Entry Level Hotshoe Flash?

[sciamwow]

Hey guys,
I'm looking for a hotshoe flash. I'm an amateur and think it could be a good investment, especially since I'm getting paid for my first birthday party in a few weeks. I've narrowed it down to a few different flashes, but I'd like someone with experience to tell me the realistic differences between them all. $50 is my max, less is preferable.

The most expensive
http/www.amazon.com/Neewer-VK750-Speedlite-Display-Cameras/dp/B00GE4MNQA/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1462121619&sr=1-3&keywords=neewer+flash

My top choice out of the two that cost $40
http/www.amazon.com/Neewer-Display-Speedlite-Cameras-Standard/dp/B010XCEABO/ref=sr_1_6?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1462121619&sr=1-6&keywords=neewer+flash

The other one that costs $40
http/www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-AP-UNV1-Speedlite-Standard/dp/B00LNN13S6?ie=UTF8&colid=18PXRBGJ4R511&coliid=I1U5LCM2MITALT&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl

Any input?

Thanks!

 

[Suzuki@1473780084@1473780163]

Flash isn't easy to use if your subjects are moving. Nobody is trying to talk you out of it, it's just that the learning curve without even knowing how to expose properly without flash, is big. It's very easy to be overhelmed, and you'll quit. One step at a time, in my opinion, buying a flash doesn't make much sense (yet). Most or all of your photos are probably going to look like your typical smartphone photos with blown out highlights and hot spots, that's my own opinion of course.

 

[sciamwow]

I figured it isn't a top-notch brand, but the first one I listed has 540 reviews and 4.5 stars, so I figured it would be a good starting point.

I saw that one you listed and am considering it, especially since its $40 on Amazon (http/www.amazon.com/Pentax-AF-200FG-Electronic-Flash-Case/dp/B000SKVZOM), but it doesn't seem to have the same freedom of controls. I do think that TTL would be nice, but I also want to have a lot of versatility for the settings and ability to move the head around

 

[sciamwow]

Yeah, I understand that's your opinion and I do understand what you're saying. And I know I do still have a lot to learn, but I genuinely do think that I'm learning really quickly and that I'm getting a hang of it faster than most people. Maybe that's just my ego speaking, though

 

[Suzuki@1473780084@1473780163]

I recommend buying a diffuser as well, because shipping might take a few days.

 

[sciamwow]

Amazon Prime. Gotta love it
This one: http/www.amazon.com/Neewer-VK750-Speedlite-Display-Cameras/dp/B00GE4MNQA/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1462121619&sr=1-3&keywords=neewer%20flash&tag=viglink20237-20 has a built in bounce card and diffuser. Do you think I would need anything more than the built-in diffuser?

 

[sciamwow]

I just wanted to update you guys if you're curious:
I ended up getting this flash: http/www.amazon.com/Neewer-Display-Speedlite-Cameras-Standard/dp/B010XCEABO
My teacher at school who is a photographer gave me some pointers on general use yesterday, and today I had my first gig taking pictures of a one year old birthday party. It was super sunny outside, and the flash helped a ton to expose the shadows on people's faces. So the flash mixed with my PS/LR 30 day free trial came together really well and helped me out a ton today. I know y'all were trying to steer me away from buying the flash and I know I was being a little stubborn, but I am glad that I bought it and I look forward to getting really comfortable with it. If y'all have any tips/pointers/advice, please let me know!
Thanks again guys!

 

[Suzuki@1473780084@1473780163]

All of what that Flash changed could of been done in post. The difference is time. If you're happy with the results then that's great. I and probably the other people here, often run into people that buy good gear, and leave the stuff on a shelf somewhere.

 

[sciamwow]

I understand. But it was just $20 to me (I had a $20 gift card), so really it couldn't hurt and I've already paid for it easily from the party today. So it can't hurt to toss in my bag