flashguns for Canon

Bernice101

I am looking for a flashgun for my canon 450d, but want to choose something that would suit a higher spec camera also, as im thinking of upgrading to a full frame soon enough.
The Speedlite 430EX has caught my eye, and I see some reasonable deals online. Is it true that its not a good idea to buy a flashgun second hand? Also, if anyone has any other recommendations please do let me know.

Merci

dirtyghettokid

i use a yongnuo YN-560 with my 5D. got it from new, works fine - no probs.
i have used second hand flashguns also. doesn't matter if it's used, providing it hasn't been dropped. i bought my 2nd hand gun in berminghams. IIRC, they come with a bit of warranty. a month maybe?

pixbyjohn

Hi, here is a link to a 430EX II at a great price. I would buy it if I needed a flash.
http://www.adverts.ie/camera-accessories/flash-430ex-ii/1211502

I've been using Metz for a while (about a year and a half). First flash was a Metz 48 AF-1, then got a Yongnuo one (purely based on their cheap price), a YN460-II. The 460-II turned out to be dead on arrival, and it shook my confidence in Yongnuo flashguns, so I picked up a second Metz 48 AF-1.

I then took a gamble again with another YN460-II and the second time around i got a good one. It works, but the recycle time (time it takes to 'power up' between each flash) is a bit too long for my liking, and certainly nothing I'd use whilst trying to look 'professional'.

I've also used a Canon 580EX-II for a couple of weeks (though it wasn't actually my own).

Between the three different brands, The YN460-II was grand for small occasional use or where you have lots of time between shots, but I wouldn't wholeheartedly recommend it.

The Metz 48 AF-1 and Canon 580EX-II seemed extremely similar to me. If you've a few Euro to splash out then the 580EX-II could be a good choice (though the rubber seal around it's foot, to help weatherproof it, can be annoying at times).

Personally, though, I highly recommend Metz and the Metz 48 AF-1 in particular. I think it's a great flash, and very simple to use with a good display (though i suppose you'll think that about any flash unit once you get used to it).

I'm hoping to pick up a Metz 58AF-1 at some point in the coming weeks or months, but the 48 AF-1 is perfect.

LeoB

I have a 430ex and think it is quite good. Bounce, swivel and zoom head means you can play around with it. and you can increase/decrease the power. Does all I need anyway.

Nissen have fairly decent flash guns from what I hear. I used to have a Sigma flash and it was good with a similar spec to the Canon. I would have no problem buying second hand either from a shop or privatly.

Borderfox

430ex II is pretty good, I would steer clear of the 580exII models. Problems with high speed synch burning them out, I have two that were used with Pocketwizards Flex system and they are fooked

The Snipe

I've a 580EX II and I really like it, I don't really use it at very high speed etc.

I'd personally recommend it, but the 430EX II is another brilliant flash!

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/BRAND-NEW-CANON-580EX-MK-II-IN-SCOTLAND-/390378044295?pt=UK_CamerasPhoto_DigitalCameras_DigitalCameras_JN&hash=item5ae4583b87

There it can be got from Kerso on Ebay, whom I'd highly recommend.

Canon 430EX-II is on Amazon for £200 at the moment which seems a decent price (you'll probably pay €250 or so) and it has free shipping.

Doesn't seem too bad. I was originally looking at getting another Metz 48, but the above suggestions have me curious.

EDIT: Settled on the 430EX-II from Amazon (was gonna get another Metz, as I say, but the decent price and great reviews have me curious). Seen it has no fill card though (fill card should be mandatory on every flash, but I guess they did that on purpose, to push people to the 580EX-II instead) so picked up one of those oversized bounce cards on eBay (have always been curious to try them out). This kinda thing here;

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Flash-Bounce-Reflector-Card-Diffuser-Reflective-shovel-Canon-Nikon-Olympus-/260858127176?pt=UK_CamerasPhoto_CameraAccessories_CameraFlashUnits_JN&hash=item3cbc5b2348

Unsure if it'll make much or any difference, but I'm intrigued.

Ballyman

Borderfox wrote: »

430ex II is pretty good, I would steer clear of the 580exII models. Problems with high speed synch burning them out, I have two that were used with Pocketwizards Flex system and they are fooked

Do you mean fast recycling using a battery pack or HSS?? How did HSS burn them out???

They're a pain in the ass to use with the PW flex system though and mis fire continuously. Did you look at the PW upgrade to shield them properly??

Borderfox

HSS on the pocketwizards blew them, lots of problems misfiring too

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1096799&highlight=580ex+problems

Borderfox

Borderfox wrote: »

HSS on the pocketwizards blew them, lots of problems misfiring too

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1096799&highlight=580ex+problems

Could that just be more a compatibility issue?

Are 580EX-II's known to blow on their own? (I haven't used one that much, but the reason I bought the 430EX-II instead of the 580EX-II is in case I got unlucky at a difficult time, and my flash died).

I'd rather have something that's known to be trustworthy..?

Bernice101

Thanks folks for the recommendations. I went with the Canon 430EX-II through pixmania for a finish.