AmazonBasics Camera Flash Review: Flash Under $30 Bucks Does It Suck?

I review the AmazonBasics DSLR Camera Flash. This flash is one of the most popular sold on Amazon and it is under $30 bucks USD. Which is an insane price point for a flash, but does it suck? I tested this with the Canon 6D Mark II and the Fuji X Pro 2 and for what it is...it blew my mind. For $30 bucks this is an easy buy for someone trying to learn flash or just as an emergency. As you will see in the video its not super bright, not a lot of power, but it can help you get by. Plus for what it is, it gives great skin tones and semi decent battery life. Included in the video are a few portrait examples. Have you used the AmazonBasics flash before? If so let me know your thoughts in the comments below, did you like it?
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[@Eric_Rossi]

Do you think it sucks for the price point? If you want to buy one, check it out on Amazon below: amzn.to/2vHeGcO

[@RandyPollock]

For a third flash pointed at say a backdrop or models hair would it work well for that?

[@estebanlugones]

It looks like a yongnuo 460

[@Eric_Rossi]

100%

[@alonzofarmer4997]

Eric Rossi ...I have one and I'm also impressed!

[@eyezofthetygahphotography2817]

I have 3 as back ups with Flashpoint triggers for nighttime shoots...

[@ZachMaricle]

A great option for a back up emergency or a newbie to flash.

[@Eric_Rossi]

yeah I feel it'd be a great affordable option to learn on

[@nerwin]

Eric is looking pretty flashy in today's video! No pun intended.

[@Eric_Rossi]

yeah sometimes looking a bit spiffy for a "basic" video can work...

[@miamidolphinsfan]

I hadn't bought a flash yet...I got this through your link and it was $24.89 w/tax ....reasonable price and maybe step up my portrait game a little. Thanks Eric.

[@Eric_Rossi]

Thanks Kevin, appreciate the support as always. Have you messed around with flash at all or mainly just natural light?

[@miamidolphinsfan]

+Eric Rossi Just natural light so far & softboxes but no flash. I'm gonna look for a couple of tutorials

[@markharris5771]

I have a really cheap £20 ring flash, it's Yongnuo from before they made decent flashes and it exactly what I want from a macro flash gives me a ring of light. It's about 6 years old now and I have no intention of replacing it. I also do a lot of analogue photography and people keep giving me 1980's flash heads that are great for complex lighting setups but I have to put the on the yn622c but that's ok for the price and I have the transceivers any way. They do tend to give beautiful warm light because of their age and sometimes you want that warmer fill in light. Sometimes when you read the comments on the really cheap stuff on Amazon you've got to shake your head, if you are buying cheap look at the price and don't compare to stuff that costs three times as much. Some people really do expect top quality at rock bottom prices. Then you have the people who insist you have to pay top prices for the Canon or Nikon speedlights...just because cheap ones just can't be any good at that price. Cheap flashes do serve a purpose as long as you are aware of what you get for your money and your expectations are realistic. I think you've a great addition to your lighting and it's amazing how often you find a use for that extra flash. Another great video Eric, as usual full of common sense from a working photographer.

[@Eric_Rossi]

Thanks Mark! Yeah a ton of people say you need to the top of the line, 400-500 flash. While I do feel they are very reliable, its def not essential lol. When an off brand can make a near similar flash for 1/4 the price.....that should be a wakeup call

[@coquiangel]

I'll have try one at the end of the month. Thanks Eric!

[@Eric_Rossi]

yeah its super affordable for what it offers!

[@alonzofarmer4997]

I have one, they're really good for the money! I use radio triggers with it for off camera flash work!

[@Eric_Rossi]

yeah for the price, its a great flash

[@gregcampbell4467]

Presuming that this is a re-skinned Altura UNV1, it is the same as my first flash. I am not a pro and so have been delighted with it.. I eventually added a TTL flash, but this unit is my rock. It works great when I add the Altura remote flash trigger. I still mostly rock my flashes in manual mode.

[@Eric_Rossi]

it could be not sure, its basic of course...no pun intended, but for 24 bucks...total steal

[@JohnMayfield-NS]

Might be good for kick lights or product shot set ups too.

[@Eric_Rossi]

100% spot on

[@jeffgoldstein1000]

I agree with you, for $30 you cannot beat it. I shoot with Olympus equipment with which I am very comfortable with. Can you recommend an inexpensive trigger / receiver that I can use with this . Thanks again for another great video.. -Jeff

[@chris5196]

Just wondering, how would you go about setting this flash up for off camera use? (Sorry, new to flash portrait photography.) Would this flash be compatible with a wireless flash trigger/would you be able to sync multiple of these flashes together that way? 📸

[@Eric_Rossi]

You would need off camera flash triggers. Look into Yongnuo wireless flash triggers for example. Yes you can synch multiple ones together!

[@Eric_Rossi]

This may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWnGoIV9l9B6j80

[@chris5196]

Thanks so much for the information. I think I have found my set!

[@Eric_Rossi]

perfect, let me know how it goes for you!

[@FerdinelsonKyrsian]

Can we mount in r50 canon

[@MrCochise71]

Dressed all snazzy! Looking Sharp man! Modern day Crockett. Aka Miami vice! *Plays Phil Collins music*. Have a great weekend!

[@Eric_Rossi]

haha sometimes you have to spice it up for a "basic" video

[@MrCochise71]

Eric Rossi 👍👍😸

[@spl1949]

I'm new to all this so please excuse me. If I want to use this flash off camera, hand held for macro, is a radio trigger available for this flash? If so which do you recommend? Thanks. BTW really like your videos.

[@Eric_Rossi]

You can use any trigger with this, just use the one suited for your cameras brand!

[@chipbrandstetter]

I have the inexpensive Neewer flash. Pretty much the same piece. Full manual. Fun to play with.

[@Eric_Rossi]

yeah they are, great to learn on too

[@AshCollins]

another question! you mentioned this in comparison to a Yongnuo flash, which one would you say is the closest equivalent to this?

[@Eric_Rossi]

Well any yongnuo is much more versatile and brighter then this. But I would look into the 560 Mark IV

[@rigby3780]

very interesting.. i know you said it's not electronic, does that mean it won't work with the flashQ triggers.. or should i stick with my intended YN-560 IV purchase? just sticking my toes in the whole off camera lighting thing.. cheers for any info

[@Eric_Rossi]

It still should, but I would look at better triggers at this point if possible or you dont have them. Look into the Yongnuo ones

[@rigby3780]

ok great, and thank you for the reply

[@thekidwiththekung-fugrip3347]

Yo Eric does amazon basics has have any other camera related things like soft boxes?

[@Eric_Rossi]

Just looked I dont see they do, mainly just cheap tripods. Neewers makes affordable stuff like that: amzn.to/2vHwrdS

[@dking1981]

Thanks for making this video!

[@Eric_Rossi]

anytime!

[@amandahoward6763]

How long does the flash last before you have to put new batteries in?

[@Eric_Rossi]

its about average, i dont know an exact amount just carry around a few extra batteries and youll be fine!

[@lauraannscinto1421]

is the onn flash compatible with Canon Rebel T7?

[@Eric_Rossi]

yes it will work, but keep in mind that its a manual only flash. No auto settings.

[@robinflak9556]

I have the Canon XC10 and bought the Onn electronic flash and my camera isn't reacting to it. Flash is new. Any ideas? Thanks

[@Eric_Rossi]

I dont believe you can use any other brand but Canon on this one as I believe it has that specific pin to limit third party use. What flash do you have?

[@Eric_Rossi]

yeah nah, I would try an actual Canon branded flash

[@robinflak9556]

@@Eric_Rossi ok, thanks so much! I was checking out ebay and you can get something for like 15 bucks. I got this camera for video but have gotten more photo jobs. I have a client in Boston and want to gear up now. Great video!!

[@rstudio11]

work on Sony e ? 6000 por 6300,6500? i just want to know if i can trigger ir with Sony external flash, and pair it with a youngnuo with a youngnuo trigger?

[@Eric_Rossi]

You couldnt pair with yongnuos, this is a really basic flash. But it should work on camera on a Sony. But without a trigger, no, it wouldnt work.

[@saydemcbainn6037]

I have to photography a bday event with low light, It would be my first time using flash...I have the Canon T6, should i get this Amazon basics or a Yongnuo?

[@Eric_Rossi]

It's great to learn on, the YN is by all means a better flash. But the same practices will apply to both. So its up to you.

[@saydemcbainn6037]

Eric Rossi thanks for the reply:)

[@davidsworld5837]

can you compare with a ring light which is apx the same price. think it would be best if you dont do much flash photography so cant justify spending on a more expensive flash

[@Eric_Rossi]

I have a few reviews on affordable ringlights as well on the channel!

[@infernal4232]

what about the flash output or flash index or GN?

[@Eric_Rossi]

The user guide lists the guide number as 33, but its not that bright compared to most. But very usable

[@alikhaled8674]

i have it and i was working and its stop working if one what is happed

[@Eric_Rossi]

it may need new batteries, could be broken idk

[@alikhaled8674]

@@Eric_Rossi its not the batteries and its didn't broke

[@RAKITHA9]

wish they marked the power settings below the led lights below

[@Eric_Rossi]

yeah but for 24 bucks what do you expect lol, It totally wouldve been an easy add

[@tggentil]

Interesting! Would it work on Sony system (A7 II)?

[@Eric_Rossi]

It should, yup!

[@liant9314]

Is it better than Canon 80D's built-in flash?

[@Eric_Rossi]

Anything is better then built in flashes honestly

[@liant9314]

@@Eric_Rossi, thank you for your reply. I am new to this field and I really appreciate your reply. I will purchase one asap.

[@kenbest7660]

Good review.

[@Eric_Rossi]

thanks Ken

[@bassangler73]

Thanks!

[@Eric_Rossi]

anytime!

[@martysopha6687]

Sounds like a great stocking-stuffer idea, actually. :-).

[@Eric_Rossi]

good point actually, not a bad idea!

[@joshuarobertson3931]

I know this is 20yrs late but does this flash work on Sony A series

[@Eric_Rossi]

Cant fully confirm, as I dont know anyone with an A mount to try. But I will say its a universal flash, so it should work. If not, its pretty affordable to return with no issue. I dont see why it wouldnt work.

[@joshuarobertson3931]

Eric Rossi thanks homie...

[@giantkiller8]

Bro Will it work as a slave with sony nex 5t's pop up flash?

[@Eric_Rossi]

as long as you can give it line of sight it should work!

[@AstanaxKnight]

I had a friend whose pop up flash on his/her Nikon blew. He/she was willing to pay Nikon $162.80 before shipping and taxes to have the pop up flash repaired rather than buy a flash like this. I could not persuade him/her to change his/her mind. I was thinking the AmazonBasics camera flash might work for this Minolta SRT-101 camera that I bought during a local charity event the other day as it has a cold shoe. I already successfully converted the mercury battery power supply to today's silver battery using a diode and #111 o ring. However, I realize if I did try to use this flash on the cold shoe, then I would have to invest in an external light meter to accompany the light meter in the Minolta and spend money on film and development chemicals just to play around with something that I can already do with my digital SLRs. So the Minolta will be for natural light only it seems.

[@Eric_Rossi]

oh wow, your friend cared that much about a popup flash...wow lol.

[@therookiefisherman5234]

hahah a backup to a backup for a backup!!!

[@ainsleystrong4315]

Great for a beginner better than sunpak

[@Eric_Rossi]

oh 100% agreed

[@hjmkhalaf]

$23.26 it is even cheaper now WOOOW

[@Eric_Rossi]

I just saw that drop as well, interesting lol

[@DiviPhotos]

Cool video nice

[@Eric_Rossi]

thanks

[@maxfactor4209]

same price as my eneloop batteries... for me no ttl .. no problem ... no hss no buy...

[@Eric_Rossi]

yeah this def isnt someone who is looking for ttl, but you will never get hss for this cheap lol

[@WARISIDEAS]

COOL

[@Eric_Rossi]

thanks

[@ZachMaricle]

FIRST!!!!

[@Eric_Rossi]

yes you are lol

[@Brian-tk6rr]

Get back to work.

[@Eric_Rossi]

Check Samanage....