When you're comparing lighting studio flashes from Canon, the Speedlite 220EX and Speedlite 600EX-RT represent two very different ways to add a hot-shoe flash to your kit. The 220EX sits at USD 45.00 as a compact, black E-TTL flash, while the 600EX-RT sits at USD 69.85 with a longer feature list. The price spread between them is about USD 24.85, so the real question is what you'd gain by spending the extra money.
Quick verdict
For a simple hot-shoe flash that works with E-TTL, the 220EX is the lower-priced choice. For a more capable Canon-specific flash with AF-assist light, a stated guide number of 196.9ft/ISO100, and an LED light type, the 600EX-RT is worth the extra USD 24.85 despite its used condition quirks.
Comparison at a glance
| Product | Price | Price Bar | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon Speedlite 220EX | USD 45.00 | E-TTL, hot-shoe interface, black, soft case | |
| Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT | USD 69.85 | E-TTL, AF-assist light, LED light type, guide number 196.9ft/ISO100, soft case |
Where each product stands out
The 220EX stands out for its lower price and simpler package. It's a used Canon flash with a hot-shoe mount, E-TTL support, and a soft case included, all for USD 45.00.
The 600EX-RT stands out for its feature depth. It also supports E-TTL, but adds AF-assist light and an LED light type, and the stated guide number gives you a clearer sense of its reach. The trade-off is condition: this unit is described as fair, with surface marks and minor scuffs, and it's missing the slide-out diffuser.
Canon Speedlite 220EX Shoe Mount External Flash w/ Soft Case Tested & Working
The less expensive route into a Canon-dedicated external flash. This unit is used, black, and comes with a soft case, and the title includes "tested & working." Its listed features are E-TTL through a hot-shoe interface, which keeps the experience straightforward for basic flash photography. For USD 45.00, you get the lower price in this comparison, and the compact form makes it easy to stow. The main limitation is its feature scope: the stated features stop at E-TTL, so it doesn't cover the AF-assist light or the higher guide number that the 600EX-RT lists, making it less equipped for low-light autofocus or long-range flash work.
Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT Shoe Mount Flash for Canon
The pricier option is also the more feature-rich one. It lists E-TTL and AF-assist light, an LED light type, and a guide number of 196.9ft/ISO100, which are useful targets if you need consistent flash output in varied conditions. The used condition is the caveat: the item is described as fair with surface marks and minor scuffs, and it's missing the slide-out diffuser. That said, the original soft case is part of the deal, and the compatibility points to Canon EOS, Canon, Eos, and EX Series bodies. For USD 69.85, you're paying for capability rather than a pristine exterior.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Speedlite 220EX if you want the lower price, a black compact flash, and a soft case already included, and you mainly need straightforward E-TTL operation. Choose the Speedlite 600EX-RT if you shoot a Canon EOS/EX-series body and want AF-assist light, an LED light type, and a named guide number of 196.9ft/ISO100-and you can accept a fair-condition unit with surface marks, minor scuffs, and no slide-out diffuser.
