is the auto zoom feature really that useful on a flash?
when shooting events etc what is a respectable recycle time? 5 sec to me seems too long

I hav not bought a flash yet, am looking at a few options atm
dont want to pay huge amounts for a 580ex, as all the other gear has already cost more than expected

anyway wide price range:

$85-$105
yongnuo yn-465 - no zoom (still waiting for confirmation if it works with the 5D II)
yongnuo yn-467/8 (seems to be underpowered, but might be a good temp flash?)

under $200
nissin Di-622-II (decent power but 5sec recycle)

$200-$300
metz 50 af-1 (decent power and ok recycle time)
nissin Di-866 (good power, bad recycle times)

$400+
metz 58 af-2 (the 50 seems almost as good for a lot less $$$)
canon 580ex II


yongnuo are releasing a yn-565 later this year, estimated june
pity it will take so long, although i might get 1 after the 2nd batch is out

will get a good flash later on, but need a temp for the moment, so opinions / thoughts / recommendations on what i should get

This post was edited by jayandnix on Apr 16 2011 01:42pm

My 580 ii's and 430 ii have a recycle time of less than a second. This is achieved by using eneloop rechargeable batteries. They're incredible! At 1/4th energy left, they still recycle at less than 1 second. I used to use a home-made modifier to bring recycle times to a similar amount when i used regular alkaline.

You should force yourself to learn to manual ALL of your flashes. It's not as hard as it seems. Spend some quality time with them.
I'd go with the yongnou's. Their products have NEVER let me down. besides, they're inexpensive

1 sec recycle times at full power?
all reveiws i read said the 580EX II is around 3 sec at full power

will eventually get flashes on manual (obv do that with my strobe set-up) but have other stuff to learn atm
yeah really liking the price of the yongnuo's

thx for the advice, much

Why would you be shooting at full power again? Are you trying to overpower the sun?

You didn't specify

This post was edited by onepagememory on Apr 16 2011 03:05pm

not 90% of the time obv
but would be handy some times, but then again i guess i wouldnt need high recycle times

Exactly. Even if you had to use full power, I can't think of a scenario where you'd need fast recycle time.

yeah thanks again

580ex

I wouldn't bother with any other speedlite

why?
what can it do that others cant?

sure i will get one later on, but for now i think its between:
yn-465
yn-467/8
nissin Di-622-II

The same reason why I wouldn't buy non-canon lenses ;/

Compatability, warranty, assurance...

Why waste the cash now mate, put it towards the 580.

This post was edited by lithfkn on Apr 17 2011 06:46am