1. Product impression and haptics
The unit do a solid, high-quality impression. I could find no sharp angles or other visible defects in workmanship. The locking wheel is - as already described in some reviews - lack of sufficient ribbing a bit slippery. But if you do not the flash firmly screwed with all his might, you get him without difficulty again.
It is not a high-frequency sound when listening to recharge, the beep signal for signaling the flash readiness is switched off and the noise of the zoom reflector is in my opinion unacceptable.
2. Integration into the camera
The flash adds to the software side completely into the camera. All camera menu items incl. C.Fn settings under "External Speedlite control" are available. Thus, the flash can be controlled almost exclusively via the camera menu. Among the few exceptions include the activation of the second reflector - which is understandable, since the Canon product line includes no flash with 2 reflectors and thus such a menu item is not provided.
3. Menu Control
The operating concept with the dot LCD looks a bit dowdy. There is room for improvement. However, only a few functions must also be switched because of software-integration into the camera. This can be found after a short training period relatively quickly.
Note: In my view, it is quite an advantage that mechanical buttons are installed. For all the love to touch screens (as seen already in a few compact flash units) I do not want to "fumble" in time critical moments it must.
4. illumination / power
The power of the flash and the illumination is very good. The guide number 58 one notices him - particularly by bounce shooting. The secondary reflector ensures a good lightening of shadows and improves the results in laterally pivoted Hauftreflektor significantly. For continuous shooting with flash I could see only a very small scattering of brightness between shots.
The charging time at full flash output and the max. Available flash sequence I have not measured / counted. This is in my applications, not so relevant and more for press and photographers in particular concert important. However I feel that the flash is charged also with normal AA batteries for triggering very quickly. The manufacturer's instructions seem to be realistic. This assessment is subjective.
5. Conclusion
In my view, the flash is a well-balanced brand product with good price-performance ratio. Compared to the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT lacks basically just the ability to spark triggering. However, this is in need for significantly less than the comparatively saved 200, - can be retrofitted with corresponding E-TTL wireless triggers EUR. Or alternatively resorted to the integrated device in TTL remote mode. The somewhat old-fashioned menu justifies in my view, no star-hood, as it is still effective.
Therefore: 5 stars; Buy recommendation.