What is your favorite Speedlite and why

[deebatman316]

My favorite speedlite is the 600EX II-RT it has plenty of power and has the best IR AF Assist Beam coverage of any of speedlite. Then the radio vs optical triggering is better using radio.

-Demetrius

40D, 5D IV, EF 16-35mm F/2.8L III, EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II, EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM, EF 50 F/1.8 STM

430EX III-RT & 600EX II-RT

[Danfaz]

The EL-1. It's simply a beast. Keeps up with 12 fps, doesn't stop firing from overheating, and a single battery lasts for an entire event.

[deebatman316]

Are you using the EL-1 on the EOS R Series mirrorless camera or a DSLR camera. The 600EX II-RT battery life is not so good on the EOS R series. When the 600EX II-RT provides an AF Assist Beam when the speedlite provides pre-flashes/ pre-fires for AF Assist.

-Demetrius

40D, 5D IV, EF 16-35mm F/2.8L III, EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II, EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM, EF 50 F/1.8 STM

430EX III-RT & 600EX II-RT

[Danfaz · Accepted solution]

I'm using on the R5 and previously the R6. The battery really does last a long time. I shot a 6 hour event (not all flashes at full power of course) and the battery only went down approximately 25%. 

[deebatman316]

Do you shoot in low light. The AF Assist Beam projection is a little odd on the R series. Some times the camera body will emit the AF Assist Beam. Other times the speedlite will fire pre-flashes/ pre-fires a few times for the camera to lock focus. My 430EX III-RT does the same thing. By default the main bulb of the speedlite fires for AF Assist on a DSLR. I have mine set to IR AF Assist. A custom Function can be changed to allow the IR beam to work. But you're limited to the center AF point.

-Demetrius

40D, 5D IV, EF 16-35mm F/2.8L III, EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II, EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM, EF 50 F/1.8 STM

430EX III-RT & 600EX II-RT