Which flash for Canon 7d

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Hi all, after alot of searching Im still stuck on which one to go for.

I have read alot of reviews but would like some input from actual users of these flashes with the canon 7d or similar.

what iam interested in is the wireless capability using the 7d's built in transmitter and also how good it is whilst on the camera.

The flashes in question are the canon 580 ex II, the sigma super dg and the nissin di866.

I would prefer to be able to buy two for the same price as the canon but if the canon is beyond doubt worth the extra money thats what I would get. Any example shots would be great too.

Thanks in advance guys!! :thumbs:
 
Unless you need the extra power of the 530 EX II, why don't you look at a couple of Canon 430 EX II's - you should be able to pick up a couple of these 2nd hand for around £130-£150 each - about same price as a 2nd hand 530 EXII

I use the 430 EX II on my 7D and am very happy with it. Wireless transmission works a treat once they're synced up and set up correctly. I think the difference in power between 430 & 530 is approx 1-1.5 stops
 
Get two 430EXII.

Difference in power between 580 and 430 is fractionally less than one stop.
 
Mucho Ado said:
how do the nissin and sigma compare to the canons?
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Canons are better made, guaranteed 100% compatible and future proof, but more expensive.

Third party guns are very good, and cheaper, but the E-TTL technology is reverse engineered and there is a history of incompatabiliy problems. I'm not sure if there are any issues with those guns on a 7D, and these things can usually be fixed with a free firmware upgrade, but it's a consideration.

Basically, if you've got the budget, go Canon.
 
HoppyUK said:
Canons are better made, guaranteed 100% compatible and future proof, but more expensive.

Third party guns are very good, and cheaper, but the E-TTL technology is reverse engineered and there is a history of incompatabiliy problems. I'm not sure if there are any issues with those guns on a 7D, and these things can usually be fixed with a free firmware upgrade, but it's a consideration.

Basically, if you've got the budget, go Canon.
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And the 3rd party ones don't work with Canons wireless system (so I believe). I run a 7D with a 430EX II and now wouldn't really consider using on camera flash unless I really had to. 2 Flash units will be wonderful.

Steve
 
Jelster said:
And the 3rd party ones don't work with Canons wireless system (so I believe). I run a 7D with a 430EX II and now wouldn't really consider using on camera flash unless I really had to. 2 Flash units will be wonderful.

Steve
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They will work. And the Sigma and Nissin models mentioned in the OP will also act as master controllers - basically they're Canon 580 clones. The OP doesn't need a master control facility though (which the 430EX lacks) because the 7D's pop-up does that. New 60D does too.
 
I've got an i866 with a 7D and the wireless system works fine. In almost all respects it has the same features as the 580 with the addition of a sub flash. The plus points of the 580II are the metal foot and 360º as opposed to 270º rotation, but whether that's worth £140 extra is a different matter, and as Hoppy points out the i866 has a USB port for firmware updates.
 
I'd always go with a Canon, as above it works 100% with the code the camera puts out.
 
When you can pick up new 430 ex ii's for as little as £199 new, its worth grabbing a couple over a single 580.

I have the nissin, 430ex and 580 ex, the 430 gets used most, its only downfall is the lack of a built in catch light reflector.
 
Cheapest place for 430's currently is cameraworld at £179

Cheapest place for 580's currently is castle cameras at £329

2 flashes are better than 1, so 2x 430's would be preferable if you have the money :thumbs:

No one has mentioned 580 is also weather sealed.
 
HoppyUK said:
They will work. And the Sigma and Nissin models mentioned in the OP will also act as master controllers - basically they're Canon 580 clones. The OP doesn't need a master control facility though (which the 430EX lacks) because the 7D's pop-up does that. New 60D does too.
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Thanks for that info Richard. I was "told" that the 3rd party units may not be reliable for wireless, but if that's not the case then I may look at the Nissin units.

Steve
 
Jelster said:
Thanks for that info Richard. I was "told" that the 3rd party units may not be reliable for wireless, but if that's not the case then I may look at the Nissin units.

Steve
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I think the basic guideline is that almost all current guns will do auto-TTL on camera or cord, even the cheapest (except the strictly manual only ones, obviously).

Then the mid-range guns will also act as wireless slaves in auto-TTL, and the top of the range jobbies will add master control functions. Nissin, Sigma and Metz are all good.
 
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awesome thanks guys! could anyone post a shot using either the nissin or a canon just to see if any a difference nothing too flash (terrible I know) or anything you fancy posting

thanks again all!
 
I have a 7D and have just purchased a 430EX II at Jessops for £179.00, a great deal methinks



Mucho Ado said:
Hi all, after alot of searching Im still stuck on which one to go for.

I have read alot of reviews but would like some input from actual users of these flashes with the canon 7d or similar.

what iam interested in is the wireless capability using the 7d's built in transmitter and also how good it is whilst on the camera.

The flashes in question are the canon 580 ex II, the sigma super dg and the nissin di866.

I would prefer to be able to buy two for the same price as the canon but if the canon is beyond doubt worth the extra money thats what I would get. Any example shots would be great too.

Thanks in advance guys!! :thumbs:
Click to expand...
 
thanks for the examples demilion has anyone got any examples of it being used with the 7d's wireless trigger function?
 
I fyou want to use the wireless/flash function, I would suggest using the Canon's

I got a Yununo 460-II which was meant to be compatible, it isn't. :(
 
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