddings), it is a nicely spec'd flash. I like the sub flash idea and it works quite well. The menu is a bit clunky and I've had it do odd things a couple of times (lose settings etc).

I haven't used the AF assist as yet. I'm not convinced it is going to work as well as the 430EX as it's just a red light rather than infra-red beams. I haven't tried it in anger though.

Thanks for the info, about it overheating it was one of my concerns that you've helped with, the af assist in my current flash is just a red led and it's crap, so I think think the infrared feature in the canon is another reason I'm swaying towards the 580