Bloke Loc: Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

Before the nay-sayers jump in, I have used the search feature, but there are dozens of messages with just "flash" as the title, and I gave up after wading through the first 20 or so!

I am looking to buy a decent flashgun for my camera. The Canon models are *way* out of my price range. Doing some searching around on Amazon, I have found a few Newwer models which seem to be rated pretty well.

I wanted to check and see if any of the sages on here have any experience with these critturs. The particular models are: NW985C and the TRIOPRO TR-988. Both of these sell for less than $80, and seem to have pretty much the same features as the Canon gold-plated 580.

I want to try my hand at some simple portrait stuff, mainly people at my church, but don't have the money or interest to spend a bunch on studio equipment. My main interest is in natural-light work, but a half-decent flash would give me a lot more options.

Thanks in advance!

melismus Loc: Chesapeake Bay Country

Try searching Neewer instead of Newwer

Bloke Loc: Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

Oops!

Actually, it doesn't make a lot of difference. Most of the posts are just generic flash questions, and the vast majority argue about which is the best Canon speedlight.

I would still appreciate any user experience.

I have also looked at a Yongnuo 600 RT or something. It looks good, and claims to be a clone of the Canon 600, but it does cost twice as much as the Neewer lights...

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I have heard they're ok, I have some soft boxes from them and they are alright. Might also check out the 600 EX RT from Yungnuo (it's basically the same as Canon's) and sell for just a little over a hundred bucks.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Gee, how cheap do you want to go?

cmikal

I have a Nikon DSLR, so I can't speak to the specifics of your question regarding how well they work on Canon, but here is some info that may be helpful.

Within the past 6 weeks I was also looking for an off-brand flash for the same reasons that you state. I also looked at the Nikon versions of the flashes you mentioned plus the Meike MK910. I ordered the Neewer MK910 on Amazon from the Neewer Store on Amazon (approximately $100). To my surprise, I received the Meike MK910 (even though I ordered the NEEWER MK 910 from the NEEWER store. They look virtually identical and have virtually identical specs. The specs might actually be identical but since they were probably written by different non-native-English-speaking people, they appear to be slightly different. (I kept the Meike BTW).

The point is that I believe Neewer, Meike and Triopro, are actually the same company. A single umbrella company changes the labeling on a single flash to make it appear to be manufactured and sold by 2 or 3 different companies. I doubt you will see any appreciable difference between the identical flash purchased from any of these 3. Nissin and Yongnuo (I believe) are not related to Neewer, Meike, or Triopro.

I just got done using my Meike MK910 yesterday for a shoot with about 300 flash photos. It was my first attempt at more than a handful of flash pics in a condensed time period. The flash worked fine. No complaints.

cmikal

For me, the answer is "As cheap as possible and still get the job done".

Bloke Loc: Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

What do you mean? If I can get an equivalent piece of equipment for $63 or for $124, what would *you* do?
I want to go as cheap as I can while getting a decent item, don't we all? I don't have hundreds of dollars to throw around. Maybe you do, I don't know?

cmikal

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
I've noticed a tendency on these forums for people to blindly recommend Nikon, Canon, Sony, or [insert your other major brand here], regardless of cost, features, or situation, and to look down at anyone that suggests or dares to recommend an off-brand.

Not everyone is a pro. Not everyone has money. Not everyone needs the latest, most expensive whiz bang over priced gadget. If it works and saves me money, I don't care about the name badge.

woolpac Loc: Sydney Australia

I have 2 Yongnuo 600 RT's plus transmitter they have been faultless performers so far. I have a couple of 580ex2s but wanted built in wireless capability. If that is not a requirement go for one of the cheaper units .

ronz Loc: Florida

If you want quality and customer service check out Phottix

PhotoshooterNJ Loc: NJ

Change the phrase to "less expensive" instead of cheap. 😃

ralphc4176 Loc: Conyers, GA

If you will go to B&H (www.bhphotovideo.com) and put your camera in the search engine, then click on the camera description in the list, you will see an accessories tab. It will list Canon and other brands of accessories which will work with your camera.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yeah, the Search feature is limited. If you get an answer from a year ago, it could be outdated by now. We have this forum so people can interact.

Bloke Loc: Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

This was interesting. Thanks for the info, which I didn't know. In my case it was somewhat diluted, since I have the 7D, and there is no way to distinguish that in a search from the 7D II... There are some weird and wonderful things out there, for what use I have no idea! After a dozen or so screens, I started seeing ads for stuff which didn't fit, stuff just for a particular Nikon camera, stuff which I have no idea about, and even "Vienna Symphonic Library Trombone Ensemble" It took me a minute or two to figure out that a whole bunch of the stuff just happened to contain 7D within the either the B&H or the manufacturer's part number!

It isn't really a help for the issue I have, though. There are a gazillion flash guns out there which will work with my camera (B&H doesn't even list flashes in that list). I have identified several which look decent, and which have mainly good amazon feedback. I am fishing for experience from members on here who may have used the items in question...