When it comes to capturing stunning photographs with your Canon 80D, having the right flash can make a significant difference. The built-in flash on the Canon 80D may not always provide the desired lighting effects or reach. To enhance your photography and achieve professional-looking results, investing in a high-quality external flash is crucial. In this article, we will explore the best flash options available for the Canon 80D and guide you through the key factors to consider when making your decision.
Understanding the importance of a good flash for Canon 80D
The Canon 80D is a powerful DSLR camera that offers impressive features for both photography enthusiasts and professionals. However, its built-in flash has limitations in terms of range, power, and versatility. A good external flash can overcome these limitations by providing a more powerful burst of light, allowing you to illuminate subjects effectively in various lighting conditions. Additionally, an external flash offers more control over the direction and intensity of the light, resulting in more creative and professional-looking photographs.
Key considerations when choosing a flash for Canon 80D
Before selecting a flash for your Canon 80D, it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Compatibility with Canon 80D: Ensure that the flash you choose is specifically designed for Canon cameras, including the Canon 80D.
- Power and range: Look for a flash with sufficient power and range to cover the distance you need to illuminate your subjects effectively.
- TTL capabilities: TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering allows the flash to communicate with the camera and automatically adjust the flash output for proper exposure.
- Flash recycling time: A shorter recycling time means you can take photos in rapid succession without waiting for the flash to recharge.
- Additional features: Consider features like wireless functionality, high-speed sync, and compatibility with external modifiers or diffusers.
Top recommendations for the best flash for Canon 80D
After careful consideration and evaluation, we have compiled a list of the top flashes for Canon 80D:
Godox V1-C
When using a wireless channel scanner, you will almost never find a flash. The Godox V1-C is able to assist you in locating the least congested channel and determining the optimal one to utilize thanks to this feature.
Its degree of adaptability is unparalleled by almost all other flashes. It is possible to tilt it vertically via a range of 0 to 120 degrees, and it can be adjusted horizontally through a range of 0 to 330 degrees. Because of this, you won’t need to switch the flash on when you want to use bounce illumination.
It includes a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged and should easily last you the entire day. The battery power, in conjunction with its robust performance, support for TTL, and a recharge period of only 1.5 seconds at full power, makes it an excellent choice for quick, extended action.
This model is more expensive than a brand new Canon 80D by about a third, making it one of the more expensive options available. On the other hand, it provides an impressive amount of illumination and has a build quality that is on par with it.
Canon Speedlite 470EX-AI
The device can swiftly modify itself thanks to its automatic intelligence bounce mode, which takes into account the location of your subject. The sensor that is located at the front of the flash head collaborates closely with the automation in this process. It reorients the unit so that it is facing the optimal position for adequately lighting the topic.
If you wish to have complete control over the bounce lighting, you can position the flash wherever you choose thanks to the semi-automatic mode. In addition to that, there is a switch that you may use to turn off any adjustability automation.
It is comparable to the Godox V1-C in terms of the vertical tilting range it offers. Because it has an additional 30 degrees of horizontal flexibility compared to our finest flash for the Canon 80D, it provides a great deal more options for producing amazing bounce effects.
The Godoz V1-C is defeated by the higher GN of 47m when measured at ISO 100. When you combine this capability with the automated head adjustability, the lighting performance of this device at long distances becomes virtually incontestable.
It also has TTL, which enables you to take images in rapid succession similar to how the Godox V1-C does it. Because it has an auto-bounce feature, you can easily walk around your subject while still producing shots that have adequate lighting.
YONGNUO YN560 IV
It looks very similar to a knock-off version of the Canon 560EX II flash. What’s really striking about it, though, is how simple it is to put into practice. To tilt its head in the opposite direction of the Canon 560EX II, you do not need to press the side button. You also get it for fifty percent off, which is something that a lot of people will appreciate.
Although it lacks the adaptability of our first two lights for the Canon 80D, it is still an excellent choice for bounce lighting. When tilted perpendicularly, the angle range is from -7 to 90 degrees, however, when tilted laterally, the angle range is from 0-270 degrees.
The fact that the YONGNUO YN560 IV has a far higher GN value than either of our previous flashes was the aspect of this device that impressed us the most. This unit, which can illuminate a distance of 58 meters when set to ISO 100, is likely to be ideal for photographing subjects that are not moving significantly around the frame.
When it comes to the amount of time it takes to recycle, you experience a little decrease in performance. Even while it takes the flash three seconds to fully recharge at its maximum power, this setting is still perfect for shooting stills, such as real estate. This Yongnuo is an excellent choice for a Canon flash if you don’t mind opting for a third-party brand.
GODOX Thinklite TT685C
The GODOX Thinklite TT685C is a lot more budget-friendly alternative that offers many of the same features as our top two premium options but at a considerably lower price point. The fact that it can illuminate objects from a considerably greater distance is the most important benefit it offers. This device, which can illuminate scenes up to 60 meters distant at ISO 100, could be the ideal choice for you if you want to take pictures of topics that are further away.
Additionally, the breadth of adjustment is quite staggering. It is able to spin in all directions laterally. Although the range of vertical flexibility from -7 to 90 degrees isn’t the greatest that we offer in this buyer’s guide, it should be sufficient for providing simple bounce lighting.
This one, just like the majority of our other options for the Canon 80D, comes with a TTL mode. You have the option to let it pick the illumination for you automatically, which is a great feature for beginners and for quickly catching action.
The GODOX Thinklite TT685C has a recycle time of 2.6 seconds when operating at its maximum level of performance. Although it is not the fastest on our list, this camera is a significant improvement over the Canon 270EX II and performs very well in real estate and landscape photography.
It has a fantastic overall build quality. When compared to designs such as the YONGNUO YN560 IV, the battery compartment’s spring hinge construction provides a sense of greater stability.
Canon 270EX II
The unit’s dimensions of 2.6 by 2.6 by 3 inches were another thing that particularly impressed us. Because it is our flash for the Canon 80D with the smallest form factor, you can easily slip it into your pocket without taking up much room.
It weighs only 155 grams, making it our top option that is the lightest overall. You won’t even notice the change it makes to your Canon 80D, and it works wonderfully for extended periods of time when you’re shooting handheld.
The remaining requirements are very standard across the industry. Because it has the lowest Guide Number on our list (27 meters) at ISO 100, it is possible that it is not the best choice for effectively illuminating subjects at large lengths.
Because it can only tilt vertically through 90 degrees, the number of surfaces off of which light can be reflected is restricted. At its maximum performance level, its recycle time of four seconds is the longest we’ve seen throughout all of our tests. It’s possible that this flash is not the best option for capturing fast action, but it works well for taking pictures of landscapes and real estate.
The Canon 270EX II is a good pick for anybody seeking a manual flash that is not too bulky, not too heavy, and not too expensive. However, you should anticipate poorer performance compared to the rest of our best flashes in this category.
Tips for using a flash with Canon 80D effectively
To make the most of your external flash with the Canon 80D, consider the following tips:
- Understanding flash exposure compensation: Adjusting the flash exposure compensation allows you to control the intensity of the flash output and balance it with ambient light.
- Bouncing the flash: Instead of pointing the flash directly at your subject, try bouncing the light off ceilings or walls for a softer and more diffused lighting effect.
- Using diffusers and modifiers: Explore the use of diffusers and modifiers to further soften the light and create more pleasing and natural-looking results.
- Syncing the flash with high-speed shutter: If you need to freeze fast-moving subjects, ensure that your flash supports high-speed sync to synchronize with the camera’s fast shutter speeds.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality external flash for your Canon 80D can significantly enhance your photography by providing better control over lighting and improving the overall image quality. Consider the power, range, TTL capabilities, and additional features when choosing the best flash for your specific needs. With the right flash, you can achieve professional-looking results and unlock new creative possibilities in your photography.
FAQs
Can I use any external flash with my Canon 80D?
It’s recommended to use a flash specifically designed for Canon cameras, including the Canon 80D, to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
Do I need TTL capabilities in a flash for the Canon 80D?
TTL capabilities allow the flash to communicate with the camera and provide automatic exposure adjustments, resulting in more accurate and consistent lighting.
What is flash recycling time, and why is it important?
Flash recycling time refers to the time it takes for the flash to recharge between consecutive shots. A shorter recycling time allows for faster-paced photography.
Can I use external modifiers or diffusers with the recommended flashes?
Yes, the recommended flashes are compatible with external modifiers and diffusers, allowing you to further customize and shape the light according to your preferences.
