Which small flash recommendable for 5D2?

Manfr3dManfr3d Registered Users Posts: 2,008 Major grins
edited December 1, 2011 in Accessories
Hi,

I already have a big flashgun (580EXII) but would like to
have something smaller and more pocketable to take along.
All I need is a bit of fill flash for poeple etc. outdoors.

So far, I've come across the Canon 270EX II and Sunpack RD2000.
Are there other flashes worth considering? Which one would you
recommend?

Thanks!
“To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
― Edward Weston

Comments

  • Mandy BMandy B Registered Users Posts: 3 Beginner grinner
    edited November 29, 2011
    I've known a few photographers that have used the sunpaks and have had great sucess with them. They are very affordable and to knowledge are reliable.
  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited November 30, 2011
    Seen this little jewel yet? http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlite-320EX-Flash-Cameras/dp/B004M8SWBU

    It even has a small video light built in. mwink.gif
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  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited November 30, 2011
    Looks like a very useful device, Joel.

    I have used the 270ex for fill flash at times, but it is not nearly as sophisticated, nor as capable, as the 320ex. The 270ex it ETTL only, not manual mode at all.
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

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  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited November 30, 2011
    Jim, I guess you can adjust the flash power manually through the camera external flash menu. That's good. However, there's apparently no wheel to adjust the level directly on the flash itself. That kind of a bummer because it messes up using it with non-ETTL wireless triggers. Kind of one step forward, one step back. Knobs and switches are expensive evidently.
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  • pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,708 moderator
    edited November 30, 2011
    I prefer knobs and wheels to menus, I guess. It is too hard to remember details buried in menus at this point in my life.
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  • Manfr3dManfr3d Registered Users Posts: 2,008 Major grins
    edited December 1, 2011
    kdog wrote: »
    Seen this little jewel yet? http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlite-320EX-Flash-Cameras/dp/B004M8SWBU

    It even has a small video light built in. mwink.gif

    Yes I've seen it. Too bad it is almost as large as the 430EX II (and nearly the same price).
    There is a video review here with the conclusion that the video lamp
    is too weak and small to be seriously useful.

    I'll probably go with the Sunpack RD2000 has it has dials on the back for exposure
    compensation and is half the price of the 270EX II.
    “To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
    ― Edward Weston
  • divamumdivamum Registered Users Posts: 9,021 Major grins
    edited December 1, 2011
    You know, I'd forgotten about the 320ex - that may be the perfect 3rd flash for me, actually. I don't need a commander, I don't need huge amounts of power, and a tiddler of a flash that can tuck into the bag and be used as a quickie hairlight or kicker might be just the way to go. Thanks for the reminder! thumb.gif
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  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited December 1, 2011
    Manfr3d wrote: »
    Yes I've seen it. Too bad it is almost as large as the 430EX II (and nearly the same price).
    There is a video review here with the conclusion that the video lamp
    is too weak and small to be seriously useful.
    Maybe for him, but I've done credible videos using the flashlight app on my Droid for lighting! Crank up the ISO and go for it. Anyway, I've seen the video light in person and it's plenty bright for a quick grab. Obviously it's no Lightpanel, nor is it intended to be.
    I'll probably go with the Sunpack RD2000 has it has dials on the back for exposure
    compensation and is half the price of the 270EX II.
    Cute, but the lack of a swivel would be a deal-breaker for me.
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  • Manfr3dManfr3d Registered Users Posts: 2,008 Major grins
    edited December 1, 2011
    kdog wrote: »
    Cute, but the lack of a swivel would be a deal-breaker for me.

    I already have a 580EX II for when that is required. I am specifically
    locking for a small flash for fill as stated in the 1st post. Bouncing
    would require a more powerful/larger flash I assume.
    “To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
    ― Edward Weston
  • photogreenphotogreen Registered Users Posts: 180 Major grins
    edited December 1, 2011
    Manfr3d wrote: »
    I already have a 580EX II for when that is required. I am specifically
    locking for a small flash for fill as stated in the 1st post. Bouncing
    would require a more powerful/larger flash I assume.
    i'd consider 270EX II
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