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Getting a flash for your Canon SL1 offers many benefits you won’t get using the inbuilt flash. With the best external flash for Canon SL1, you get more shadow definition, among other effects that make photos appear more natural. Dive in for the best external flashes for your camera.
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Finding a flash that works with your camera, let alone the best external flash for Canon SL1, is quite challenging. Take advantage of my reviews of the best flashes for Canon SL1 picked after hours of intense scrutiny.
Parked with tons of features and equally enticing accessories, the Godox V860II-C is my best external flash for Canon SL1. Being one of the earliest flashes to incorporate a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, V860II-C allows you to illuminate subjects for extended periods.
You are unlikely to experience any outage issues throughout the day on a full charge unless continuously running on TTL. At full power, the unit can offer you a quick recycle time of 1.5 seconds, convenient for quick shoots.
This unit comes with the highest Guide Numbers (GN) in my review for an extended level of coverage. Given its ability to light objects up to 60m, it is perfect for capturing large halls, outdoor shooting, and more.
With its good balance between affordability and provision of value, the Voking VK750III is an excellent option.
You get convenient mode selection depending on your speed needs and the amount of illumination required. It supports six options, including S1, Multi, S2, TTL, and Manual.
The degree of tilting is not as extensive as the Godox V860II-C provides. There is, however, not much of a deal here as you can rotate your Speedlight whenever you need to bounce it off a particular surface.
Given its GN of 58m at ISO 100, it comes second place on my list and falls only short of the top spot by two meters. It massively illuminates objects at full power whenever such performance is necessary.
If you want the best affordable external flash for Canon SL1, the Voking VK430 could be what meets your requirement.
Of course, a few of its features are less impressive than those of models like the Godox V860II-C offer though quite appealing given the price. Its high GN (42m at ISO 100) even higher than some pricier alternatives, is what stood out for us.
Its range of movement at 270 degrees horizontally and 0-90 degrees vertically may not be the highest on the list though flexible enough.
A notable advantage is the TTL mode provision, LCD, and easy-to-use controls. It is one of the most simplistic flashes for Canon SL 1, and newbies can benefit much from the ease of using the unit.
The Altura Photo AP-305C is an excellent flash to consider if you are looking for a flash offering multiple usage methods. Thanks to the included wireless transmitter, you can use the unit on-camera and off-camera.
The unit comes with a guide number of 36m at ISO 100. Together with the included wireless transmitter, this flash permits long-range illumination of subjects off-camera. It is, however, the least on my list.
Backed by TTL and High-Speed Sync, the flash allows you to automate the process and take photos quickly during dire situations. A notable drawback is the lack of support for these functionalities when using the trigger.
As you look for a flash for your Canon SL1, you will realize there are not as many options as for most other cameras. You, therefore, consider carefully the features, and my guide to picking a top flash for Canon SL1 is here to help.
The GN is crucial in identifying the extent to which your flash can illuminate the subject given particular ISO settings. You can use your flash at maximum power with a high GN while shining on it from far adequately.
Remember, the more power you use, the faster you drain your batteries and the higher the need to recharge. Finding a balance between the necessary distance of capturing your subject and the amount of power needed is essential.
If you are looking for more flexibility, the Godox V860II-C having the highest GN on my list provides you with more positions to stand as you take photos.
What are the GNs for my best flashes for Canon SL1 at ISO 100
How heavy your flash weighs impact the amount of time you can carry it without getting tired. Especially when taking photos for extensive projects, you may want something that doesn't weigh you down so much.
What is the weight of my top selections?
While the Altura Photo AP-305C is the lightest, its features are not as impressive as those of the Godox V860II-C. The trick is identifying the main elements necessary against the weight to get a suitable choice for your Canon SL1.
Recycle time indicates how frequently your flush is ready to illuminate the subject. The amount of power you use in your flash affects how fast it can recycle. If you set your flash at, say 1/34, it recycles faster than at 1/128.
While you can use a faster recycle time whenever you need to, there is a limit to which you can illuminate the subject. The Altura Photo AP-305C, for instance, only permits 30 flashes before you have to let it rest for ten minutes.
Beyond the manufacturer's recommended levels, your flash may start overheating. Overworking your flash lowers its longevity unless it has "overheat protection" to lengthen the recycle time automatically.
How do my top flashes for Canon SL1 compare in recycle times at full power?
Although the Canon SL1 features an inbuilt flash rated at only 9.4 meters, it is imperative to swap this for something that extends much better. An excellent flash for Canon SL1 not only offers you extended coverage but also allows you better to adjust your lighting, bounce illumination, and more.