> Budget is around $300. Any recommendations? Honestly, after a decade of shooting events, I’ve found that the quality of the light falloff is just as important as the raw power. I eventually settled on the Godox V1-C for my 90D setup and the round head makes a HUGE difference for portraits—the light spread is just way more organic than standard Fresnel heads. Plus, that Li-ion battery usually lasts through like 500+ full-power shots, so I’m not carrying a brick of AAs in my bag anymore. Quick tips for ya:
1. Make sure your choice supports HSS (High-Speed Sync); you’re gonna need it if you wanna shoot portraits wide open in daylight.
2. Don't forget a dedicated wireless trigger like the Godox X2T-C so you can get that flash off-camera for better shadows. Tbh, with your budget, you can get the V1 and a trigger and still have change. It’s basically the industry standard for a reason.

I’m still pretty new to the whole flash thing, but I totally agree about those Li-ion batteries being a game changer. I did a little bit of my own 'testing' recently at a friend's party and the recycle time on the Godox V860III-C is like, sooo fast compared to the older AA versions I tried. It basically fires instantly every single time, which is reallyyy helpful when people are moving around and you're trying to catch those candid moments, right? Tbh, I was worried about the flash not being able to keep up with the 90D if I was shooting a quick burst, but it stays super consistent even after a bunch of shots in a row. Idk the exact technical benchmarks, but in real-world use it just feels way more reliable for fast-paced events. If you're doing portraits and want to snap a few quick variations while the pose is good, having that fast recycle speed is everything, you know?

TIL! Thanks for sharing

Hey! For portraits and events, I actually grabbed a used Godox TT685C a while back for my Canon. It's been amazing! I think I paid around $120 used? It's super easy to use, even for me (still kinda learning!). Does the job great, and leaves budget for other fun stuff. Hope that helps!

Before jumping to a flash, consider your sync speed; the 90D is around 1/250s. A faster lens (lower f-stop) might be cheaper *and* better for portraits. If you still need a flash, be *very* careful with off-brand triggers; voltage spikes can fry your camera. Godox is generally safe and reliable. I'd suggest testing any new flash extensively before relying on it for important events.

Forget the hype. For your 90D, consider a used Godox TT685C. I've run one for 5+ years, zero issues. They're readily available used for around $100, leaving cash for extra batteries and diffusers – way more practical than chasing top-end power you probably won't need. Happy shooting!

Godox TT685C is popular. But honestly, Nissin i60A's color consistency is better, though pricier.

Don't skimp on safety! Consider the Godox V860III-C. In my experience, cheaper flashes can overheat and damage your 90D's hotshoe. Worth the extra $50 for peace of mind.