Which flashgun for Canon?

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I'm starting to get interested in strobist photography and I'm looking round for a flash, not too expensive, to get started then maybe upgrade later if I really get into it. I read a good review of the Nissin Speedlite Di866 Pro which I've seen for £158. But I was in Jessops today and their own-brand 360afd was only £79. However I don't know the ins and outs. Any advice?
 
I have a Jessops 360AFD which is a good flash as in it does the job and talks to the camera, but I found the build quality to be very poor. It broke and had to be replaced twice within 3 months of purchasing (zoom function stopped working, and then the diffuser broke off). Admittedly the Jessops staff replaced it with a new unit each time, but I got fed up and purchased a Canon 580EX which is great and feels very solid.

I would suggest looking at a used 430EX which is still very well built, and available used around £120ish.
 
If you're doing mainly off camera flash then then what triggering mechanism you are going to use is a major factor.

If you are thinking you might ever use the pocket wizard TT system then you need a compatible flash, which mean one of:
580 EX I or II
430 EX I or II

However, if you're using simple triggers, and running the flashes in manual mode then any flash, canon compatible or not, will do. The Nikon ones actually tend to be a bit better built in my experience.

The Jessops unit it OK, I still have one and it's not dies yet (although the first one did, and Jessops replaced it). It's lovely to use on the camera as it's really light (hence them having a reputation for breaking) but it goes to sleep very quickly, and you can't turn that function off. That's really annoying if you're trying to do off-camera stuff.

I'd look at a second hand 430 EX (Mk I). Easy to get hold of, compatible, reliable, and with more setting than you will probably ever use.
 
The 430's get my vote too. You can always use ttl when you need too and decent power do off camera stuff too. Dint forget your budget will need to include triggers and light modifiers.

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get a 430ex


and it is not strobest, its flash FFS - are you an idiot american?

Rooster said:
I'm starting to get interested in strobist photography and I'm looking round for a flash, not too expensive, to get started then maybe upgrade later if I really get into it. I read a good review of the Nissin Speedlite Di866 Pro which I've seen for £158. But I was in Jessops today and their own-brand 360afd was only £79. However I don't know the ins and outs. Any advice?
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POAH said:
get a 430ex


and it is not strobest, its flash FFS - are you an idiot american?
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That's a tad aggressive.....

A 430EX would be my suggestion also. They are very well built and will give you excellent E-TTL control on camera (or off camera with the right bits & pieces). The others tend to be not as well made although the Nissin gets good reviews, and it's good value for money.

Steve
 
I've got two Jessops 360AFD units, both second hand, and have had no problems with them. Got them both off ebay around the £40 mark.

They are light and more flimsy than the 430EX but then that is reflected in the price you pay.
 
fabs said:
Completely uncalled for. If you don't like a particular word and can't say so without insulting people, kindly move along.
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'Fraid he'll have to move along when his suspension expires Marc :) I've given him a short while to reflect on his attitude :D
 
Check features like High speed sync and rear curtain as some flash guns don't have this feature. Maybe handy when doing ttl work.

Sent from my HTC Desire using TP Forums
 
Try looking at a Metz 48 Af-1 its a great little Flash,more powerful then a 430 ExII
 
John Mc said:
Try looking at a Metz 48 Af-1 its a great little Flash,more powerful then a 430 ExII
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Yes, good gun - now the 50 AF-1. It has high speed sync, which some others lack. Really invaluable feature for fill-in flash outdoors.
 
Some food for thought there, thanks. I'm inclining towards a cheapo one for the moment then move up if I get into stro- sorry Flash FFS stuff.

POAH probably didn't mean anything, sometimes stuff looks aggressive in print when actually you were kidding! That's why we have these : :wave:
 
I would effectivly payout for something expensive the first time round if you can afford to.
You buy an £80 Jessops flash and your limited to what it can do. spend the extras cash and have functions you wont use for a while but have them when you do want them,often need. :)
 
Dark Star said:
'Fraid he'll have to move along when his suspension expires Marc :) I've given him a short while to reflect on his attitude :D
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Sorry to go OT, but John, that's brightened up my afternoon no end just from the comedy value of it.

On-topic... I think I'd happily shell out £40 for a few more of the jessops units, IF you could stop them switching themselves of every five seconds...
 
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