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Best external flash recommendations for Canon EOS 90D and 80D?

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So I finally got myself a 90D after using my old 80D for years but man I am so lost when it comes to lighting. I've always just used the little flash that pops out of the top but people keep telling me it makes everyone look like ghosts lol. My sister is getting married in three weeks and I'm so excited to take photos but the hall is gonna be super dark and I'm panicking a little. I have literally no idea where to start with external flashes like do they all just fit on top? I see some for $50 and some for $600 and my brain is actually melting. I just want something that makes the light look soft and natural instead of that scary bright white look.

  • It has to work on both the 90D and my 80D backup
  • Budget is around $200 maybe $250 max
  • Something easy to use for a total dummy
  • Needs to be fast so I dont miss the big moments

Are the ones from Canon the only ones that work? I keep seeing Godox mentioned online but I dont know if those are knockoffs or if they are actually good. If anyone has a specific model name that would be amazing. Sorry if this is a dumb question I just really want these wedding photos to look good...


4 Answers
11

In my experience, you dont need to spend $600 for quality. I've tried many systems over the years and honestly, Godox is the industry standard for value. For your budget, look at the Godox V1-C TTL Li-ion Round Head Camera Flash for Canon. The lithium battery provides the speed you need for quick wedding moments, while the round head creates much softer light than traditional rectangular flashes. It works perfectly with both 80D and 90D.


11

Just jumping in here with a slightly different perspective on the gear. Honestly, the round head flash is great but its kinda overpriced if you are on a strict budget. I usually recommend the Godox V860III-C TTL Li-ion Flash for Canon because it gives you the exact same power and that crucial lithium battery for way less money. The round head looks cool but it wont actually change the light quality much if you are bouncing it off a ceiling. If you want to stay under that $200 mark while getting professional results, consider these points:


4

Unfortunately, I've had some pretty bad luck with those lithium Godox batteries lately. They’re super fast when they work, but I’ve had two of them just stop holding a charge right before a shoot, and you cant just pop into a CVS to buy a replacement. For a wedding where you cant afford a gear failure, I actually prefer the Godox TT685II-C TTL Flash for Canon. It runs on regular AAs, so if your rechargeables die, you can just swap in some backups and keep moving. It might not be as fancy as the V1, but the reliability of AAs is worth the slight trade-off in recycle speed imo. To get that soft look you're panicking about, definitely grab a MagMod MagSphere 2 Flash Modifier. It just snaps on and does a way better job at spreading light than the bare flash head. Dont overthink the technical stuff too much, you're gonna do great with the 90D!


1

OMG you are going to love shooting with a real flash! I used to be so scared of non-Canon gear because I was worried about reliability, but I have been using Godox for years now and it is actually fantastic. For a wedding, you absolutely need something with a lithium battery. I remember my first wedding with an old flash using AA batteries... they got so hot they basically melted and I missed the cake cutting because the recycle time was like ten seconds! It was a total nightmare lol. Since you are worried about the light being too harsh, you gotta learn about bouncing. Basically, you point the flash head at a white ceiling instead of directly at the people. It makes the light huge and soft. Here is why I think this setup is perfect for you:

  • Godox V860III-C TTL Li-Ion Flash for Canon
  • This thing is amazing because it has a built-in modeling light so you can see where the shadows fall before you even click. It fits your 80D and 90D perfectly.
  • TTL mode
  • This is your best friend. It stands for Through The Lens and it basically does all the math for you so you dont have to be a lighting pro. It works just like auto-exposure but for your flash. I highly recommend looking up the Strobist 101 guide online. It is a legendary resource that explains everything about lighting without being too boring. You got this!


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