Flashgun Advice Please

[nheather]

Hi,

I'm far from being an expert but I have invested in some reasonable gear (Canon 650D and a few lenses) and I feel I should get a flashgun as my lenses struggle indoors and the pop-up flash is to harsh.

So I've narrowed my choices down to

(1) Nissin 622 MkII

(2) Canon 430EX Speedlite

From what I can tell the performance of the two is pretty similar but I have two specific questions regarding the differences

Q1 - The Nissin is not aware of the smaller sensors like the APS-C on my camera and so it calculates the flash zoom incorrectly. What difference does this make in real terms?

Q2 - The Canon has a display and many controls on the back whereas the Nissin has no display and very few controls. Does this mean that the Canon does a lot more?

I'd appreciate any advice - the Canon is almost twice the price of the Nissin and I doubt that I will use a flashgun that much. Not that I wouldn't pay the Canon price but I'd rather not if there is little difference.

Cheers,

Nigel

 

[Harriers9]

Do you need the wireless capabilities of the Nissin?

I have a Metz 36. Basic but does the job perfectly well and more than half the price too.

 

[jessica1]

I have just been through the same " what do I get " issue and have just brought a speed light for my Nikon. Now before you raise eyebrows and tut, here's my reasoning. The basic flash was a put on the camera and shoot for around £110, the SB700 Speedlight has more options to increase or decrease the flash power in 1/3 stops, it can use the i -TTL mode to adjust light levels, this gives a more balanced exposure of background and main subject. It can be put onto fully manual for distance priority and I can use it off the camera as it has the wireless setting which isn't available in cheaper models. So for the Canon I would recommend the Canon flash, more money but there are more options and you may find the cheaper one isn't the best if you have to upgrade fairly soon.

I hope this helps even if it is from a Nikon user!

All the best and let us know what you decided!

Karen.

 

[terryuk]

you can adjust the flash output on the 650d if it is too harsh

 

[tonyq]

I have been looking for a flash for the last few weeks, could not decide what to go for, anyway I have gone for the Canon 430ex for use on my Canon 600D camera. There is a £20 cash back from Canon at the moment. Bought it from Jessops so I could pick it up straight away. Cost £185 including cashback.

 

[Im Bald Ok]

Not sure if you're aware but the new 430ex is the II version - 'Canon 430ex II'
I bought one a couple of months ago and it's a very capable flash for a first time flash user. I'm very happy with it.
I'm not sure if the 650D has inbuilt wireless capabilities for off camera tho like a 7D?

 

[Phil V]

Q1 - The Nissin is not aware of the smaller sensors like the APS-C on my camera and so it calculates the flash zoom incorrectly. What difference does this make in real terms?

It just means that the flash will be slightly wider than the camera needs (when the flash is on the camera with auto zoom) wasting some power. Not a big deal, at the very least you'll bounce on camera flash to improve light.

Q2 - The Canon has a display and many controls on the back whereas the Nissin has no display and very few controls. Does this mean that the Canon does a lot more?

Yes. The Nissin is single channel and group, has no manual controls, the canon will allow for many controls of the functions of the gun, zoom, power (ttl and manual).

The Di866 is closer in spec but better as it includes wireless master.

You're probably aware but the 650d will control ETTL II flashguns from the camera menus.

 

[modchild]

I had a Nissin Di622 MkI with a 550D, when I got a 650D I found it needed a firmware update to be compatible, or an upgrade to a MkII. I couldn't find a local dealer to do the update so I had to go for the upgrade.

I had a look at the Di622 MkII and was close to buying one when I saw a Di866 MkII advertised in the classifieds. I already had the Di866 MkI and that worked perfectly with the 650D so I gave the wife the Di866 MkI with the 650D and kept the Di866 MkII for my 7D.

The Di866 is a much better featured flash, even the MkI is better than the Di622, and you can pick them up second hand for not much more than the Di622 new. The Di866 has full manual to full auto control and is a fantastic flash. I now use both Di866's as off camera flashes controlled by my Canon 580EX II for some great lighting combinations.