what is the best low cost flash?

[twe90kid]

i'm new into the market, just bought XSi, i was wondering what is the best low cost flash that would work for all occasions? i need something that would be perfect for small lightbox shots and for nice night outdoor scenic shots

[silvex]

580EX II is canon top of the line ($400). YOu can also try to the it used here or the older model. There is also the 430ex and 220ex. They are good but have less power.

[cdifoto]

I'd say the Sigma EF-500 Super would be the best bang for buck when it comes to features and power (max oomph). Since the XSi has FEC buried in menus (as far as I know), I'd get the Super since it has dedicated buttons on the flash itself. The lower end ST has no controls on the flash and seriously lacks features but has the same power output as the Super.

The 430EX is the best value for quality build (has the 580EX build quality) but lacks a few features and is a stop less oomphy than the Sigma 500/Canon 580EX.

580EX is the best in build/oomph but you pay for it. Even moreso for the 580EX II.

[twe90kid]

do flash have to be that expensive?

[cdifoto]

Cheaper ones exist but I wouldn't recommend them for all-around use. There are some inexpensive non-ETTL models (Sunpak 383 for example) that work great in manual mode for studio/location work or with limitations in Auto.

I won't recommend anything that I believe isn't made to last.

[twe90kid]

thanks, i forgot to consider that leaving point and shoot and coming to slr would need to throw so much money out for accessories. lens/ flash/ tripods /etc

[nadtz]

If you are willing to learn how to use an auto flash they can be very functional and inexpensive. For 'typical use' I agree with cdifoto though, you will probably be less frustrated (and thus happier) with a TTL flash on camera

[DC Fan]

Some people swear by the Sunpak 383 and its variants because of its blend of power, price and versatility. However, the 383 requires a little experience - but not much - to get the best performance. For those who are new to Canon cameras, a 220ex at around $130 is a good bargain. Shop around and you'll find less expensive third-party flashes (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=search&A=search&Q=&sb=bs%2Cupper%28ds%29&sq=asc&ac=&bsi=&bhs=t&ci=647&shs=&at=Compatible+With_Canon&basicSubmit=Submit+Query) with varying degrees of compatibility with the Canon flash system.

[PhotosGuy]

I won't recommend anything that I believe isn't made to last. These are pretty cheap & mine have worked for decades:
Simple "every-day-emergency" location lighting (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=66358)

[crackaonrice]

Sigma 530DG Super for the win!

[cdifoto]

These are pretty cheap & mine have worked for decades:
Simple "every-day-emergency" location lighting (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=66358)

Yeah I addressed those with the statement "There are some inexpensive non-ETTL models (Sunpak 383 for example) that work great in manual mode for studio/location work or with limitations in Auto."

When I say cheap and not built to last I refer to those low end E-TTL units that take longer to recycle than my full size conversion van takes to get to 60 from a dead stop.

[whchan]

You can find an used 420EX (discontinued) around $120-140. No manual control but has ettl

[Bob D.]

What about the Sunpak PZ42X? Anyone have an opinion on it?
I have a 430EX plus a Vivi 285, but an curious about this Sunpak unit.

[DanteCaspian]

In the market myself.
Is $200 US fair for a Sigma EFDG500 super (used)?

[bigbaby987]

i would say to go ahead and pick up at least a 420/430EX and pick up a tri pod (you can get like a manfrotto 718b for around $100 from B&H), and a good bag (BB carries a canon kit bag for around $50-60).

This is what you should pick up to get started. Trust me. You are not finished buying stuff. But this will give you the ability to travel and get good sharp pictures with good light.

Have fun and welcome to the wonderful world of photography..

[AlanU]

For the price of a new 430EX I'd imagine thats the best bang for the buck. If that doesn't cut it save up for a 580EXII and then you can use the 430EX as a slave. Another alternative is CRY NOW and get a 580EXII and you wont feel you need to upgrade for a very long time.

CDIfoto brought up a good point on recycle times. I cannot stress how irritating slow recycle times can be. The newer EX series has really improved recycling time.

[Canadian Techdiver]

430ex is a good bang for your buck money wise. I just picked up a very gently used 430 ex... I have not shot much with it yet. But going to my wife's cousin's wedding and Will try it out tonight on all the low light applications. So hopefully I can post some pictures after.

I am pretty new too. so I am right with you and just went through all this debate as well.

if money is not an option then yep the 580 is great. but money was an issue for me as this is sort of my third hobbie in a list of expensive ones.

good luck with your quest. check this out it helped me.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-430EX-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx

[adam8080]

For the first year of me owning an SLR, I used an old Sunpak 433 d. You can probably pick them up for about $25 on ebay. It was a huge improvement over the onboard flash. I now have a 430ex and it is a huge improvement over the 433.