Canon Speedlite 220EX TTL Flash

Product Rating
4.33 of 5
6 reviews

Price Range
$122 - $180

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Product Description

Summary

I'll Start off and say I use this flash with a Canon EOS IX, APS SLR camera. The advantages of this flash are that it is relatively compact, has fast recycle times due to Canon opting to use 4 instead of 2 AA batteries, and it supports HSS (high speed sycning of flash). Unfortunately it isn't as powerful as I would like it to be for the price tag. Could also benefit from an accessory to allow it to cover a 24mm lense and not just a 28mm lense, but that would probably render it all but useless because it wouldn't have much power at all. Also, the flash exposure is less than consistent. Many times it overexposes and says the exposure was fine. Other times it says it has enough range but the flash is too weak in truth. I would call this more of the snapshooters flash, and if used in conjunction with a 550Ex or 420Ex being bounced of a ceiling/wall it would probably work well as a frontal fill flash, to prevent underexposed eyesockets. I give it three stars for both ratings because it isn't the worst, but far from the best.

Strength

1. Fast recycle time. 2. High Speed Syncing (but this the case with all Canon EX flash units and newer "Type A" bodies) 3. Light weight 4. Compact 5. Flash exposure lock, a Canon flash system feature, is nice and helps with horrible exposures.

Weakness

1. Needs more power 2. Exposure with Canon's system is less than stellar, even worse when manual focused. Usually overexposes. 3. Too pricey if you ask me 4. Could use bounce/swivel if it had more power

Summary

An excellent, small flash unit that always delivers on the money exposure. Quick recycle time is very helpful. I also have a 380 EX and the 220EX is ready for 2nd flash in half the time. If you have a Rebel (as I do) this flash will improve your flash pictures over the pop-up exponentially. I imagine it will do same for other Canons with pop-up. It's small and can be easily fit in a back pocket or in the accessory pocket of a small camera case. I got this after I already had the 380 EX because I found that I didn't want to carry around the 380, it was just a bit too big. The exposure is every bit as good under 30 feet away. It doesn't zoom so its range is more limited. It doesn't have a bounce head, but that's why it is so small. I still use the 380 a lot, but tend to carry the 220 if I'm out for a casual day not dedicated to shooting, but just carrying the camera. Also, it is capable of high speed flash for fill flash. All around, an excellent flash. If you are not satisfied with your pop-up flash results and don't want to carry a large "jointed" flash, get the 220EX. Unfortunately, it's very expensive new and used is no great bargain either. If the size and weight is not an issue, go with the 420EX, it has bounce and side bounce (fun!!).

Strength

Small Lightweight Accurate, accurate, accurate Capable of high speed flash. Fast recycle time.

Weakness

Expensive, expensive, expensive. I would give it a 5 rating if not for the price.

Summary

Hmmm....what can I say about this flash? It is lightweight (would be lighter if it used only two AA''s not four but that would probably mean less flashes), Compact, prevents redeye to some degree with its higher height from the lens, great technology inside.

Strength

When evaluating a flash''s performance you have to look at the camera body it is mounted on''s performance when dealing with TTL Flash systems. That is why I give the entire Canon Flash system an A+++++++++ for its dead on flash exposures. The fact that you have Full auto flash, manual flash output if you change flash exposure compensation or ISO rating of the film, High speed flash syncing, And a good assortment of other features is incredible in a system so simply operated such as this one.

Weakness

Power is more than a little weak at times! A little expensive if you ask me!

Summary

I hate the 380EX for not being able to swirl, the 550EX is way too expensive for my purpose (maybe the 420EX would strike a good balance). I long for a smaller package with all the new features (E-TTL, FP etc) that I could keep in my camera bag for fill flash (so it doesn't have to be powerful, but high-sync speed counts). I found mine used in perfect condition for $60 with a little bit of bargaining. Notwithstanding so it would still score high in the value rating.

Strength

Small, portable, E-TTL & FP Flash that complement my 50QD (Elan II) and EOS300 (Rebel 2000)

Weakness

None if you know it power limit

Summary

I bought this because of its portability (it easiliy fits in my pocket), and because the lens I use on my Elan II will block the pop-flash with the lens hood on. Another main reason is that it is an E-TTL flash, which my 200E is not. I have used in now for awhile, and it fulfills its intended function admirably. I.e. fill flash in sunlight situations, short range "people" candids at parties, etc. indoors. I have to make sure that I use the zoom lens at a above 35 mm or the flash won't cover the full scene. The E-TTL function works well, and I have gotten some extremely good flash photos with this speedlite. The main downside to this device is its price. It is too expensive when compared to the 380EX. However, if you need/want a flash small enough to carry in your pocket, has E-TTL and is strong enough to cover most shooting situations, this is the only choice. I bought it and I don't regret it.

Strength

Small, light and has E-TTL for full integration with the Elan II and other Type A EOS camera.

Weakness

Limited range, no zoom head. It is too expensive.