Don't really want a flash, but...

[Rainyday]

I shoot alot of outdoor pictures and the harsh light needs fill in flash. I'm looking for recommendations for a flash unit that is simple to operate and not too bulky. The built in flash on my Xsi simply isn't powerful enough for what I'm trying to do.

Thanks.

[Gatorboy]

Vivitar 285HV

[pcunite]

Vivitar 285HV

What is the flash sync on that Viv?

[DDCSD]

Have a look at the 430EX, great little flash for the price at around $200.

[tim]

430EX II is the best choice, it's ETTL so it's easier to use than the Vivitar, which is manual.

[Gatorboy]

Flash sync on the Vivtar? Your sync-speed is a camera dependent value.

At $89, the Vivitar is a great value. No ETTL, but was that a requirement?

[RPCrowe]

The Vivitar is a good value and so is the Sunpak 383.

However, I prefer the Canon 430-430EX or 550-580EX models because of the availability of high speed sync. There are times when you will want to shoot faster than the 1/250 second sync speed of the camera because you may want to shoot with a wider aperture for control of depth of field. With the above mentioned Canon units can do this while the Vivitar and Sunpak units force you to keep the shutter speed at or below 1/250 second.

A used 420ex model can be had for $125-150. Sure, that is more expensive than the Vivitar or Sunpak models but, I would rather have the high speed capability. Another advantage of the Canon models is that you can use the 550EX or 580EX as a master for other flash units if you desire more than one light source.

Additionally it is a bit easier to nail down varied exposure situations with TTL flash.

[Rainyday]

Okay, 430EX it is. Thanks, guys!

[nadtz]

Yeah if fill in bright light is the requirement, a flash that does HSS will be easier to work with. Though I wouldn't call it easier to use than an auto flash (look at all the 'how do I... whats wrong with my flash... help me understand flash...' posts here to understand what I mean), it has its benefits. There are other options out there from sigma/metz and the like, but as Im not all that familiar with the ETTL options i'll leave recommendations to others.

Happy hunting.

[Rainyday]

Alas, I just got back from the store and the 430 is $300. So it'll have to wait a bit before I can get one.:(

But I'll put it on my list and in the meantime, just make do I guess.

[DDCSD]

Looks like the prices went up recently.

Keep an eye in the buy/sell section. One just went for $190 on there.

There is also a new version coming out (430EX II), so prices might come down on the 430EX very soon.

The Sigma 530 super is a very good unit also, about the same price as the 430EX only a few more features and a bit more powerful.

[crystalphoto]

The 430EX is only $235 on B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/397664-USA/Canon_0298B002_430EX_TTL_Flash.html).

[c71clark]

I can't believe no one yet has suggested you use a reflector! In bright light, they will give you all the light you need to soften the shadows. AND they are a LOT less expensive than a flash.

[Mark1]

But harder to carry, and hold while you are shooting.

[pcunite]

Flash sync on the Vivtar? Your sync-speed is a camera dependent value.

At $89, the Vivitar is a great value. No ETTL, but was that a requirement?

So it will high-speed sync?

[evolved]

So it will high-speed sync?

nope