Flash recomendation for 300D

[OviV]

What flash would you guys recommend for my new 300D? I am an amateur but want something more substatial then the built-in one. I am on a budget, though, so I don't want you to recommend the top of the line just because it is the best. ;)

Thanks,
Ovi

[Malaxos1]

I have the 420EX which is a very good flash unit but had I know about the Rebel not having flash adjustments I would not have gotten it as the flash doesn't allow adjustments either. What you will need is the 550EX which does allow for flash adjustments.

[RichardtheSane]

Sounds like you would be best suited to the 420EX speedlite then. I don't use one personally but I am sure a few people here do, and would be able to comment further :)

[robertwgross]

The same question just came up recently. Let me summarize.

In general, you want a Canon XXX-EX flash unit or something that is completely compatible with E-TTL flash mode. Your Canon camera can "talk" to these kinds of flash units.

If you make a mistake, you will end up with some XXX-EZ flash, and it will not work for you except in manual mode.

If you need to flash over longer distances, then you need something with a larger Guide Number (GN). A big one like the Canon 550EX does that. If you only flash over shorter distances, then you can get by with smaller Guide Numbers.

If you use one relatively normal focal length lens, then this is not so important, but if you use a selection of lenses with wide- to long- focal lengths, it is nice to have a flash unit with similar zoom capability. It will focus the light better for long shots, so that the light is more efficiently used. I needed this also, so I got the 550EX.

If you want to minimize the red-eye problem, then you may want to move your flash unit off-camera. This generally involves buying the correct off-camera cord. The farther you try to separate the flash from the camera, the more you may want the flash unit with tilt and swivel capability. I do this also, so I got a 550EX and a 420EX.

Some users need to shoot and repeat quickly, so a flash unit with a faster recycle time is good. Also bring along a pocket full of AA batteries. The 550EX and 420EX seem to be decent and quick.

---Bob Gross---

[reggie0326]

I'm a newbe, so please be gentle in your replies, but doesn't the E-ttl help with flash compensation, and if yes wouldn't the 420ex be helped by this? Also couldn't bracking help with under/overexposed pictures? The reason why I'm asking is I want to purchase the 420ex or the Sigma EF-500 DG Super because the 550ex is too expensive. Looking for some help.
Thanks
Reggie

[ShaneR]

Malaxos1 wrote:
I have the 420EX which is a very good flash unit but had I know about the Rebel not having flash adjustments I would not have gotten it as the flash doesn't allow adjustments either. What you will need is the 550EX which does allow for flash adjustments.

I definitely second this. I have the 420EX on a 10D and it works great for my level of shooting, but the 10D allows for Flash Exposure compensation (basically dialing down the flash power) I invaribly set it to -1 stop and use a diffuser when shooting in a dark environment as to not blind people (I do a lot of club/bar shots). Whatever you get, make sure it has this feature if the Rebel does not. Perhaps there is an off brand unit that will give you this if the 550EX is out of your budget.

[Andy_T]

I use an old Metz MZ40 II (bought it some 5 years ago and used it with my Nikon 601) with a Canon adapter on my G2. It has a sliding lever to adjust flash compensation (+1/-3) and also a lever for first/second curtain. You can tilt/swivel it.

On the down side, it doesn't offer E-TTL (or at least I haven't found out, so far). I usually have to fiddle around with the flash in order to get correctly exposed photos (but that might be me being too dumb to remember which program to use :))

Regards,
Andy

[phidong]

I use the Sigma EF-500 Super-DG. It is good. :) I think you can get one for around the price of a 420EX and its basically an ALMOST 550EX equiv.. ;)