Which flash is right for me?

Original Poster

Original Poster

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Chris
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After numerous searches on flashes to get me a basic understanding I have a couple of questions regarding which flash is right for me.

I have a 7D so am I right in thinking I can use the flash off camera without the need for triggers?

Secondly, which flash should I go for? I'm currently thinking second hand 430EX. is there much difference between the mark 1 and mark 2 version?

I basically want the flash for on camera work as well as off camera work (exclusively for automotive photography).

The nissin equivilant of the 430EX also caught my eye!

Opinions on what's right for me chaps? I don't need anything too technical and as I understand it my needs are pretty basic.

I basically want the flash to be as straight forward as possible, I doubt I'll play with the settings too much.
 
The mk II version is worth the upgrade, according to the reviews.
The wireless control from the camera works where you have line of sight. This is much more complicated than that sentence sounds.

In a medium sized room, the sensors don't need to have direct sight, enough signal bounces around for them to work. In a larger room, definite line of sight required, outside at night, line of sight required, outside in daylight, almost no chance of successful communication, too much other light to compete with.
The Nissin will be cheaper and can be had new, rather than 2nd hand.

Be aware that if you want to go for a wireless ettl system in the future, only the Conon and Yongnuo flashes work with the great vfm Yongnuo ettl triggers. The Nissin gun will need a much more expensive solution.
 
I would definitely say the mark ii is a worthwhile upgrade (I currently own the mark I and the newer 600ex) purely for the ability to use the camera menus to make the changes to the flash settings. If you combine it with the yongnuo r622 triggers you get full ettl radio controlled system. The canon wireless is great indoors but next to useless if you want to work outdoors or use certain modifiers on your flash (eg the westcott Apollo soft box where the flash goes inside)
 
Original Poster said:
OK so a 7D and 430EX II won't work particularly well outside together? Sorry I am very new to flash and lighting.
Click to expand...

They'll work fine whilst they're attached, it's the Canon wireless system that'll give up outside. Which will make a difference if you choose to take your flash off camera.
 
The problem is, you want it to be simple and then you're asking it to do complicated stuff (firing off camera).

Stick an ETTL flashgun on your camera, learn how to bounce it and you'll be a happy bunny. It'll work great.

But once you start talking about remotely controlling your flash from your camera, things get a bit more complex. It shouldn't be beyond you, but you have to succumb to the learning required. None of us were born knowing this stuff, it's a case of reading, practising and asking questions.

oops cross post.
 
It's simple enough, buy some cheap triggers and be prepared to go manual when wireless ettl fails.

Manual flash isn't as difficult as it sounds, particularly with the feedback you get with digital. We really crossed our fingers with film.
 
I had a Nissin Di622 MkI which worked perfectly well with both of my 7D's and my 5D3 and only sold it when I got the wife a 650D and it wasn't compatible without a firmware upgrade. I already had a Nissin Di866 MkI and a Canon 580EX II so I gave the Nissin to the mrs and got a Di866 MkII as a backup to the 580.

I've tried messing about with off camera flash using both the Nissins and the Canon and all have worked really well. I tried an ETTL cable set off camera, using that to trigger one or both the Nissins and it's a good set up. The Nissin Di866's can be had for around £200 new are are very good for the price.
 
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