Carolyn

I like it as a PS plug in. Very nice program.

I bought the EF-X500 and really like it. I know it's pricey but not really when you compare it to what Nikon/Canon offer. Nikon's comparable flash is $600. The EF-X500 TTL is perfect, better than the Nissin i40. My biggest issue is that you need a 2nd EF-X500 to use off camera, or a cable. I tried the Cactus V6 II and couldn't get it to work. That being said, I also have a Nissin i60 and air commander coming today. HSS should be available for that flash mid-January. I "think" you need to send it in for a firmware upgrade when the HSS becomes available, but it's a fast turn around and free, you just pay to ship to them. They kindly pay the return. I updated my i40 with them and it only took about a week. It now works with the XT2 (but no HSS with the i40 - TTL works fine). http://www.nissindigital.com/distributors.html For work (real estate photography), I like the Yongnuo IV's and transmitter. Works like a charm. No HSS or TTL though. Godox is also very good, again, all manual.

I have 2 XT2's (bought as soon as they came out) and haven't had any of those issues. Sounds like you need to take it back for an exchange.

I agree on the new grip being too big and heavy. I ended up returning mine. I much preferred the XT1 grip. I don't see that I'll need the extra boost or longer video to justify a grip for the XT2.

I put my XT1 larger eye cup on my XT2 as well.

A little trick to get the i40 to work at least in manual - tape over the 4 pins in the back of the camera hot shoe, leaving the large silver and small gold pin in front exposed. You can now use the i40 in manual. Not perfect, but better than not at all.