First flash unit advice?

[rpt]

can someone recommend a cheap small flash unit to essentially function as on-camera flash for my 5d3? something small and light, that can be tossed in camera bag for that rare occasion i need some fill-in light and would not feel sorry to lose or break? ability to bounce would be a plus but not a necessity. Thanks!

Read the stuff on the link in this first post of this thread.
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=13422.msg241589#msg241589

[tolya99]

Read the stuff on the link in this first post of this thread.
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=13422.msg241589#msg241589

and which post relates to my camera (5d3) and my need: small, light, and cheap?

[rpt]

Read the stuff on the link in this first post of this thread.
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=13422.msg241589#msg241589

and which post relates to my camera (5d3) and my need: small, light, and cheap?

All the canon flashes are there. Others can chime in for third party flashes. I am no expert on flashes but I think the article is good.

[tolya99]

can someone recommend a cheap small flash unit to essentially function as on-camera flash for my 5d3? something small and light, that can be tossed in camera bag for that rare occasion i need some fill-in light and would not feel sorry to lose or break? ability to bounce would be a plus but not a necessity. Thanks!

If you just want a missing pop up built in type deal then the 270EX II is made for you, it does however have additional functionality that makes it even more interesting for your uses. It has a bounce head and you can get diffusion cards from third parties to make it even better. I believe it can also act as a wireless controller via the 5D MkIII to control additional flashes remotely, so it doubles duty as a type of ST-E2 as well.

If you want a bit more than a pop up flash type power and functionality then the 430EX II is your better bet. Though by the sounds of your specific requirements I'd say the 270EX II is the more appropriate one to get.

thanks, but at $150 for 270 i will regret losing it (and it's not "if", it's "when"). besides, for a little more than 150 i can get yougnuo 568 (too heavy and bulky for the purpose though). so, third party for me, i guess. but has to be compatible with 5d3. i have an old sigma that was my workhorse for years (since film days!), but, alas, it does not play with 5d3.

[dexstrose]

After having the 430ex II for a year, making a lot of mistakes and figuring out why, it made my lighting skills stronger by understand the basics of flash photography in ettl or manual settings.

Now I'm eager to expand my knowledge, confidence and go further with multiple, wireless stronger flash guns such as the 600s or even moonlights to achieve what I'm looking for.

I strongly suggest getting a good flash that works well with your camera and go out and have fun. Then you can delve into third party equipment or upgrade to a better flash later in time.

 

[Jel_55]

After having the 430ex II for a year, making a lot of mistakes and figuring out why, it made my lighting skills stronger by understand the basics of flash photography in ettl or manual settings.

Now I'm eager to expand my knowledge, confidence and go further with multiple, wireless stronger flash guns such as the 600s or even moonlights to achieve what I'm looking for.

I strongly suggest getting a good flash that works well with your camera and go out and have fun. Then you can delve into third party equipment or upgrade to a better flash later in time.

+1

I agree with this sentiment entirely and is exactly what I did. However, in the long run, after a while my cheap and cheerful set up (Pixel Kings and Meike 580s) become very inconsistent in operation and caused me nothing but pain and problems. In the end, I sold the lot and bit the bullet with the 600ex and ST-E3. I've not looked back since. You get what you pay for from my experience. So if your bigger picture is to eventually upgrade to more advanced and expensive equipment, in my personal view, you might be better off doing it sooner than later. I don't think you'll regret it.

[Hillsilly]

I have a Nissin Di866ii which has a similar GN to the 600EX of around 60.  Compared to a 430EX, the increased power is noticeable and handy.  But the extra power isn't enough to give me dramatically improved capabilities.  Therefore, I'd make my decision on the cost vs functionality of the flashes.  Are there any features that are must haves?  The 600EX is a well regarded flash.  Aside from the power output, there are a number of important features in the 600EX that interest people - the main one being the radio triggering (assuming you're looking at the 600EX RT).  The radio triggering will form the basis of Canon's flash units for the next XX years, and is something to consider if looking to future proof your system.

If you want my opinion (bearing in mind that I'm just a weekend hack who has never taken a professional photo in my life), if you just want a flash that works well, the 430EX is a great choice.  Good mix of power and features.  They are well made and should just keep going.  It can also be used as slave if you get into more advanced flash set ups.  Therefore, even if you move on to bigger and better things, this will always be a handy flash to own. (BTW, there have been a lot of rumors about the 440EX-RT which should be even better.....but, of course, waiting around for fictional products to materialize is rarely a prudent strategy.)

The big advantange of the 600EX RT is the radio triggering, but you only get the full benefit in a multi 600EX flash environment.  Which is costly. 

[simonbratt99]

Thanks guyd, definately decided on a 430 ex 2

[RLPhoto]

In the long run, flash will become your friend. Getting a higher end flash now could save alot of headaches later if you decide to expand on it. I would recommend a 430EXII to start and jump to a 600RT system later on.

I once ignorantly believed it would be possible to shoot everything natural light. How naive... I should have bought the 580II straight off the bat but got the 430II. That taught me alot about basic on-camera flash technique but I was always short on power. Maybe coming from a studio strobe, you might want to just jump straight into a 600RT for output and RT later on.

[simonbratt99]

good point,
what about betteries? any good AA rechargeables will be ok?

[Rienzphotoz]

good point,
what about betteries? any good AA rechargeables will be ok?

Sanyo eneloop AA batteries are very reliable and they hold their charge for a very long time (the eneloops I bought about 4 years ago and last recharged about a year ago still worked yesterday in my 600 EX-RT)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/758662-REG/Sanyo_SEC_HR3U8BPN_Eneloop_AA_Rechargeable_Ni_MH.html

[simonbratt99]

thanks, just ordered this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AYXK6MU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Rienzphotoz]

thanks, just ordered this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AYXK6MU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That Technoline BL-700 battery charger looks good, wanted to buy something similar but never got around to it ... I use Energizer V-629B-1-EU, although it is not as advanced as the one you ordered, it works well for my needs. Congrats on your purchase.

[simonbratt99]

thanks, yet another gadget im going to have to learn to use!!
Anyone know some standard settings?