Are there many benefits in using a Canon flash over another brand?

Cris_L

Cris_L

Take That's Biggest Fan
Suspended / Banned
Messages
1,923
Name
Cris
Edit My Images
Yes
I'm looking to get a decent speedlight and the considerations are:
new 430ex mk2, second hand 550ex or a new Nissin 866 - which I have heard very good things about.

I cant afford a 580 unfortunately.

What puts me off the 430 is that some say its a touch underpowered (?) and that it can only ever act as a slave - so if in the futire i wanted multiple flash guns I would have to get a better one to act as the master.

What puts me off the 550 is that the chances are I'll end up with a pretty old one, is it old hat compared to the other two? but then it can act as a master and is more powerful than the 430.

The nissin sounds a very good option but would I benefit more from having a fully compatible flash gun?

Main uses will be outdoor portraits as i have studio lights for indoor.
 
I have an old 550, bought it second hand a fair few years ago and it works great so I wouldn't discount it as being 'old hat' but as you say the only problem you'll have is finding a used one in good condition.
I found the 550 easier to use and I get more consistent results with it too.

I bought a 580 mkII when they were released but promptly lost it on location within a few months, but it it was great using them as master/slave.

Just wish my old Vivitar 283 was compatible with my kit, it was great with my old Yashica TLR.
 
Last edited:
If you just wanted a good value flash I'd recommend the Nissin.

However if you're planning to use multiple flashes in the future, get a 550ex. The user interface is improved on the later flashes, and I wouldn't recommend using the old 550's along with newer flashes. So the 550ex will always be an inexpensive alternative.
 
So far I've only found two downsides of the Di866 as opposed to the 580ExII:

It has a plastic rather than metal foot, but then again so does the 550 & the 430 (non II).

For CFn's and OCF control as master you have to make the settings on the flash as opposed to in camera, the same also applies to the 550 & 430.

Otherwise it's an excellent unit.

It's also worth noting if you intend to use OCF later that the 866 has a PC sync port which the others don't, and that the 430 can't take an external battery pack.
 
DemiLion said:
It's also worth noting if you intend to use OCF later that the 866 has a PC sync port which the others don't
Click to expand...

The 580exII does have PC port, that was one of the upgrades over the 580ex. But maybe not worth the extra cash to some people as it could be a not so important feature. Especially now when triggers such as rf602 uses hot shoe to trigger the lights. :)
 
Go for the 430

I own 3x580 and a single 430, I have never experienced an underpowered issue with the 430. The only criticism I can give it is, no PC port and the menus are a little fiddly without the dial..

Other than that its a fantastic flash for the money
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top