I am a newbie to indoor photography, and have been doing alot of research these few days on flashgun. Hoping to invest in one , to start with wedding photography as a hobby.

- I am adviced it is best to buy Original (same brand as your camera's) flashgun, because 3rd party flashgun may not sync well with your camera.

- And I am told it is risky to buy 2nd hand flashguns, as you do not know their condition until you try it for a long time before it shows it's true colors (like battery life, speed, etc.)

As I'm still beginning, and on a budget, what do you suggest? Just need to hear more opinions from other photographers. So would really appreciate your advices.

Thanks and Regards

yes, u may buy 3rd party, but do so as a secondary flash. primary flash (main flash uses) always stick with original brand, it makes a huge differences in the learning curve.

There are 3rd party flashes that are as good as the original brand's. Brands like Metz, etc. Of course if you're talking about Nissin, YongNuo then..

Stick with camera brand flashes. Look into what models there are and go for the one that fits your budget.
Don't bother with 3rd party ones unless you're using it as a wireless triggered units.

It depends, if you really need TTL, then of course buy those from your own camera brand. but if you dont, even 3rd party flashes would work well.

people always say that 3rd party is bad la bla bla bla but keep in mind, you are paying less than half of the price for the equivalent 3rd party flash. don't expect them to work like magic.

i used a yongnuo 560 II for 2 years already, gives me no problem at all.

This isn't true... My 2 previous flash were bought 2nd hand...

Depends on the brand you use. If its a Canon or Nikon DSLR there are third party flashes that have E-ttl well programmed to use. The latest Yung Nuo flashes are quite good. Usually the more powerful the flash the better like a GN58 flash makes quite the difference. But do make sure that the 3rd party flash is made for your system, like if you're using Canon camera ask if that flash model has Canon TTL.

2nd Hand flashguns are not a problem. But if you're not familiar on how to deal with the 2nd hand market that might be the problem.

If you're on a budget I would recommend 3rd party flashes. See how a flashgun can change your photos or the ability to catch the photo. That AF assist beam helps to quickly focus in the indoors and that powerful flash freezes the moment. 3rd party flashes are better than your pop up flash so there's not much to lose in trying. If you do decide to upgrade and buy an original flash, well the 3rd party flash isn't going to be useless. It can still be used as a secondary flash. There is no losing in trying a 3rd party gear first. Especially when there are so many reviews praising the latest Yong Nuo flashes its worth a try.

Other things to add are accessories like a diffuser (must have). Rechargeable batteries for better recycle time, no leakage that damages like alkaline batteries and more economical long term.

And yes I'm a YN-565 user. Even when I'm upgrading I'll be keeping this flash as either back up or secondary flash. Maybe the Canon 600 EX-RT is a lot better, but its 3-4 times the price.

This post has been edited by Rice_Owl84: Mar 26 2014, 11:42 PM

I suggest you to get a 3rd party flash since you said you're new to photography.
I'm using yongnuo YN-568 EX II ,its a quite good flash.

Flash tubes have lifespan just like shutter.
I've a SB600 which flash tube blown. Cost me RM 100 to change it at the service centre.

I personally Avoid Metz.
Almost as expensive as flagship flashes but worse TTL performance.

This post has been edited by LegendLee: Mar 27 2014, 01:15 AM

How do you know its worse? Have you owned one before? Because so far my Metz has been giving me very very consistent lighting and its just as good as my Sony flashes.

I have tried one(mecablitz 58) and compared it side by side under the exact same settings, frame and conditions with a 580Ex2 during KLPF several years back.
It was a little overexposed compared to the canon.

Can't compare like that bro. Was it all the shots or only 1? If it's all then probably you can dial in a -ve compensation and it'll be all good. If it's sometimes overexposed, sometimes under, sometimes consistent then only it's considered bad.

I took a few shots. They were overexposed by about 2/3 to 1 1/3 stop.

If there is a need to adjust the compensation, the canon already wins.

I'm not saying it's bad. I'm saying with that kind of price, it better be as good as a flagship flash.

I myself am looking for one and look fwd to buying Nissin. Is Nissin that bad?

i use a nissin di622 II, not a bad flashgun

coolness.

Yes original flash guns are good but very pricey, and that is untrue about 3rd party flash, for example Nissin is a good brand. Its all up to your budget bro. If you can afford go for original ones, if not Nissin and other brands works fine.

2nd hand flash guns is a risk to take but shouldnt be a problem if you know how to check. Read some forum post and research more you should be able to understand the condition.



Yes i totally agree with you only if you really need TTL. Sometimes you just need to work with what you have. I seen many ppl use 3rd party flash still get awesome shots.

A quote from chase jarvis "the best camera is the one that you have with you" i guess it also applies for flash ey?

You can get a Di600 now instead of the Di622 mk2 coz old model not all shops carry this flashgun anymore. Di600 is actually a successor to the Di622 mk2 and cheaper too.

thnx!