Manual or TTL Flash for Beginners

[Clarenze]

Hi CS,

I'm going towards portraiture at the moment and currently deciding on a Flash to get.
I'm using Nikon D90 and stuck with 2 options; Yongnuo YN560 (Manual) and Nissin Di-622 Mark II (TTL). I need your opinion on which would be a better option as a first Flash unit. I am a beginner to Flash but not to photography in general.

I don't mind paying double the amount for the TTL function if it is useful, so need your input whether TTL function is useful for beginners in flash photography? Or is it better to start with Manual?

Your help is greatly appreciated!

Clarenze

 

[ZerocoolAstra]

Hi CS,

I'm going towards portraiture at the moment and currently deciding on a Flash to get.
I'm using Nikon D90 and stuck with 2 options; Yongnuo YN560 (Manual) and Nissin Di-622 Mark II (TTL). I need your opinion on which would be a better option as a first Flash unit. I am a beginner to Flash but not to photography in general.

I don't mind paying double the amount for the TTL function if it is useful, so need your input whether TTL function is useful for beginners in flash photography? Or is it better to start with Manual?

Your help is greatly appreciated!

Clarenze

if it's a controlled environment (in terms of light) and you have time to set up + take multiple shots, manual gives you the results you want at a fraction of the cost.

I liken it to using Manual exposure mode solely for all kinds of shots. You'll have to read the light meter and set shutter speed and aperture accordingly. For hurried shots, you may miss the correct exposure.

I wouldn't say one is better than the other, coz each has pros and cons.
My personal preference is to own the TTL flash first. This will end up being the one used most often for snaps, family/friends gatherings, etc.

 

[brapodam]

If you are a beginner to flash photography, I suggest a TTL flash first.

 

[fmeeran]

If you are a beginner to flash photography, I suggest a TTL flash first.

^^ what he said.

 

[Alan Chan]

if its a dedicated portrait session with time to spend, manual is the best way to learn flash photography. but in situations where the lightings are inconsistent like in an event, or when the real goal is to capture the moment like a family gathering, TTL would let you dive into action and not miss those shots.

 

[catchlights]

shooting flash with manual mode? if you don't have a flash meter, have no idea how flash exposure works, you may test fire till battery run flat still unable to get a decent shot, try keep it simple for a start.

 

[tecnica]

manual flash possesses a steep learning curve but the learning process will be very engaging and fun, provided you have a thing for flash photography.

 

[wdEvA]

Learning manual flash first will benefit you more, but its a much steep learning curve as compared to TTL

 

[Clarenze]

Thank you very much for all your replies!

I guess I will start off with TLL and buy another 2 Yongnuo YN560 in future once I am comfortable with flash basics.

Thanks all!
Clarenze