Need recommendations for external flash for Canon 60D

Hi, Be careful.

The words 'fully compatible' mean different things to nearly every 3rd party manufacturer.

So, do you mean just ETTL compatible? Or do you mean Canon Wireless (light/IR type) compatible (which includes ETTL)? Or do you mean as fully compatible as a 430Ex Mark II?

For instance, if I was given the choice between one of your suggestions (brand new) - or - a beat up, secondhand, antedeluvian Canon 550Ex, I'd take the 550Ex every time (knowing that lacking the series "II" in its name, I wouldn't get seamless setup using your 60D flash menu screen if the 550 was in its hot-shoe..)

Come back if I need to elaborate ..

Cheers, Donald

The Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash is worth the money on a 60D.

Full flash control from your cameras menu.

Full ETTL flash off camera controlled by your 60D.

I liked the price of the Yongnuo, but, there were just too many reviews that talk about it failing prematurely.
Customer Reviews
Yongnuo YN-565EX ETTL Speedlite Flash for Canon

The Yongnuo also lacks high speed sync.

Nothing beats the Canon flashes. However that said I too was looking for a "starter" flash to have and work up to the dedicated Canon flashes.

I did a lot of reading and searching and found the Metz 50 AF-1 fit the bill. It is eTTL and has HSS with remote. They are going for $199 at BH. I have used it oudoors for fill and it has worked very successfully indoors for color balance and coverage.

...after 11 months - maybe about 8k clicks. I wrote a review where I downgraded it. When it worked it was pretty nice, and the physical build was very good for $150.

But! Right now the price of a 430ex II is down, and it's not a whole lot more right now at $254 . Additionally, as mentioned here - it's got HSS, the yongnuo did not. additionally, the GN is not a whole lot lower than the YN-565: http://speedlights.net/yn565 vs. 430ex II The Yongnuo had goodies like more manual settings, PC and battery port, ready signal etc.

I really got it for off flash use with a trigger, and liked it so much it became my on-camera flash. After a year at $150 would be akin to a $600 canon failing after 4 years and 32k flashes. Not bad, but not good either. Especially considering it was never overheated or abused.

In theory, they've addressed one problem with the unit 5/15/12, but I don't think it's the same reason mine failed.

And, the Yongnuo was fully functional through my menus on a 60D.

For a first (and only) flash, I'd highly recommend the 430ex II.

2 others to look at would be the Metz 50 AF-1 or Nissin Di622 - however those are both the same cost as the 430ex II at its rebate price right now - which ends 2/2/13!
Each of these have their pros and cons from each other, use the same comparison tool at speedlights.net above!


BTW, I picked up a 600ex for about $440, I'm just angst about returning it for an RT at $120 more (soon to be $180). I'm just not sure I'll ever be taking advantage of multiple speedlites like that!

Thanks . . you seem pretty convincing that sticking with a Canon flash is the best bet.

Thank you all for your advice. I'm not surprised that you advise me to get a Canon . . . after

buying such a nice, well respected Canon, I think I'd be foolish to get a knock-off with not

much saved in the long run.

I use a 580ex2 and 2 Vivitar 285hv's.... The Vivitars have been around for eons and are reliable and only cost $89. They will shoot in automatic using a thyristor as long as you camera is in a constant aperture mode either Av or Man...... From the ads I see in the photomags it looks like Vivitar has a ttl compatible model called the 385 or something? Might be worth looking at?

I've been using Vivitar flashes since the 70's. As I recall the Vivitar 285's have a GN at least as high as a 430ex?? I use my Vivitars with Cactus5 radio triggers. This model is their latest iteration and are highly reliable and very inexpensive.



I would suggest getting an off-camera flash cord from Syl Arena website. Off-camera multiple-flash will open up a whole new realm of photography for you!



Hope this helps...

Bill

I have used Canon flashes for years on Canon Film and Digital Cameras and have had fantastic results.

Let's face it, if you owned a Mercedes Benz would you fit cheap replacement headlights in if one or two needed to be replaced?

Cheers,

Al.