General question:
What will I get from an expensive flash unit, that I can't get from a cheap one?
Specific example:
The $250 Canon Speedlite 430EX II vs. the $50 Neewer TT560. To my naive eye, the flashes look pretty similar. What is better about the first one that justifies a 5x higher price?
Answer
With a more expensive speedlight/flash you typically gain:
- TTL Metering Ability(e-TTL/i-TTL/P-TTL)
- Capability to Zoom
- Heavier duty, especially around the shoe
- Additional power/guide number
- Ability to swivel, or in additional directions
- Weather sealing
- Wireless abilities, often above just being an optical slave
- Reliability
- Ability to control from the camera menu
- LCD readouts, more buttons, easier configuration
- Faster recycle times
None of this is to say that an inexpensive manual flash isn't a great option. They really are, especially if you are trying to learn and really understand light. If you want a fully automatic experience or have significant needs around professional reliability and features - then the OEM/name brand units are better. If you are just starting out and are interested in learning how to light, then the off brand cheap guys are wonderful and I highly recommend even the one you linked to.
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