Newbie to external flash

[eedwinn]

Hi guys! I'm planning to go into flashes after getting my DSLR for a year now. Can anyone advise me on whether I should get the Canon 430 EX II or the Nissin Ni866? The prices of both are almost the same.

From what I've read, Nissin, being a third party brand, might have some compatibility issues but on the other hand it is as good as the Canon's top grade flash, the 580 EX II?

Some just swear by using the Canon one for the reliability. So which one would you guys recommend?

Also, what books are good for learning the flash as I know nuts about it! Esp with the terms ETTL and stuff like that.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Numnumball]

Hi guys! I'm planning to go into flashes after getting my DSLR for a year now. Can anyone advise me on whether I should get the Canon 430 EX II or the Nissin Ni866? The prices of both are almost the same.

From what I've read, Nissin, being a third party brand, might have some compatibility issues but on the other hand it is as good as the Canon's top grade flash, the 580 EX II?

Some just swear by using the Canon one for the reliability. So which one would you guys recommend?

Also, what books are good for learning the flash as I know nuts about it! Esp with the terms ETTL and stuff like that.

Thanks in advance!

Will def rrecommend the 430 EX II becos of known compatibility issues with 3rd party flashes. If u can fork out more and requrie the extra power, functions, by all means go for the 580EX II..

Good books i know of is Joe Mcnally "Hot Shoe Diaries"

 

[rain-station]

I am using Nissin Di866 and Brilliant pz46 they are not giving me any problem at the moment so it is really depend on you.To me the function of flash is to fill light as simple as that. Ofcourse if you can afford Canon 580 EX II is good. lol

 

[YuccaTheFlower]

I use the 430 exII and it works very well, i feel the 580 is probably more useful if you need more power, but really if you're starting out get the 430. Though the power of the di866 is equivalent to the 580, the recycle time is certainly much faster, plus you get better build quality. On top of that, its meant to work with your dslr perfectly. The choice is clear
:bsmilie::bsmilie:

 

[mimik07]

Flash Photography with Canon EOS Cameras

HTH

 

[axis90x]

go for 580EXII
just a few hundreds difference..

 

[eedwinn]

Will def rrecommend the 430 EX II becos of known compatibility issues with 3rd party flashes. If u can fork out more and requrie the extra power, functions, by all means go for the 580EX II..

Good books i know of is Joe Mcnally "Hot Shoe Diaries"

Yup, currently reading that book but it's too "chim" for me... Still do not really understand the terms yet. Thus I'm looking for a more introductory book on flashes.

Flash Photography with Canon EOS Cameras

HTH

Wow that's very useful link indeed!! Whole lot of info. Thanks!

go for 580EXII
just a few hundreds difference..

I would if there isn't budget constraints... :dunno:

I use the 430 exII and it works very well, i feel the 580 is probably more useful if you need more power, but really if you're starting out get the 430. Though the power of the di866 is equivalent to the 580, the recycle time is certainly much faster, plus you get better build quality. On top of that, its meant to work with your dslr perfectly. The choice is clear
:bsmilie::bsmilie:

Thanks, I would take those factors into consideration.

Crap! Forgot to add a poll and it's not possible to do it now.

 

[joetan84]

i would recommend canon flash too. the functions that 3rd party flashes lack is the high speed sync. So in broad daylight and you need to fill flash as well as have a shallow DOF, HSS will be a must. just my 2 cents worth ;-)

 

[hori]

Hi guys! I'm planning to go into flashes after getting my DSLR for a year now. Can anyone advise me on whether I should get the Canon 430 EX II or the Nissin Ni866? The prices of both are almost the same.

If the prices are almost the same, why don't you get the OEM flash? I won't get third party if I can avoid it, or unless they offer unbeatable advantages.

 

[eedwinn]

If the prices are almost the same, why don't you get the OEM flash? I won't get third party if I can avoid it, or unless they offer unbeatable advantages.

From what I've read, although the prices are similar, the 3rd party flash is more powerful and its comparable to the top of the line Canon flash (EX 580 II)!

 

[SHLEW]

Hi guys! I'm planning to go into flashes after getting my DSLR for a year now. Can anyone advise me on whether I should get the Canon 430 EX II or the Nissin Ni866? The prices of both are almost the same.

From what I've read, Nissin, being a third party brand, might have some compatibility issues but on the other hand it is as good as the Canon's top grade flash, the 580 EX II?

Some just swear by using the Canon one for the reliability. So which one would you guys recommend?

Also, what books are good for learning the flash as I know nuts about it! Esp with the terms ETTL and stuff like that.

Thanks in advance!

The Nissin Di866 (Rated GN60) and Canon 430EX-II (Rated GN43) are different in specs.
So to say that they are similar in price is not correct.
You should compare the Nissin Di866 to the Canon 580EX-II. Even the Canon 580EX-II (Rated GN58) is rated slightly lower than the Di866.

If later you intend to shoot birds high up in tree foilage, it is better to get the 866 or 580.

Cheers.

 

[SVG84R]

Do take those GN number with a pinch of salt. Normally, these numbers are inflated.
Recommendations for TS, if you are apprehensive about 3rd party flash, go with the orginal canon. 430 should be enough unless you do events and require the much needed recycling time.
The nissin di866 do represent very good value for money, considering the specs. Do a search on the nissin, there were some problems but not sure if they are recitified with the firmware upgrade.

 

[bullseyez]

I did own a Nissin flash, the only thing irritate me was the on/off button. By holding the button for 1-2 sec makes me lost some moment when i need the flash. so i sold it aways and bought a SpeedLite 270EX. the switch on 270EX are really nice for instant power on the flash. And im still funding for 430EX for extra power. ^^

 

[kenshinz]

I highly recommend visiting http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/ to learn more about flash.

If you can lay your hands on the Strobist Lighting Seminar DVD Box Set even better