Flash fixes harsh shadows. In my experience, I'd suggest Godox V1-C Flash for Canon because Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT unfortunately had issues with recycle times and i dont think it's fast enough. gl!

I went through this last year. Ngl, I started as a total Canon purist with my 80D, thinking third-party stuff would mess up the metering... but I was so wrong. I initially dropped way too much cash on a Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT and unfortunately, it was such a letdown for the price. Heres how my experience broke down: 1. **Power Management:** Native Speedlites use AAs which basically feel prehistoric now. I kept missing key shots at receptions because I was waiting for that recycle "beep."
2. **Li-ion Advantage:** I eventually switched to the Godox V860III-C Li-ion Flash for Canon. The recycle time is literally a game changer—like 1.5 seconds at full power vs 3+ seconds on the Canon.
3. **The Multi-Brand Option:** I also tested the Westcott FJ80 II Universal Touchscreen 80Ws Speedlight. Its cool because its universal, so if you ever leave the Canon ecosystem, it still works. On my 90D, E-TTL on these third-party units is surprisingly spot on. HSS works perfectly for those creamy bokeh shots in the sun. I actually felt kinda ripped off by the native ecosystem after seeing how much faster the Godox gear was. gl!

So I basically just found this thread and I'm totally with the others on skipping the expensive native gear. I’ve been trying to do more DIY style shooting with my 80D and found some ways to save money while still getting those fast recycle times you're looking for. Honestly, if you don't mind a bit of a learning curve with the menus, there are some great self-service options that work just as well as the 'pro' stuff. Here’s what I’ve been using for my own setup:
- Yongnuo YN685 II Speedlite for Canon: It’s super affordable and has the wireless receiver built right in, which is great for starting out with E-TTL.
- GODOX XPro-C TTL Wireless Flash Trigger: I used this to start doing off-camera flash DIY style, and it makes the HSS feel way more professional for those outdoor shots.
- Firmware updates: Most of these third-party units have a USB port so you can do your own updates at home; it basically solved the HSS sync issues I had on my 90D right away. I'm still a beginner with lighting, but I've noticed the third-party stuff talks to the 90D metering system way better than I expected. Have you looked into the used market for these brands? You can usually find them even cheaper.

Just caught up on this thread and honestly, the consensus here is pretty spot on. Like someone mentioned, sticking to the Li-ion battery route is the only way to go if you're doing weddings or events. AAs will just slow you down and leave you swapping batteries mid-ceremony. If you want to take the DIY approach a step further, instead of just one big flash on top of your camera, consider a trigger and flash combo. I've used the Godox V860III-C Speedlite for a while and the recycle time is basically instant. If you want something even more versatile for those family portraits, the Godox AD100Pro Pocket Flash is a solid alternative. It's round-head, fits in a pocket, and works flawlessly with the 90D for HSS. Basically, the Godox system wins on value and performance right now. I'd grab a Godox XPro-C TTL Wireless Flash Trigger too so you can move the light around. It changes the whole look of your indoor work compared to just direct flash.

Works great for me

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So basically the consensus is that the third-party route—specifically Godox—is the move for the 90D. Tbh, I was a total Canon snob for years but switched because the native stuff is just too expensive for what you get. Unfortunately, I’ve had issues with AA-powered flashes like the Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT dying right at the climax of a ceremony, so my one big tip is: skip the AAs and get a Li-ion battery flash. Ngl, the Godox V860III-C Speedlite for Canon is probably your best bet for value. It nails E-TTL and HSS every time on the 80D and 90D, and the recycle speed is LITERALLY instant compared to native units. Plus, you’ll have cash left over for a trigger. Honestly, paying the 'Canon tax' for a name plate just isn't worth it anymore when these third-party options are this good... good luck! 👍

I totally agree with the move away from the big-name native units for these mid-range bodies. Honestly, the price-to-performance ratio just isn't there anymore, tho. When ur doing event work with a 90D, you need consistent voltage for that HSS to stay stable across a burst, and I've heard some rumblings in the industry that the third-party E-TTL reverse-engineering has finally caught up to the point where misfires are pretty much a non-issue. I think I read somewhere that some of the newer third-party ecosystems are actually using more advanced thermal management algorithms than the older first-party tech. Not 100% sure, but I recall hearing that the RF interference on the 2.4GHz bands is handled way better by certain specialized brands now. IIRC, the communication protocols between the hot shoe and the strobe can sometimes get wonky on the 90D specifically because of how the DIGIC 8 processor handles metering data, but most modern firmware updates have smoothed that out. Basically, you're paying for a huge brand tax with the native stuff, whereas the market is shifting toward these modular systems that just offer more versatility for ur buck.