Hey, honestly, I totally feel u on this. I started out with the 80D too and that pop-up flash is... well, it's pretty bad lol. Moving to a real Speedlite is literally a game-changer for those indoor event shots. But I gotta be a bit cautious here. I actually had some really bad luck with a cheaper Yongnuo YN600EX-RT II for Canon a while back. It worked okay for a bit, but then it started misfiring at a family reunion, which was super disappointing. If you're doing "real" events, you kinda need something you can trust not to die on you. For your $150-$250 range, here is what I recommend: * Godox V860III-C Li-ion Flash for Canon: This is probably the best bang for your buck. The Li-ion battery means the recycle time is CRAZY fast compared to AAs. * Godox V1-C Round Head Flash for Canon: If you can find this on sale near $250, get it. The light fall-off is way softer for portraits.
* Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT: This is the "safe" choice. It's built like a tank, but unfortunately, it's slower since it uses AA batteries. The E-TTL on the Godox units is actually pretty decent on the 90D, but sometimes it overexposes just a tiny bit, so keep an eye on ur histogram. Also, high-speed sync (HSS) will drain your battery fast, so definitely grab a spare! Hope that helps a bit... gl!

honestly i was sooo nervous about third-party gear frying my 90D... but i've been really happy with the Godox TT685II-C Speedlite for Canon. check out FlashHavoc for technical specs, it's a great resource. also, pro tip: get Panasonic Eneloop Pro Rechargeable Batteries for way faster recycle times. i'm just a beginner but i'm super satisfied with the HSS so far!! just be careful with the battery door tho... gl!

Ok so, I've been shooting indoor events with my 90D for a while now, and while the 685 mentioned earlier is decent, I'd actually suggest a different approach if you're serious about recycle times. Respectfully, I'd consider skipping AA-powered flashes entirely. Dealing with 4 or 8 batteries is a total pain during a busy meetup, and the speed always drops right when u need it most. I'm honestly so happy with the Godox V860III-C Speedlite for Canon. It’s basically a beast compared to the cheaper models because it uses a dedicated Li-ion battery. The recycle time is literally 1.5 seconds at full power, which is a game-changer for candids. It fits right in your $200ish budget and the E-TTL metering is super reliable on these mid-range Canon bodies. HSS works perfectly too, so no issues with outdoor fill flash. Seriously, once you go Li-ion, you'll never wanna go back to AAs lol. gl with the choice!

Like someone mentioned, third-party electronics can be really hit or miss. Unfortunately, I've had issues with the Godox ecosystem lately that make it hard for me to recommend them for serious gigs. The build quality just feels kinda fragile compared to what we used to get. If you're okay with a DIY approach or buying used, there are better paths for your 90D:

• Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT
• Look for these second-hand. They are total tanks. The E-TTL communication is way more reliable than any Godox or Yongnuo I've touched.
• Phottix Juno Li60 Flash
• A solid alternative if you want the lithium battery benefits without the flimsy hot shoe issues common in cheaper brands. Honestly, I'd rather have a used pro unit than a brand new budget one. I've spent too many hours tinkering with misfiring flashes or plastic feet that snap off. Sometimes you can find for parts Canon units on eBay and just replace the hot shoe assembly yourself for a few dollars... it's a bit of work but you end up with a much better tool than the plastic toys being sold now.

Just catching up on this thread... honestly I went through a whole graveyard of cheap flashes before I realized that reliability is everything when people are counting on you. I remember one specific community gala where my flash just wouldnt recycle fast enough and I missed the main award moment. It was soul-crushing. You might want to consider looking at the Metz Mecablitz 64 AF-1 for Canon if youre worried about consistency. They arent as trendy as Godox lately but the E-TTL is legendary and it has a secondary reflector which is a lifesaver for filling in shadows while you bounce off the ceiling. Be careful tho, the touchscreens can be a bit finicky if your hands get sweaty during a long shoot. Quick tips for you:

• Make sure to check if the flash has a metal mounting foot. Those plastic ones snap way too easily in a crowded room.
• Check for firmware updates as soon as you get it. Newer Canon bodies like the 90D sometimes need that update to talk properly with third-party E-TTL systems. Stay patient with the learning curve, youll get those soft shadows soon enough!

Finally someone says it. Ive been thinking this for a while but wasnt sure.

Basically, sounds like the consensus so far is that Godox is the way to go for the 90D, whether you want the Li-ion speed or AA flexibility, especially since Yongnuo can be flakey. It’s a tough call tho because third-party electronics always make me a bit nervous. I’ve been doing some market research and Nissin i60A Flash for Canon is another one that pops up a lot. It’s a bit more "pro-sumer" than the super cheap brands:
* Reliable Build: Their known for being a bit more robust than the entry-level budget brands.
* Controls: It uses actual dials which makes changing settings way faster during a busy meetup.
* TTL Accuracy: I think? the metering is supposedly very close to Canon’s own system. I'm not 100% sure if the recycle time matches the Li-ion Godox models, but it’s a solid alternative if you want something that feels a bit more "official" without the massive price tag. Just gotta be careful with the hot shoe connection on the 90D since it can be picky with third party stuff tho.

Quick reply while I have a sec. I've been shooting with Canon DSLRs for a long time and honestly, the shift toward these cheap third-party units has been a bit of a letdown. I've had issues with Godox's consistency and the plastic feet on those units are just brittle. Its frustrating when youre at an event and the E-TTL starts acting up for no reason. Since youre using a 90D and want something reliable, I'd steer clear of the bargain bin stuff:

• Sigma EF-630 Electronic Flash for Canon
• This thing is a powerhouse. Its built like a tank and the HSS performance on Canon bodies is top-tier. Usually works flawlessly with the 90D metering system.
• Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT
• You mentioned this in your post and honestly... dont listen to the hype about the cheap stuff. This flash is a workhorse. It wont miss a shot and the recycle times are actually decent if you use good batteries. Unfortunately, you really do get what you pay for. I wouldnt trust my events to a flash that feels like it might snap off in the middle of a family gathering. Been there, done that, not fun.