Flash Unit needed

[EM3]

Hi all!

I need a flash unit for my Rebel XT and I was wondering if any has used the Promaster Brand? I need something that will tilt, swivel, zoom and has manual control for fill flash or at least variable output settings. I have looked at the Canon ones but they are out of my budget. Has anyone used these flash units? Or should others be considered? If so let me know.

Thanks for the input. :)

[LFaluade]

I actually have a Canon 430EX that I am trying to get rid of. I got it in August 07 and I am upgrading to the 580EX. I'll even throw in a Sto-Fen diffuser. What kind of budget are you working with?

[Galaxy99]

It is a wrong forum I assume. Maybe you should discuss sell/buy request here http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=88 and here http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=14.

[MT Stringer]

The Sigma EF-500 DG Super will do all you are asking for. You can prolly pick one up used for under $150. I bought mine in like new condition for $100 (local pickup).

Good luck.
Mike

[AB8ND]

On a budget the Promaster 7500dx is supposed to be a good choice, but then it is not much cheaper than the 430ex. If you want to get by without the TTL a good cheap alternative is the Vivitar 285 hv, if you go with this make sure get ONLY the hv model.

Jack

[EM3]

It is a wrong forum I assume. Maybe you should discuss sell/buy request here http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=88 and here http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=14.

Sorry I was not more specific but I was looking for opinions and input.

[nadtz]

If you happen to have a voltmeter and know how yo use it you can check trigger voltage on non HV 285's, a lot of them are fine to use (obviously many of them are not as well). A better idea of your price range would probably help whittle down options as there are many out there in hte ~100 to 300 range.

[runninmann]

Did you see this? http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=428019

[namasste]

The Promaster is a decent unit but if you compare guide# to price, I think the Sigma is a better value. You can get the 530 DG Super for the same price as the 7500 PM and gn goes from 138' to 174' with the same approximate features. I got the 7500 as a gift and exhanged it for the Sigma 530 Super even up. The 530 DG ST is even cheaper at $189 and the same 174' gn. Fewer features but that's up to you to decide what you need. Good lcuk.

[EM3]

Ok I hate to bring this up again but I have been trying to figure out if I would be missing features if I went with the Sigma or Promaster flashes vs. Canon 430. So far I've read a bunch and I have really confused myself.

So would I sacrifice features if I went with Sigma 500 (I think) vs Canon 430. I can get them both locally.

I'll move on to anther topic after this one.

Thanks for being patient.

[MT Stringer]

So would I sacrifice features if I went with Sigma 500 (I think) vs Canon 430.

I can't think of anything you would be missing. I had the 430EX and it worked great. Since then I have bought other flashes to further my photography bug. I sold the 430 for $200 and bought a used Sigma EF-500 DG Super for $100. So far, I haven't missed the 430.

Good luck in your search.
Mike

[namasste]

Ok I hate to bring this up again but I have been trying to figure out if I would be missing features if I went with the Sigma or Promaster flashes vs. Canon 430. So far I've read a bunch and I have really confused myself.

So would I sacrifice features if I went with Sigma 500 (I think) vs Canon 430. I can get them both locally.

I'll move on to anther topic after this one.

Thanks for being patient. if you opt for the Sigma Super, I don't believe you'd be sacrificing anything. If anything, I think it might even have a few features for off camera use that the 430 doesn't. I'm not a flash pro so I'd advise making sure all of that is true but I'm prett sure that is the case.

[Shooting]

Yep, I have 2 XT's and use the Promaster 7500DX on each..the only trouble I have is when used on a bracket, off camera the flash sometimes takes spells of not communicating with the camera..the flash still goes off but the image is dark...it flashes but nothing is telling it how much..so you have to take the flash off and put it back on to get it working again and guess what..I have the 580Ex II and it did the same thing last night when on a bracket and off camera...Canon said it is a manufacturing problem in the camera itself on 3rd party flashes but they could not explain why my 580ex II does it also. But I love the 7500DX..especially that kicker light in front.