5 Best Budget Flash for Canon DSLR in 2023

Good lighting is one of the essential elements of decent photography. So there is no doubt that you need an excellent external flashlight to take your photography to another level, which will act as a prime factor.

In this case, if you want to buy the best budget flash for Canon, you must go a long way. Because in the market, you can see thousands of flashes of hundreds of brands, which are entirely different in quality, features, and price from each other. Most high-quality flash costs $250 or more, which most consumers do not afford.

That’s why we have created this guide. After researching dozens of flashes and consumers’ feedback, we have picked five top-quality budget flashes at 50$ to 250$ price range and highlighted each flash’s aspects in detail.

In a hurry? Check out our 3 editor’s pick

Best Budget Flash for Canon: Check Out Top Budget Flash for Canon!

1. Canon Speedlite EL-100 for Canon Cameras

Introducing the Canon Speedlite EL-100, which is the perfect companion for today’s advanced photographer. This powerful, compact, and lightweight flash lets you capture stunning images in any lighting environment.

Enhanced Image Quality: With a guide number of 85 ft./ISO 100, the Canon Speedlite EL-100 delivers bright, crisp light that brings out the best in your images. The most stunning feature of this flash is the 24mm wide-angle coverage which helps to adjust the brightness as you want. It also helps reduce harsh shadows and create more even lighting for a professional look. 

Intuitive Controls for Easy Use: Look at the user-friendly interface on this camera flash, which makes it easy to navigate through settings and modes easily. The intuitive controls enable you to quickly adjust settings on the move, allowing you to concentrate on taking great photographs. Also, there is less downtime between flash photographs thanks to continuous shooting functionality.

Wireless Flash Control for Greater Flexibility: The Canon Speedlite EL-100’s wireless flash control features enable you to manage multiple flashes simultaneously without using cords or other accessories. This gives you more freedom when placing together photos and lets you try different lighting configurations.

You will also enjoy its Mode Dial with an AUTO setting that can be used to adjust to scenarios like a subject moving in and out of natural light or a dark environment. This feature enables your camera to decide whether the flash is required and only turn it ON when it is. Overall, there is no doubt that the Canon Speedlite EL-100 flash is the best affordable choice for an amateur photographer.

Benefits

• The Canon Speedlite EL-100 is small and light, which makes it easy to take around.
• It also comes with mode dial features and an AUTO setting.
• With a manual zoom head offering a guide number of 26
• User-friendly interface navigates through settings and modes easily.
• 24mm wide-angle coverage and continuous shooting capability.
• The ability to bounce horizontally and upward

Drawbacks

• We didn’t find any critical issues

2. Canon 270EX II Speedlite Flash for Canon

Capture your life’s most memorable moments with the Canon Speedlite 270EX II. Thanks to this ultra-compact and lightweight flash, you can take high-quality pictures in various scenarios, including low light.

Reliable Performance: The 270EX II flash is the size of a pack of cigarettes and has a high build quality. Its focal length coverage 28 to 50 mm and the minimum recycling time is 3.9 seconds. This unit is a reliable choice for any photographer who wants to capture great shots without worrying about equipment failure.

Versatile Compatibility: This flash works with a wide range of Canon cameras, from EOS DSLRs to PowerShot point-and-shoots. We find that it can switch between standard and telephoto flash coverage. Also, up to 90 degrees of vertical bounce gives you a lot of different ways to take pictures.

Compact and Portable Design: Look at its design; this flash is lightweight and easy to carry wherever you go, only weighing in at just 5.5 ounces, making it perfect for constantly moving photographers. However, its price is a little bit higher than our previous pick.

Benefits 

• Focal length coverage 28 to 50 mm
• 1/3 manual steps
• Guide number 27 (m, ISO 100).
• It comes with high-speed sync
• Requires only 2 AA batteries
• Ultra-compact and portable size perfect for a traveler

Drawbacks

• The minimum recycling time is 3.9 seconds, which is long for multiple quick shots.
• There is no horizontal rotation, just a 90° upward rotation.

3. Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite for Canon

If you are looking for the best budget flash for Canon cameras, then no doubt Neewer TT560 can be an excellent pick for you. We confidently said that no other flash on the market could compete with it regarding cost and features. 

High-Quality Lighting: Neewer TT560 flash Speedlite comes with a guide number of 38, which means that it provides reliable and intense illumination, making for consistently well-lit photographs. Thanks to its eight-level power control, you may change the light intensity to suit your preferences. Also, a 0.1 to 5s fast recycling charge can help you to capture frequent photos more efficiently.

Versatile Compatibility: What’s most interesting about this Speedlite flash is that it is compatible with several Canon cameras, making it easy to use regardless of your model. Its integrated LCD panel provides clear information about its settings, which makes it easier to adjust to different shooting conditions.

Affordability without Compromising Quality: Despite its impressive features and performance, this Speedlite flash comes at an affordable price point that gives value for money as compared to other similar flashes in the market today. Get exceptional results without breaking the bank with the Neewer TT560 flash.

Benefits

• Affordable flash pick
• It comes with power-saving and protection functionality
• 0~270 degrees horizontal and 0~90 degrees vertical swivel
• Flash stand with a needed threaded hole and wide-angle diffuser
• Approx 0.1 to 5s fast recycling charge
• Easy-to-use buttons and shoe locks featured

Drawbacks

• Plastic shoes and lack of zoom
• It doesn’t support TTL functionality

4. Speedlite 430EX III-RT for Canon 

Bring your creative photography with the Speedlite 430EX III-RT. This flash Speedlight offers impressive features, allowing you to capture stunning images no matter the lighting conditions. 

Fast and Accurate Performance:  A guidance number of 43m at ISO 100 indicates that there is enough power for the majority of situations, and the fast recycling time of this Speedlite delivers consistent and reliable performance for professional photographers.

User-Friendly Interface: The 430EX III-RT Speedlite has easy controls and an intuitive interface with a backlit LCD, making it simple for both inexperienced as well as experienced photographers to make adjustments to the camera’s settings to achieve the outcomes they need in a way that is both fast and efficient.

Wireless Flash Control: We have yet to mention that with the built-in wireless flash control, you can trigger numerous flashes simultaneously, giving you more control over your lighting setup.

Portable and Lightweight Design: With a weight of only 295g (10.4oz) and an ergonomic layout, the Speedlite 430EX III-RT is easy to take with you anywhere you go, which makes it an excellent choice for event or wedding photographers.

Benefits 

• Sturdy but lightweight enough to carry everywhere 
• Easy-to-use controls and a user-friendly interface
• The flash recycles in just over 3 seconds after a full-power flash.
• It uses common AA batteries.
• Multi-dial and dot-matrix LCD for easy navigation and control.
• The range of the zoom flash head is 24-105mm.

Drawbacks

• The price point may be higher than some other entry-level flash units

5. Godox TT600 Camera Flash Speedlite Master Slave

Last but not least, the Godox TT600 flash could be another budget-friendly great option for anyone. It features a sturdy body that can handle even the most challenging shooting conditions and has many more segments.

High Performance: This Godox TT600 Speedlite has high-speed sync up to 1/8000s, which lets professional photographers take even the most complicated shots quickly. Additionally, the higher guide number of 60(m ISO 100) makes it appropriate for anyone.

Wireless Control: This flash has an integrated 2.4G wireless transmission, which enables it to activate multiple units from a distance. Because of this, it is a good option for photographers who need maximum versatility when shooting.

Easy to Use: It comes with a large LCD display with multi-functional button controls. Also, the vast majority of customers appreciate its ability to rotate at any angle, which enables users to use the flash at a variety of fill-light angles, which enhances the photography process. It is compatible with any DSLR camera that has a standard hot shoe mount.

Benefits

• Budget-friendly price range
• Flash overheat automatic protection.
• Build-in 2.4G wireless transmission.
• Higher guide number of 60(m ISO 100)
• 0.1 to 2.6 seconds of faster recycling time
• Any angle rotatable: -7° to 90° vertical and 0 to 360° horizontal rotation angle.
• It also comes with a wide panel and a large LCD screen.

Drawbacks

• The mount is flimsy plastic, so you need to be careful when you mount it.

What to Look for When Buying a Budget Flash for Canon

Before buying any flash for your Canon camera, you need to consider some vital things. Below, we share some essential features that will help you pick the perfect flash for your camera. You should remember that when you are looking for a budget flash, you may not get all the fancy features at this price. 

Compatibility 

If you own a Canon camera, you should only buy an external flash that has been built to work with your specific model. The most recent Canon cameras use an electrical TTL (through the lens) system to interact fully with the flash unit. Check out flashes that either mention their compatibility with Canon cameras or include “E-TTL” technology.

Flash Power

The Guide Number (GN) is a useful indicator of the flash’s power output, which is an essential factor when shopping for an inexpensive flash. The more powerful the flash unit, the higher the GN number.

A less powerful flash (GN of 30 to 40) may be acceptable for indoor or close-range use. Look for models with higher GN ratings (50 to 60 or more) if you need to illuminate huge spaces for events or weddings or if you want to take photos outside.

High-Speed Sync (HSS)

The highest-quality flashguns include a high-speed sync (HSS) option that enables faster shutter speeds. This setting typically has less power but helps shoot fast-moving scenes during the day.

If you have ever used a flashgun, you are likely familiar with an element of the image that becomes completely dark. This can happen when there is not enough light in a particular area of the picture.

The biggest reason is that your camera’s shutter speed is significantly faster than the flash. The HSS feature can help you to prevent this issue. This feature can increase your shutter speed to advanced levels. So before choosing a flashlight, you can also see this feature.

Additional Features

Remember the following additional feature points while looking for an inexpensive external flash:

Tilt and Swivel Head: This feature lets you take more realistic photographs by reflecting light off surfaces such as ceilings and walls.

Zoom Functions:  Some flashes have a zooming mechanism that can be used to adjust the intensity of the light beam to the telephoto or wide-angle lenses you’re using.

Wireless Capabilities: Some flashes allow you to operate away from the camera, giving you more control over the lighting. 

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FAQs.

What is a budget flash for Canon?

A budget flash is an inexpensive alternative to expensive flash units. Manual and TTL modes, variable power settings, and swiveling heads are some of the more common characteristics found in inexpensive flashes. Of these five picks, the Neewer TT560 flash Speedlite is a great budget-friendly option for anyone.

Does my Canon camera require a separate flash?

You can use your Canon camera without a flash, but we suggest investing in an appropriate Canon flash for the best photography results. This ensures proper compatibility and functionality between the two devices.

Will a low-priced flash be compatible with all Canon cameras?

The short answer is yes; if your Canon camera has a hot shoe or PC sync connector, you may use almost any flash on the market.

Is it possible to get professional outcomes with an affordable flash?

When used correctly, even a low-cost flash may equal the output of expensive flash models. Though low-cost flashes aren’t as loaded with features as their high-end alternatives, they can still significantly enhance illumination in many scenarios. 

With a basic understanding of the flash’s capabilities, some experimenting with the settings, and some practice with lighting techniques, even a cheap flash may provide stunning results.

What is the best Speedlite for beginners?

I suggested the Canon Speedlite 270EX II as a suitable Speedlight for beginner Canon users. It is so convenient, lightweight, and has enough photography space. It has a three-position vertical bounce, and a two-position zoom also has many more features. 

Final Verdict

After looking at this budget flash list, you may notice that every flash has different characteristics and features. So you have to decide now which features you must have in your photography.

If you want to know our editor’s opinion, then we will overall suggest the Canon Speedlite EL-100; on the other hand, if you want to know the best budget flash option, then no doubt the Neewer TT560 is the first option on the market. 

However, whatever you choose from this best budget flash for Canon list, we confidently say you will not be disappointed.