Posted by Brian Murphy on February 24, 2016 at 7:38 AM
I would like to buy a flash for my camera. Does anyone have any recommendations? Are third party flash units a good buy? I definitely do not need a $500.00 flash. Your help is appreciated.
Brian
Posted by Keith Bauer on February 24, 2016 at 9:07 AM
What camera system are you using? What are your goals with the flash? That will help determine options and power needs.
Posted by Brian Murphy on February 24, 2016 at 10:33 AM
I forgot to enter this information with my post. I am using a Canon T5i. I am looking for something that would be better than the onboard flash and possibly use the flash off camera. Basically just general photography and trying different things. I am not interested in doing portraits, weddings or anything like that.
Posted by Dennis Plank on February 24, 2016 at 12:43 PM
Hi Brian:
I'm not that into flash myself, but the one I bought for my Canon is a 430EX. If I were you, I think I'd look at used ones from one of the big camera houses like B&H or Adorama. You can get them for a pretty reasonable price. I believe the Mark II has a metal show instead of plastic, so it might be worth the extra cost. It will certainly do as a starter to find out what it's all about. I understand that some of the aftermarket ones are also quite good.
Posted by Keith Bauer on February 24, 2016 at 6:16 PM
I'll second the 430 EX II. I would not look at the original 430 EX. The 430 EX II can be found new at B&H for $199. It has come down since the EX III-RT is out. If you're talking off camera, yet cabled, you can get an off camera cable. If you are talking off camera wirelessly, that is a completely different issue.
Posted by Brian Murphy on February 25, 2016 at 10:46 AM
Hi guys,
Thank you for the feedback. The 430 is the flash that I have been eyeing so it sounds like a plan. Dennis, I am still saving up for the Sigma 150-600C. The only long zoom I have is an old 75-300 non stabilized lens. My wife and I went to Starved Rock state park last weekend and did see a few eagles in the distance but my lens could not get close. Also near my home is a big box garden center where a Great Horned owl has nested for the third year in a row. Using a tripod in the store is difficult so an image stabilized lens with a good reach would be a big help.
Posted by Kent Staubus on February 26, 2016 at 10:54 PM
The non-brand flash can be a great bargain. Check the online reviews. You definitely want off-camera capability, and a tilt/swivel head (most flash have this.) I own about 16 or 17 flash, all were bought used on ebay.
Brian, after finding a flash you might be interested in, check out KEH to see if they have a new or used one. Their prices are typically pretty good, and they have an excellent return policy. My experiences with them have always been excellent.
--P
Posted by Brian Murphy on February 29, 2016 at 6:23 PM
Preston, thanks for the tip on KEH. I always forget about that site.
I did check them out after reading your post. The price for the 430EXII ranged from $140.00 to $190.00. so I went with B&H for $199.99. Keh will definitely be on my radar from now on.
Brian
Discussion
8 repliesBrian
I'm not that into flash myself, but the one I bought for my Canon is a 430EX. If I were you, I think I'd look at used ones from one of the big camera houses like B&H or Adorama. You can get them for a pretty reasonable price. I believe the Mark II has a metal show instead of plastic, so it might be worth the extra cost. It will certainly do as a starter to find out what it's all about. I understand that some of the aftermarket ones are also quite good.
Thank you for the feedback. The 430 is the flash that I have been eyeing so it sounds like a plan. Dennis, I am still saving up for the Sigma 150-600C. The only long zoom I have is an old 75-300 non stabilized lens. My wife and I went to Starved Rock state park last weekend and did see a few eagles in the distance but my lens could not get close. Also near my home is a big box garden center where a Great Horned owl has nested for the third year in a row. Using a tripod in the store is difficult so an image stabilized lens with a good reach would be a big help.
Kent in SD
--P
I did check them out after reading your post. The price for the 430EXII ranged from $140.00 to $190.00. so I went with B&H for $199.99. Keh will definitely be on my radar from now on.
Brian