Recommend me a couple of flashes (cheap)

[Bax]

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]

How about these http://cgi.ebay.com.au/YN-460-Slave-...item1c0de9d3df, I have one and at $55 each am intending to get another couple.
Keith.

[Bax]

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]

Page loads ok for me, Try YN460 on e bay too.
Keith.

[Bax]

Thanks Keith, do you know if they work with Cactus V4s?

[DavidB]

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]

Cheers all, I'll probably grab them next pay along with another v4 receiver.

[Speedway]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Bax and others, this thread is a worthwhile read on the YN642 flashes.

[Bax]

Thanks for that, just got 200 bucks back from Medicare, so........ Off to ebay I go.

[Bax]

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]

Where were you trying? Get them from here

The shipping is *free*, but the price of the items may be higher

[Bax]

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]

post up your samples/thoughts bax... im deciding whether to get some myself

[Bax]

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.