Considering a flash for my 6DII, for on camera use

Ed Rizk said:

If more is better, and you're using it on the camera, go for the 580. ...Get the 580.

Click to expand...

Ed Rizk said:

If more is better, and you're using it on the camera, go for the 580. With your 24-105, you will be able to blast any subject with light all the way across most rooms. It bounces, it takes full advantage of the Canon flash exposure programs. It's a great flash. I've been happy with mine since 2011.

I rarely use flash. When I do, it's more often in bright sunlight to fill shadows or special cases where I have to get particular shots, such as my son's friend's wedding, where specific moments were a must have.

I really like it for the occasional portrait off camera with my 60D. The on camera flash controls and adds fill while the 580 blasts the main light from an interesting angle. The Canon flash exposure program makes it pitifully easy to do. I think the made a smaller 90EX that will control it also, or another 580 could control the first 580. Your menu will allow you to add or subtract light for up to three flashes, or even groups of flashes, on the fly.

The radio controls of the new flashes are better for off camera flash since they don't require line of sight placement with the camera. The older ones have to be able to "see" the camera flash. That has never been a problem for me, but if I used flash more often or wanted more flash units, it would eventually matter.

Get the 580.

--
Ed Rizk

Click to expand...

Lemming51 said:

Ed Rizk said:

If more is better, and you're using it on the camera, go for the 580. ...Get the 580.

Click to expand...

+1 Just to be clear, the 580EX II. 580EX is usable, but unrecognized in the camera's flash menu.

But if "new" with warranty is appealing, the 430EX-RT III is on sale as refurbished from Canon USA for $200.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/speedlite-430ex-iii-rt-refurbished

[edit] re the EX470EX-AI, the AI feature is very clever and helpful if you don't know what you're doing, but I'd think anyone experienced with bounce flash would never bother with it. Unless you're really absent minded and forget to change the angle if you change position or the camera's orientation. IMHO, YMMV.

Click to expand...

tenordrum said:

Ed Rizk said:

If more is better, and you're using it on the camera, go for the 580. With your 24-105, you will be able to blast any subject with light all the way across most rooms. It bounces, it takes full advantage of the Canon flash exposure programs. It's a great flash. I've been happy with mine since 2011.

I rarely use flash. When I do, it's more often in bright sunlight to fill shadows or special cases where I have to get particular shots, such as my son's friend's wedding, where specific moments were a must have.

I really like it for the occasional portrait off camera with my 60D. The on camera flash controls and adds fill while the 580 blasts the main light from an interesting angle. The Canon flash exposure program makes it pitifully easy to do. I think the made a smaller 90EX that will control it also, or another 580 could control the first 580. Your menu will allow you to add or subtract light for up to three flashes, or even groups of flashes, on the fly.

The radio controls of the new flashes are better for off camera flash since they don't require line of sight placement with the camera. The older ones have to be able to "see" the camera flash. That has never been a problem for me, but if I used flash more often or wanted more flash units, it would eventually matter.

Get the 580.

Click to expand...

Thanks Ed. I appreciate the detailed explanation, and the suggestion to use the 580. While the 6DII can perform well when I push the ISO on it, it is the shadows on the faces that I hope to minimize by using a flash. Using it for fill flash outdoors makes sense too. I just can't see using one off camera, in restaurants or indoor family gatherings.

Click to expand...

tenordrum said:

Previously I was not interested in using a flash, since my main targets, my grandkids, didn't like the 80D or 7D flash that I used. It is likely they didn't like getting blasted full on by the flash.

I also have an older Promaster 7200EDF with a bounce feature that worked with a XTI and XSI that I owned, but does not work with the 6DII. Not sure why it is not recognized by the 6DII, but perhaps a 10+ year old non Canon brand flash can't talk to the 6DII.

At any rate, I am looking at :

1) 470Ex-AI ($350 US)

2) 430EX-III (($250) or

3) 580EX-II ($200 or even slightly less) used.

This would be for mostly family events inside our home, or at a restaurant if our family is gathered for a birthday, or holiday. We will also be attending a family reunion in a few weeks, so my interest in purchasing a flash has increased. I am not at the point of using anything off camera, and I have looked at several flash related instructional videos.

Since I don't know how to use a flash very well (see above), the thought of the 470EX-AI taking some of the guesswork out of the process is appealing.

Click to expand...

tenordrum said:

Saving $100-150 or more with the other options is also appealing, especially when I justify its cost to the CFO who has stuck with me for 40 years as of next month.

I would mostly use the 24-105 STM lens when using the flash, and very little (if any) video.

Anyone use the 470EX-AI yet? Like it?

Or should I try the other options, aim at the ceiling or wall, and just fire away and see what I capture?

Click to expand...

tenordrum said:

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Click to expand...

danferrin said:

You've gotten some good advice. I think everything from the 580 EX II through the new 600 EX II are great flashes. I prefer the newer flashes with the radio remote capability, but I do a bit of multiple flash work when I get the chance with my grandkids. Whatever flash you choose, I would strongly recommend that you get a diffuser for it. I've tried a lot of different diffuser systems over the years, and the one I like best is the MagMod system. I use the MagMod Sphere when I'm shooting indoors with a white ceiling and the MagMod bounce in other situations. Take a look at magnetmod.com. Great products.

Click to expand...

Silvex said:

And I would buy it for $200 through the Canon Refurb store. I would suggest the 580EX-II used if you think you will never use it off camera (and need wireless control).

tenordrum said:

Previously I was not interested in using a flash, since my main targets, my grandkids, didn't like the 80D or 7D flash that I used. It is likely they didn't like getting blasted full on by the flash.

I also have an older Promaster 7200EDF with a bounce feature that worked with a XTI and XSI that I owned, but does not work with the 6DII. Not sure why it is not recognized by the 6DII, but perhaps a 10+ year old non Canon brand flash can't talk to the 6DII.

At any rate, I am looking at :

1) 470Ex-AI ($350 US)

2) 430EX-III (($250) or

3) 580EX-II ($200 or even slightly less) used.

This would be for mostly family events inside our home, or at a restaurant if our family is gathered for a birthday, or holiday. We will also be attending a family reunion in a few weeks, so my interest in purchasing a flash has increased. I am not at the point of using anything off camera, and I have looked at several flash related instructional videos.

Since I don't know how to use a flash very well (see above), the thought of the 470EX-AI taking some of the guesswork out of the process is appealing.

Click to expand...

There are two problems with the 470EX-AI, the first and most important is the price. The second is the lack of radio transmission capability. (I recognize you don't see a need for it. So that may not be a reason for you.)

I think the 470EX-AI would be best suited for people who always use on-camera flash and switch back and forth between portrait and landscape constantly. Otherwise, it's just not that hard to do manually.

What would have been really cool is if canon had included RT with this flash. In that situation it would have made a very handy master/controller.

Silvex said:

Saving $100-150 or more with the other options is also appealing, especially when I justify its cost to the CFO who has stuck with me for 40 years as of next month.

I would mostly use the 24-105 STM lens when using the flash, and very little (if any) video.

Anyone use the 470EX-AI yet? Like it?

Or should I try the other options, aim at the ceiling or wall, and just fire away and see what I capture?

Click to expand...

For as little as you use a flash, I think the extra $150 wouldn't be worth it. And you will quickly figure out what works and what doesn't with a bounce flash.

Silvex said:

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...