Recommended external flash for a Canon Rebel T7 beginner setup?

Question

So I finally picked up a Canon Rebel T7 a few months ago and I am really starting to hate the built-in flash because it makes everything look super flat and gross. I am trying to level up my indoor shots since I am supposed to take photos for my sisters birthday party here in San Diego in about two weeks and the lighting at her place is honestly garbage. I have been looking at a few options but I am stuck between the Godox TT685II and maybe just spending extra for the Godox V1... though $200+ for the V1 feels like a lot for a beginner. Then there is this Neewer NW655 that is way cheaper but I dont want it to break after a month lol. I really need something that works well with TTL because I still dont fully get manual settings yet and I dont want to be fiddling with the dial all night while people are trying to eat cake. Is the V1 round head really worth the extra cash for softer light or should I just get the 685 and a cheap diffuser? My budget is pretty firm at $200 but if the 685 is basically the same thing I would rather save the money for a new lens later. Which one would you go with for a total newbie?

jessica.martinez · Accepted Answer

Totally agree with the others that the 685 is better value than the V1. Just be careful with that T7 tho... some versions lack the center sync pin, which makes cheap flashes like that Neewer totally useless. Maybe consider the Godox V350C Li-ion TTL Flash for Canon instead. Its way lighter and the lithium battery lasts forever. Quick tip: just bounce the light off the ceiling and youll get way softer shots without needing a bulky diffuser.

Amelia · Answer

> Is the V1 round head really worth the extra cash for softer light or should I just get the 685 and a cheap diffuser? I've been very satisfied with the Godox TT685II-C TTL Flash for Canon for indoor stuff. Technically, the light quality is basically the same as the V1 when you are bouncing light off the ceiling. It works well and I havent had any complaints about reliability. Just make sure to get Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA Rechargeable Batteries to keep recycle times consistent tho. This is a safer, more methodical choice for your budget.

VirtualVortex · Answer

In my experience, just grab the Godox TT685II-C TTL Flash for Canon. I've tried many speedlites over the years and the light quality is basically the same as the V1 for indoor bounce shots. The TTL is super reliable so you wont have to mess with settings during the party. TL;DR: Get the TT685II. Its a tank, cheaper, and lets you save for better glass.