Hello,

Has anybody used the yongnuo YN585EX flash gun with their Canon 550D camera and what did you think of it.  I am learning about flash in my next class (for total beginners) and didn't want to spend loads on a flash that I might only use a few times.  They seem to get ok reviews but I kinda trust you guys more than a web review.

cheers.

Everything that I've read about them say they are good performers.

But I've read proportionately more about reliability issues. I don't know if that is because they sell a lot due to pricing...

Despite that risk, I have a YN-560 and a YN-468ii on order. These models have been around for a while and have been updated to some extent since initial release, so I'm hoping reliability will be improved.

The YN-585EX is relatively new and seems to have more reported issues.

Hi,
I have the YN-465 and am VERY happy with it. (Cost me £40 ~ $60)
I do very little photography with a flash and wanted something simple that just worked with no real effort from me.
This flash is full ETTL or you can dial in manual settings from 1/64 up to full. I must admit I've only used it on auto and been exceptionally happy.

I used http://speedlights.net/ when doing all my research.

Here is a photo I snapped from a New Years Eve party. Indoor with average lighting taken at 70mm, 1/40 sec, ISO 400 with the flash bounced off the ceiling. I did take some non flash shots too but deleted them as they were all unusable! Sorry, no comparison for you.

I have a YN-560 that works great and I bought a YN-565 that came DOA 

The good news is that I shipped it back and they refunded me with no question and did it promptly I might add.

If you bought it direct, they might airmail...I got mine in about two weeks...