Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Alternative to Canon Flash

by pkbothers Feb 23, 2010 9:27PM PST

I bought a canon 7D. Can anyone suggest what are the best 3rd party flashes available for 7D with a cheaper price. Cannon flashes are expensive. Please suggeste.

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
save your money
by kalel33-20416052469708587370302374692233 Feb 24, 2010 3:43AM PST

Get the Canon flash, unless you are planning on doing manual flash. That's why I suggested earlier that you might look at a lower cost body, so you'd have the money for lenses and accessories. The Canon flash will be better than the 3rd party flashes for reliability and TTL communication.

You spent a bundle on the body, so you don't want a flash that either meters wrong or isn't communicating the proper information to the camera.

- Collapse -
Canon flash
by pkbothers Feb 24, 2010 5:00AM PST

So in that case which canon flash you suggest for 7D.

- Collapse -
depends
by kalel33-20416052469708587370302374692233 Feb 24, 2010 5:09AM PST

If you want a flash that is good for casual use and will only use it in auto mode then look at the 420EX. If you want a flash with more control then look at the 430EX. If you want something with a powerful flash then look at the 530EX.

- Collapse -
Canon 7D and flash
by hjfok Feb 24, 2010 5:22AM PST

Sound like you overspent on the camera body and have little money for other important accessories.

One thing you should know is that Canon 420 and 430ex II covers only 9 AF points, so it is great for the entry level and mid range bodies. The 7D has 19 AF points, so the 430ex is not optimal but it will work. The 580ex II will be a better match for the 7D.

Also consider a flash diffuser like the Sto-fen or Gary Fong light sphere.

- Collapse -
yeah I messed up
by kalel33-20416052469708587370302374692233 Feb 24, 2010 5:52AM PST

I meant 580EX, not the older 530EX.

- Collapse -
Be sure that
by jump1127 Feb 24, 2010 1:04PM PST

you select the right flash. Old Canon speedlite flashes don't equip ETTL II and unable to use camera's flash control in the camera menu. 430 EX will take quite a while before recharging between each shooting. If you'll be shooting continuous a lot, I suggest that you go for 580 EX II with compact batter pack, such as CP-E4. Therefore, you won't have trouble with continuous shooting. The rechargable batteries also matter. Good luck.

Back to Cameras forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info