YN-465 E-TTL Flash

[monkeygirl123]

With Christmas approaching and a few family members wanting some relatively inexpensive ideas from me for presents, I've been looking at accessories for my Canon EOS 350D. I came across the YN 465 flash and am wondering if any of you have any experience of it?

My current kit is very basic: I have the 18-55 kit lens and also the Canon 90-300, but that's about it. I shoot mainly oudoors due to living in a very dark house with rediculously small windows and the pop up flash is awful. Would this flash open up new possibilities for me or will it be a complete waste of time and money?

There are other things I could ask for......I have no lens hood, no filters, no gorilla pod or tripod, no cleaning equipment etc, but the chance of me being able to afford a decent speedlight in the near future is remote.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Here's the link:

YN-465 E-TTL Flash for Canon 450D 400D 350D 550EX YN465 on eBay (end time 30-Dec-10 09:53:29 GMT)

[PAKirk]

You would be mugh better of with something like Jessops 360AFD Digital Flashgun for Canon for £70.
or
Metz 36 AF-4 hot shoe flash gun - Canon E-TTLdedicated for £75

I suspect the one you were looking at will disapoint you.

Jessops 360AFD Digital Flashgun for Canon - Jessops
Jacobs Digital | Metz 36 AF-4 Flashgun Canon

Yes in my oppinion this will open a new world of photography to you.
One thing you must consider though is getting the flash off the camara by using an off camara cord. This is something you could consider at a later stage though.

There are lots of exelant posts in this forum about choosing a flash.
this post is worth a look.
Flash recommendation

Hope this helps

[inkista]

If you get a good copy, I think you'll be happy. The YN series of flashes are becoming almost a standard for budget Strobists. I'd take a look at the speedlights.net review, and ask around in the Strobist Flickr group discussions about a particular model.

If you do have someone get you one, make sure they go through Yongnuo's e-Bay store directly, since they offer a 1 year warranty on the unit, so you're not stuck with a bad one.

Nissin and Sigma eTTL-capable flashes also seem to be pretty popular. Not sure I'd go with a Jessops to avoid Hong Kong manufacture, since those are rebranded Tumax flashes. And there you are, back to cheap flashes out of Hong Kong.

Obviously, going with a Canon 430EX II or 580EX II would be the nicest, especially if you plan on using the flash on-camera most of the time, but given that you're going for a YN, I assume those are out of the picture from cost.

In terms of what it can do for you, yes, it can help you out. However, I would caution you that if you're not yet comfortable shooting in Manual mode, I wouldn't go there until you are. Also, this is just personal taste, but I'd consider a fast prime (EF 50mm f/1.8 II is low cost and optically good) and a good sturdy tripod (usually with a three figure price) as much more basic pieces of kit.

[monkeygirl123]

Thanks so much for your help guys