Flash Recommendation

[bertelm]

I am in the market for a flash for my 10D. In the past, I've gotten by with the in-camera flash, but I feel it's time to step up to something better. Also, now that I have purchased a sigma 12-24 lense, it has become apparent that the in-camera flash just won't do (something to do with that huge shadow in the bottom of the frame...).

It seems that most users are using the 420EX or 550EX? Since I'm new to flashes, I was thinking the 550EX might be an overkill. Are there any other canon flashes I should be considering? Also, my camera store sells other brands, namily the Vivitar brand line.

So, does anyone have suggestions? Are canon flashes worth paying more for? Anyone have any experience with the less expensive Vivitar brands?

[karusel]

Why not Sigma EF-500 DG Super TTL? 190 bucks @ bhphoto and it's got it all... I'm sure gonna get one.

[bertelm]

I looked up the Sigma 500 - My local dealer sells it for about the same price as the Canon 420EX. It seems to have a bit more power than the Canon. If it's just a comparison in terms of power, then the Sigma is a better deal. I don't know enough about the other features to say whether or not it's a better deal.

[nucki]

I am in the market for a flash for my 10D. In the past, I've gotten by with the in-camera flash, but I feel it's time to step up to something better. Also, now that I have purchased a sigma 12-24 lense, it has become apparent that the in-camera flash just won't do (something to do with that huge shadow in the bottom of the frame...).

It seems that most users are using the 420EX or 550EX? Since I'm new to flashes, I was thinking the 550EX might be an overkill. Are there any other canon flashes I should be considering? Also, my camera store sells other brands, namily the Vivitar brand line.

So, does anyone have suggestions? Are canon flashes worth paying more for? Anyone have any experience with the less expensive Vivitar brands?

I have the 420EX and I'm quite happy with it! Its really plug&play. But....

... you're not able to controll the flash by your own

an example:

if you shoot in manual mode and try to add just a little bit of flash or maybe a little bit more the the flash will light allways right! but you dont want that in this moment. you want more or less, so you just can set the flash exposure controll in the camera, not at the flash!

so, in my opinion, the 550EX is the better deal if you like to go creative. if not, then the 420EX is a lower price solution!

best regards
Peter

[Cordell]

I would strongly suggest the Sigma Super 500 DG. It has 99% of the features of the 550EX for the cost of the 420EX. You may not want all those features now, but if you want something simple like the 420EX, you can use the Sigma in that way. When you decide you want to get into manual settings, it's there waiting for you and you will not have to worry about spending money on a whole new flash because you outgrew the 420EX.

I have both the Sigma and the Canon 420EX, and love them both.