Spec me a flash gun
- Thread starter Mp4
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Associate
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Canon 580EX Mk II ~ £300
you'll probably need to provide a bit more information 
Do you plan to use it on camera? For portraits etc.? Or manually off camera? These kind of things decide what features you need.
Prices range from cheapo £30 units up to the high end branded units such as the canon 580 above. Yongnuo seem to be worth looking at on a budget.
I don't even own a flash unit myself, one day I will
Do you plan to use it on camera? For portraits etc.? Or manually off camera? These kind of things decide what features you need.
Prices range from cheapo £30 units up to the high end branded units such as the canon 580 above. Yongnuo seem to be worth looking at on a budget.
I don't even own a flash unit myself, one day I will
you'll probably need to provide a bit more information
Do you plan to use it on camera? For portraits etc.? Or manually off camera? These kind of things decide what features you need.
All of what you said
The feeling i have is that my 400D is a basic starter kit so IF i can get a decent flash that will work with newer canon bodys all the better!
£300 - £500max - lower the better
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Ok... budget range? EDIT - you ninja-edited! 
How about whether you want it to control other flash units?
Are you going to be shooting close-up portraits in small rooms or big functions?
Blanket response would be "the bigger, the better" on the basis that you can stick on flash modifiers and not castrate the flash's power.
If your price range starts at £300 (assuming I haven't misinterpreted) I would go for the Canon 580EX II, simply because it's the biggest and (arguably) the best unit out there.
I've just bought a Canon 550EX which does almost everything the 580EX II does (without ETTL-II) but cost £142 for a mint second-hand unit. It's brilliant (literally).
However, if you don't need the ability to control additional flash units, then just buy a Yong Nuo YN468 II (cheap and cheerful).
How about whether you want it to control other flash units?
Are you going to be shooting close-up portraits in small rooms or big functions?
Blanket response would be "the bigger, the better" on the basis that you can stick on flash modifiers and not castrate the flash's power.
If your price range starts at £300 (assuming I haven't misinterpreted) I would go for the Canon 580EX II, simply because it's the biggest and (arguably) the best unit out there.
I've just bought a Canon 550EX which does almost everything the 580EX II does (without ETTL-II) but cost £142 for a mint second-hand unit. It's brilliant (literally).
However, if you don't need the ability to control additional flash units, then just buy a Yong Nuo YN468 II (cheap and cheerful).
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Might as well control other units eventually but not essentual.
Macro / Portraits / Weddings / Babies / Out and about events etc
.... £300 - £500max - lower the better
If this is your first foray into flash photography I personally wouldn't splash out a few hundred quid on a flash. Go with a Yongnuo or a couple even, along with some wireless triggers. You can get a couple of flashes plus trigger and two receivers for around 100 - 150 quid, and if you decide to upgrade to the canon equivalent then you wont be too disappointed getting rid of a 30 - 50 flash. Just my thoughts though
If this is your first foray into flash photography I personally wouldn't splash out a few hundred quid on a flash. Go with a Yongnuo or a couple even, along with some wireless triggers. You can get a couple of flashes plus trigger and two receivers for around 100 - 150 quid, and if you decide to upgrade to the canon equivalent then you wont be too disappointed getting rid of a 30 - 50 flash. Just my thoughts though
Could be an idea!
Atm ive managed to use natural light which i prefure the most but at some weddings i have needed a flash & with some portraits
A 420EX would be a good compromise - it's relatively cheap (~£100 second hand), well built, and has ETTL. As you get more confident with a flash you could upgrade to a 430EX II, or a 550/580 etc. Any you could supplement with cheaper flashes for off camera work if necessary
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If it was me, Nissin Di622 (around £80) and use the change to upgrade your body.
Loads to choose from then! 
I am intrested in wireless as i would find it more functional if i needed it.
Atm liking the 550EX as its has wireless function but also like the 420EX as its compact + Wireless.
Just noticed this on a review site..
Canon EOS 300D (in my case 400D) Digital Rebel owners should consider the Canon 550EX Flash or the even better Canon 580EX Flash as they offer FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation) not found on the Canon Speedlite 420EX Flash. Most other Canon Digital SLRs offer FEC on the camera. For these users, the Canon Speedlite 420EX Flash may be a great value choice. The 550EX and 580EX also offer a manual flash mode that is not included on the 420EX.s
I am intrested in wireless as i would find it more functional if i needed it.
Atm liking the 550EX as its has wireless function but also like the 420EX as its compact + Wireless.
Just noticed this on a review site..
Canon EOS 300D (in my case 400D) Digital Rebel owners should consider the Canon 550EX Flash or the even better Canon 580EX Flash as they offer FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation) not found on the Canon Speedlite 420EX Flash. Most other Canon Digital SLRs offer FEC on the camera. For these users, the Canon Speedlite 420EX Flash may be a great value choice. The 550EX and 580EX also offer a manual flash mode that is not included on the 420EX.s
I got my new flash - 580 EX II delivered this week and so far of the few shots taken am very pleased. I have a wedding at the weekend so will be able to try it out in anger but at the moment I'm reading the manual to try and work out all the numerous functions.
Splash out for the 580 EX II - it's only money!
Splash out for the 580 EX II - it's only money!
After reading more on flash guns think ill go with this
shall order it next pay-day \o/ - 2 weeks can always get more units to add too!
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Its is like everything you get what you pay for.
When it comes to flash - if you buy cheap and actually use it, you be will buy (at least) twice because its not built last and/or it will be limited.
The 580 EX II really is excellent.
When it comes to flash - if you buy cheap and actually use it, you be will buy (at least) twice because its not built last and/or it will be limited.
The 580 EX II really is excellent.
If you're doing weddings and outdoor stuff the 580 ex ii makes sense. I bought a 430 ex II as my needs are more modest. For about £150 I added two more 430 ez flashes, remote triggers, stands and umbrellas. All budget but plenty for some strobist messing around, for me anyway.
Well atm i've still not purchased the 580 as the gf keeps moaning that its £300 (trying to save for wedding etc) .... but now i feel i need it!! Still at college and touching a lot on Portraits atm. I hardly use the inbuilt flash as i like natural light but atm the weather isnt doing the photos justice.
im also trying to get good lighting
Just looking at this: Interfit EX150 Mark II - 2 Head Kit (INT182) £130 - £200 odd
im also trying to get good lighting
Just looking at this: Interfit EX150 Mark II - 2 Head Kit (INT182) £130 - £200 odd