Newbie Help: Need advice on purchasing ext. flash

[AmyJoy]

I am a rookie when it comes to photography... and while I have intentions to learn the features of my dRebel... chasing two toddlers hasn't given me much time. I've had my camera for about 2 years and it serves it's purpose well for me. However, I'm in the market for an external flash.


My purpose is only to photograph my children (replacing the portrait sessions from JC Penny ;) and therefore, I don't need anything "professional" at this point. Once I become a better photographer, then I can see investing in better equipment. That being said, I went to Adray's today to price some flashes. Really. I don't want to spend $300 for one.
They showed me the Speedlite 430EX for $300.00 and also a used Metz for about $180 (3-4 yrs old).
I was looking for something used.. and the Metz was all they had.

I went on ebay to search for used and also found an off-brand model that would compare to the 430EX and 580EX for around $140.
Now, I realize that the Speedlite will be a better quality... but, for my own use, do you think that I could get away with an off brand???
I'm turning to you for some advice, because I don't know many people that understand more about my camera than I do (which is not saying much. LOL!) and the salesperson was trying to make a sale... I hope that someone here can help me out.


Again. This will be for my own use with the hope of improving my skills and investing in better stuff later.


I hope I haven't rambled on too much. I really appreciate any advice given to help me make a decision. I feel like a fish out of water when it comes to understanding my camera!!!
Thanks!
amy

[willg]

theres an issue with sync voltages and older flashes...I don't know much about it, but I have heard there can be problems. I have the sigma 500 super and am very happy with it. They are around $200

[Mowman]

Here is the 430EX for 244.95 before rebate at B&H.. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=397664&is=USA&addedTroughType=search

[TheSteveMadden]

[Edit: disregard my E-TTL II comment below, Lostdoggy caught my slipup]

B&H has the 220EX for 109.95, after rebate. Since the original dRebel didn't have ETTL II, you won't be able to use half the features of the 430EX and the Guide number should be fine for portrait photography. It doesn't have a tilt/swivel head, but an off-camera shoe cord should remedy that.

Disclaimer: I don't actualy have nor have I ever used this flash, which makes me uniquely qualified to offer an opinion on this ;)

[steve547]

I have the 220ex and the sigma500 standard. The difference in price is only $40 at B&H, and there's no comparison between the two. The sigma is much more powerful and versatile. The 220ex is not worth the price, even though it works well. The only advantage of the 220ex is its smaller size/easier to carry, but extremely overpriced for what it does.

[lostdoggy]

Since the original dRebel didn't have ETTL II, you won't be able to use half the features of the 430EX
Disclaimer: I don't actualy have nor have I ever used this flash, which makes me uniquely qualified to offer an opinion on this ;)

That is mis information there. ETTL-II is a camera feature not a flash feature.

My recommendation is the Sigma 500 for the money whether it be the ST or Super. It tilts and swivel and it ETTL compactible. Just for info: ETTL=Electonic Through The Lens metering. This works by using the cameras metering to vary the output of the Flash. In the old days you would have set the flash to match the distance and the setting (aperature) of the camera. Then came Auto Thyristor (spells something like that) that have an onboard sensor on the flash that measure the lighting and adjusts the output for a given camera setting. TTL makes it that much more simpler by letting the camera do all the guess work.

BTW Metz makes great flashes but Sigma will work better in your situation. Also get a flash Diffuser while you are at it, eg Stefon Omnibounce or Lumisphere or something like that (people rave about it but I haven't try it yet, I have the Omnibounce).

[rlhphotos]

Look into the Optek FL580 Flash, its a 580EX replacement for under $150

[jjonsalt]

Canon's 380EX flash is discontinued. While it can't be used in multi-flash set ups it is a reasonably powerfull flash with some nice features. I found one on eBay that may fill your budget needs as well as your flash needs. It's a lot of 'bang for the buck' at this price. http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-Speedlite-380EX-Flash-for-Rebel-XT-or-20D_W0QQitemZ7606802366QQcategoryZ103414QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

[TheSteveMadden]

Doh! what was I thinking? :o LostDoggy's right.

[lostdoggy]

Look into the Optek FL580 Flash, its a 580EX replacement for under $150
I never heard of the Otek FL580 Flash, can you post a link.

[rdsmith3]

Which Sigma unit is recommended? I see two at B&H:

Sigma EF-500 Super DG Flash for Canon EOS E-TTL $219.00

Sigma EF-500 ST-DG Electronic Flash for Canon EOS $139.00

[jjonsalt]

Let me just point out that there has been several complaints from forum members that the Sigma flash has sync problems with Canon's cameras. This is especally true with multi-flash set ups.

[René Damkot]

Why not just try and find an old 'automatic' ('auto thyristor') flash, such as a Vivitar -I have no idea what number, or a Metz 45. Sure, you'ld have to set aperture on flash and camera separate, and you might even have to think once in a while, but it's a lot cheaper, and chances are, you are actually going to learn something ;)
I think whatever flash you're going to buy, it should *at least* have the possibility to tilt and swivel the head, so you can bounce the flash. Otherwise you could just as well use the on board flash...

[rlhphotos]

I never heard of the Otek FL580 Flash, can you post a link.


My bad its the FL680

http://www.opteka.com/productdetail.asp?productid=4181

I would consider this more of a 420replacement but I think they are trying to place it as a 580 replacement.

[lostdoggy]

My bad its the FL680

http://www.opteka.com/productdetail.asp?productid=4181

I would consider this more of a 420replacement but I think they are trying to place it as a 580 replacement.

Its definitely not a 580 replacement. The discription makes it out to work only w/ 2 Fstop f/2 & f/4 not much use. No variable power what good is eTTL??

[jjonsalt]

My bad its the FL680

http://www.opteka.com/productdetail.asp?productid=4181

I would consider this more of a 420replacement but I think they are trying to place it as a 580 replacement.


The FL680 ain't even close to the power of the 420EX, much less the power of the 580EX. Not even in the same ballpark.

[Jon]

Why not just try and find an old 'automatic' ('auto thyristor') flash, such as a Vivitar -I have no idea what number, or a Metz 45. Sure, you'ld have to set aperture on flash and camera separate, and you might even have to think once in a while, but it's a lot cheaper, and chances are, you are actually going to learn something ;)
I think whatever flash you're going to buy, it should *at least* have the possibility to tilt and swivel the head, so you can bounce the flash. Otherwise you could just as well use the on board flash...If this is the original Digital Rebel (6.3 MP), not the XT, as it sounds, using a flash other than one designed for the Canon digitals raises the risk of the sync voltage being too high. The DR/300D had a 6V limit. You'd need to get a Wein Safe-Sync to go along with it or risk killing your shutter prematurely. That'd still be cheaper (Vivitar 283/285 and Safe-Sync) than getting a dedicated flash supporting E-TTL.