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View Full Version : Recommend me a couple of flashes (cheap)


Bax
20-02-2010, 11:04pm
Hey all,

I purchased a 580EX II about a year back, and well as much as I've been using it for small things I haven't been able to get stuck in with the bigger shoots because I've been lacking the additional lighting that I ideally want.

My shoots will mainly consist of cars, front left/front right and potentially background (hence the 3rd)

And I'm looking at getting into impromptu shots at home, my gf has suggested a few modelling ideas so I'd be wanting a similar setup, front left front right and back drop.

I'll be triggering them with Cactus V4's so TTL etc isn't important. But they must have a good brightness on them. Preferably without a standby mode if possible.

And the kicker, under 150 dollars each? Am I dreaming?
Speedway
21-02-2010, 12:35am
How about these http://cgi.ebay.com.au/YN-460-Slave-Flash-for-Canon-450D-500D-Diffuser-AU_W0QQitemZ120492512223QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Cameras_Photographic_Accessories?hash=item1c0de9d3df, I have one and at $55 each am intending to get another couple.
Keith.
Bax
21-02-2010, 1:13pm
I don't know if it's just me, but that page hasn't loaded on any of my PC's or the iphone, not sure what's going on with it?

YN-460, time for a google - Thanks.

I was hoping they'd all spit the same brightness so I wouldn't run into problems with the 580 camera left at 1/2 power and having to set up another flash at full power to get the same level light. If I get two of these at that price and save the 580 for background or fill, I shouldn't have a problem.

Cheers - Cheap lighting stands next I guess.
Speedway
21-02-2010, 2:26pm
Page loads ok for me, Try YN460 on e bay too.
Keith.
Bax
21-02-2010, 2:37pm
Thanks Keith, do you know if they work with Cactus V4s?
DavidB
21-02-2010, 3:19pm
I was going to suggest 2nd-hand 420EX units, but they seem to go for $190-$220. At least you'd get the bonus of TTL (including multi-zone ratio control from your 580EX II) even if you felt you could live without it.

For a basic flash the YN460 II does look like a steal @ <$55 each, and yes they should work with Cactus units fine!
Bax
21-02-2010, 8:09pm
Cheers all, I'll probably grab them next pay along with another v4 receiver.
Speedway
21-02-2010, 8:32pm
Don't know the cactus unit but mine works off my PT04 wireless trigger, they will also trigger off another flash so you may not need another receiver.
Keith.
Topgunn
21-02-2010, 9:41pm
It might be worth doing a search for yn 460 on eBay though as Ive seen them as low as $45 with free delivery from hong kong. I have never had a problem buying from HK with typical delivery times around a week. I have had nothing but trouble with things from China though...YMMV
coolie21
21-02-2010, 11:51pm
I was going to suggest 2nd-hand 420EX units, but they seem to go for $190-$220. At least you'd get the bonus of TTL (including multi-zone ratio control from your 580EX II) even if you felt you could live without it.

For a basic flash the YN460 II does look like a steal @

I've got a 420 but it has no manual mode and is only controllable via the infra red system (not sure re the ttl pocketwizards but they are v expensive). I recently bought a 460ii and it is brilliant for the money
Topgunn
22-02-2010, 8:35am
Sounds like the new version is the one to get then. I just found one for $59 delivered and the GN has gone from 33 to 38 and now has a fine tuning power option. I have only ever heard good things about them. Do you use it as a main flash Alan (coolie21)?
coolie21
22-02-2010, 9:04am
Sounds like the new version is the one to get then. I just found one for $59 delivered and the GN has gone from 33 to 38 and now has a fine tuning power option. I have only ever heard good things about them. Do you use it as a main flash Alan (coolie21)?

I tend to use it as second flash with the 580. It isn't quite as powerful as the 420/430 - but indoors at least they are rarely at full power anyway
Analog6
22-02-2010, 9:08am
I have YoungNu (but I paid $79!!) It's great, really pleased with it. The diffuser just about eliminates all red eye, in both humans and cats.
I @ M
22-02-2010, 2:15pm
Bax and others, this thread (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=40058) is a worthwhile read on the YN642 flashes.
Bax
22-02-2010, 5:59pm
Thanks for that, just got 200 bucks back from Medicare, so........ Off to ebay I go.
Bax
23-02-2010, 8:08am
Just thought I'd share. Nearly purchased then last night. 1 for 40 plus post which is 16. They apparently offer discount on combined postage but when I add the second unit postage jumps to 32. Which is fine really but not what I was expecting.

Asked the seller why 2 items aren't a similar price.

Because they're heavy!!! :( whatever
coolie21
23-02-2010, 9:29am
Where were you trying? Get them from here (http://stores.ebay.com/hkyongnuophotoequipment)

The shipping is *free*, but the price of the items may be higher
Bax
08-03-2010, 6:12pm
Thanks everyone, they finally arrived today, slow postage, but I'm happy with them, not as powerful as the 580 by any means, but they should definitely do the trick. Will possibly sample them tonight.
FlippedOut
13-03-2010, 10:57am
post up your samples/thoughts bax... im deciding whether to get some myself
Bax
13-03-2010, 12:47pm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmbax/4421402621/

That's the only shot I've actually kept with them, along with one of my brothers car, it was more of a test then anything.

Recycle time is pretty slow, I think it's about 5sec on full power, lowest power it's instantaneous.

I'm meant to be getting some shots tomorrow night of a work mates car, but as far as people go I'm yet to get somebody to model for me.

All in all though, for the price, I'm very happy with the product. They seem quite well build, the head has lots of range of movement. They're very simple, Off/On, Pilot, Mode and Power Level Buttons. No fancy displays, just a cheap flash that seems to do the job. Of course you miss out on some of the features of a better flash, but for just a Manual, wirelessly triggered flash I'm very happy.
coolie21
13-03-2010, 9:05pm
Recycle time is pretty slow, I think it's about 5sec on full power, lowest power it's instantaneous.

I

What batteries are you using?
NikonNellie
13-03-2010, 10:28pm
I am very happy with my Y460 for the price - works really well with the cactus V4's too.
Bax
14-03-2010, 10:23am
Eneloops at full charge.
Darvidanoar
14-03-2010, 12:01pm
Ordered my YN460 last week and I can't wait for it to arrive.

Call me chicken, but I've already decided this $41 speedlight will never ever take residence on the hotshoe of my 7D. Wireless triggering only :)
Bax
14-03-2010, 8:36pm
They could be brighter.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4431685816_7b3a782c69_o.jpg
deasty1
15-03-2010, 7:26am
Just had a look at them, for the price I might buy 2 or 3.
I never use the ETTL of my $500.00 Canon flashes anyway, so no point spending big money.
Darvidanoar
17-03-2010, 9:12pm
They could be brighter.

Guide Number 33 puts them somewhere between the Canon 270EX and the 430EX.

My YN-460 arrived today. I've had a short play with it and it works well so far. As a second slave, it will be just perfect. Just need to watch that 5 second charge time .. according to the manual, that is normal.

But hey, for US$41 (including diffuser and postage), I am really pleased with it.
Bax
17-03-2010, 9:24pm
Exactly, definitely no complaints for the price.