AVD AlphaDuctions wrote:

same price/performance as YongNuo?  we are all interested.

I've never owned a Metz flash, but I've heard good things from those that do and I've seen some and the build quality is very good.  I've never thought of them as "low cost", but that's probably because when I've looked at them in the past I was checking out the models they have that are compatible with my camera's remote firing system.  Those are pretty nice and have the ability to get firmware updates as new bodies are introduced.

They have a couple of "dumb" flashes under $100 and the $100 flash claims a GN of 98.  Looks like a nice option to Yongnuo.

GM Photography wrote:
I've never owned a Metz flash, but I've heard good things from those that do and I've seen some and the build quality is very good.  I've never thought of them as "low cost", but that's probably because when I've looked at them in the past I was checking out the models they have that are compatible with my camera's remote firing system.  Those are pretty nice and have the ability to get firmware updates as new bodies are introduced.

They have a couple of "dumb" flashes under $100 and the $100 flash claims a GN of 98.  Looks like a nice option to Yongnuo.

The $40 460II has a GN of 118 - why would I pay double for half a stop less power?

ImageX wrote:

Agreed. I just think a TTL flash would be easier for a beginner to get good exposures. Then, once they start learning the science of light, they could flip it into Manual mode and start experimenting. I think everyone.... including Pros... should have at least one TTL speedlite.

I agree, TTL is great, but now that I shoot manual 100% of the time I see its flaws big time, but I will say that nothing beats their speed, and if you can learn to limit the drawbacks and inconsistenties you can get great shots and fast

YZF Jeff wrote:
i've got a 430 EX II and i want my next flash to be something easier to change flash power and other settings quickly as i find the 430 EX II's interface kinda clunky. are the yongnuo 460's and 560's the same way?

Press the left button and the power goes down... press the right button and power goes up. (with the 560 - pressing up and down increases 1/10th between stops)

-JAY- wrote:

The $40 460II has a GN of 118 - why would I pay double for half a stop less power?

I'm perfectly happy with the build quality of the Yongnuo flashes, but I'm sure you know that their quality control isn't the best and they ship a lot of dead flashes - http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-Flash-Spe … ewpoints=0

I look at a $40 flash as a disposable item, but I think your odds of having a dud are going to be a lot less with a Metz and it has a nice digital display.  The controls on the YN-460 II are kind of cheesy.  I'd go in between and get a YN-560 II, but I can see why some would prefer the Metz over a Yongnuo.

GM Photography wrote:
why some would prefer the Metz over a Yongnuo.

What about Nissin ones, Di622 mark II or the higher spec one?

Any opinions/feedback out there?

Bethany Souza wrote:
Do you have any personal suggestions?
I found the Yongnuo YN-560 Speedlight, but I'm not sure on it.

Cant go past the YN-560 for value. I have 4 of them and 2 YN-460II

I prefer the 560 because it gives an beep when its ready to fire again. I've had 2 go faulty but had no issues returning them under warranty to the ebay seller. They actually shipped 2 brand new units upon be emailing proof of postage to them, so the replacements arrived in a little over a week. I should point out that the 2 I had go faulty were purchased when thew design had only just been released so it may have been initial batch reliability issues.

KA Style wrote:
Cheap flashes just dont recycle fast enough and are not meant for constant shooting/use.

Rubbish, the YN-560 or YN-460II's recycle in less than 3 seconds. In fact they are fater than my studio lights.

I run them on half power (1 stop under full) and they cycle in around 1.5 seconds. Just as fast as the SB's

Revenge Photography wrote:

Rubbish, the YN-560 or YN-460II's recycle in less than 3 seconds. In fact they are fater than my studio lights.

I run them on half power (1 stop under full) and they cycle in around 1.5 seconds. Just as fast as the SB's

In general they dont... there are always exceptions to the rule. It was a general statement thats all.

Rachel Reilly wrote:
what about calumet genesis 200 or 300b

Those are strobe lights, not speedlights... I have one of the 200 units and would not recommend it.  The digital power adjustment has had issues where it skips settings (from 15- 25 for example instead of 15-16) and I have had some weird issues using it with my radio triggers (Buff Cybersyncs).  I'd recommend Alien Bees (B400 or B800) for something in a similar price range.