Flash went POP!

[S_J_P]

After chucking my camera/lens on the floor a couple of weeks ago, my flashgun (a Nissin Di866 II) went bang, literally, this weekend and started to smoke rather badly whilst trying my hand at water-drop photography :-(

I think it was self inflicted though as I was using HSS rather than reduced power and I think the repeated full-power recycles got the better of the gun. Lesson to be learned, don't rely on overheat protection and don't use HSS repeatedly!

At least Canon are offering a rebate on the 430 EX II at the moment, but I hadn't realised the 580 had been discontinued and the 600's a tad expensive.

[Thndr_strck]

Re: Flash went POP!

http://thephotogadget.com/en

I have the 568, and 2x 565's from them. Much cheaper than a 580 or 600 and same functions

[S_J_P]

Flash went POP!

Humm, the 568 looks promising, similar in spec to the Nissin I used to have, but I'm still in two minds, lower-powered Canon for £185 or higher powered third-party gun for £125. I don't want another costly failure my hands, but as I said, I think it was self inflicted so maybe I shouldn't discount the non-Canon versions.

[S_J_P]

Flash went POP!

I've ordered a Yongnuo 568EX from the bay, but have paid a little extra for a UK dispatch rather than waiting a month for HK/ Chinese products, we shall see how it fares in my hands!

I'm a little miffed that the 568 doesn't have an external power socket (like the 565) but as I hardly every attached mine to my Nissin flash I shouldn't really complain, and the remaining spec looks pretty good.

[Thndr_strck]

Re: Flash went POP!

Yeah that is weird. maybe it is to prevent the flash from overheating whilst using excessive HSS :P

[DeeGee]

Re: Flash went POP!

Let us know how you go on with the Yongnuo 568EX

[S_J_P]

Re: Flash went POP!

I've cancelled my order for the 568 after discovering there was a problems with overexposure at 1/250 when using HSS mode on the 60D. It might be a very specific problem, but is just another manifestation of the sort of issues when using third party flashguns.

I'm now in a quandary again, Canon 430EX ii or wait a few weeks until the just-released updated 568's available outside of HK/China?

[Trevoreast]

Re: Flash went POP!

Look at getting a 580ex2 if you can find one new, or a 600ex

The 600ex price is dropping, you can now get them for less than 400.
A decent flashgun for the price of 1 cheap lens seems reasonable to me.

Trev

[S_J_P]

Flash went POP!

New 580's are like Hens Teeth now and I'm surprised at how much second hand ones are going for online. I've not seen the 600 for less than a few pennies under £500 which (even with £40 cashback) is way too steep for me.

[Trevoreast]

Re: Flash went POP!

LOL Steve I'm just concerned you'll blow another 100 odd quid on yet another alternative.
That would bring your outlay to over 200. If the next YN breaks - and you decide to get the canon 4 series it will have cost ya £400 :-)

Trev

[S_J_P]

Flash went POP!

Trev, you're so right, wise, and insightful!

I have just placed an order for a Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT :-)

Checking online, I could have got a second-hand 580 for around £280-£300 which isn't much more than a new 430, but is a far better specified gun, and the 600's tantalisingly close to that second hand price, so that's what I plumped for

Buy cheap, buy twice ;-)

[Trevoreast]

Re: Flash went POP!

Trev, you're so right, wise, and insightful!

Ha ha Steve, do you mean I’ve helped you justify buying yourself posh top of the range flashgun.

I’ve never had TOTR cameras but I've nearly always the best flashguns since my 20D days.

When I had a film eos 30 I had a corbra 800 AF .
The difference between the cobra 800 and the 580ex was like the difference between riding a rusty old rickshaw down a pot-holed lane, and cruising on the autobahn in a jag.

I going to get one of those 600 series soon, probably not this side of xmas though.

I have a 580ex + 2 580ex2s I’d love to get rid and get 3 600 RT and the ste3 - because of the expense I’m torn between that and a battery pack and 2 heads.

Trev

[S_J_P]

Flash went POP!

I used to have a Cobra 700, and now look forward to the posh look and feel of the 600. There's something satisfying about the robust and classy feel or marque products isn't there? I also have a third-party CP-E4 compatible battery pack which I hope will fit the 600, it may detract from the feel, but should at least speed-up recycling times!

I hope your quest for the 600's is fruitful, I'm sure you'll realise at least £250 a pop second-hand for the 580ii's which'll go a way to offsetting the 600's cost.