PaulB Loc: Alabama

Canon flash attachments can be pretty pricey. There are many other brands that are more competitively priced. Is it really worth the additional price to go with the Canon brand? If not, what other flash equipment would members recommend for use on Canon 6D and T2i cameras?

thephotoman Loc: Rochester, NY

I use a Nissen flash. I have been using it problem free for 4 years. They make several models with a price range of $200- $700.00. They can be used as ttl or several other options. They can even be used to fire strobe lights either with a pc cord or remotely.

Wendy2 Loc: California

I use Yongnuo. Way less expensive and works well for me.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Yongnuo speedlights are excellent.
Compare models here: http://speedlights.net/strobist-flash-brands/yongnuo-speedlites

Compare prices here: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l2632.R2.TR3.TRC1.A0.XYongnuo+speedlight&_nkw=yongnuo+speedlight&_sacat=64353&_from=R40

jim quist Loc: Missouri

I know people who have ordered off brand vertical grips for canon and they didn't work very well. don't know about flash units

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

Paul - here are two good sites for flash info -

http://flashhavoc.com/
http://speedlights.net/

If you want "manual only" (no TTL) look at the Lumopro L180 or the Yongnuo 560iii. There is a new manual flash unit due out very soon now from Cactus, makers of the very reliable flash triggers.

If you want TTL look at Nissin di700 or di866 Mark iii, the Phottix Mitros and Mitros +

Bobbee

I have had a ProMedia Bracket for my camera for two years. It is one of the best investments I have made. It is on my camera when I shhot engagements. The Quality is unsurpassed. Worth every penny.

http://www.promediagear.com/Flash-Brackets_c_1.html

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Are you asking about speedlights? (flashes) Brackets? Cords?

What?

Bobbee

"what other flash equipment would members recommend"

I guess anything. Have any recommendations?

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Well..unlike others...I recommend a real Canon speedlight for your first off camera flash; and I'll tell you why: They are less hassle (sometimes) when just starting out; they just work right out of the box...they hold up extremely well...and an expensive flash isn't the place I want to play roulette.

Canon 430EXII (very good flash) is 259.00 at B&H but you won't need to replace it in a week, or a month or in several years...it will keep working.

You can spend 120.00 on a YN565 (Yongnuo Canon clone) and play the roulette. Check out Amazon's reviews.....the "good one" vs "I got a lemon" reviews are split pretty evenly...by the time you replace it once after it goes bad...you could have bought the real thing.


Now, having said that...I have several Yongnuo cheapie flashes, and the work great as "slave" or "second flashes" and at 50.00 if they die...I'm not heartbroken...I get another one.


That's my advice. With a 430EXII you can bounce flash with a black foamie thing and be VERY effective in your subject lighting and may never need a second flash for quite a while.

Black foamie thing link:
http://neilvn.com/tangents/the-black-foamie-thing/

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

I'm happy with my Nissan flash for the Oly/Pan series.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I use Canons 600 series units and really like 'em (radio controlled), and they are not very expensive (under $500).

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

See the first sentence of the first line of the OP's post ......

Oh yes indeed, "there is no reality as such, only perceived reality" !!

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

I guess I didn't directly answer the OP's question in his first post so here it is:

Yes...it's worth going Canon on your first flash, they are worth the extra money you'll spend....at least initially until you have a lot of "speedlight time" under your belt and know what you'd like in a second flash (aka manual flash or off brand)

PaulB Loc: Alabama

Thanks everyone. Lots of good suggestions and comments!