Whats a good slave flash

[mindchatter]

I'm looking for one with a built in optical sensor to go along with my 430ex... thank you

[Curtis N]

There are a few units that I know of that have a built-in slave sensor and adjustable manual mode (which is also pretty important). These would include the Sigma EF-530 DG Super and the Promaster 7500DX. I'm sure there are others. Available on the used market is the Nikon SB-26. The Nikon SB-800 could also be used but it's awfully pricey for this purpose.

While it's handy to have a built-in slave sensor, it's nearly as simple (and generally cheaper) to attach a slave sensor to almost any old flash unit. Slave sensors are available that connect via PC connection or hotshoe (or both), and can be found for $10 to $40. Please note that generally speaking, Canon EX Series Speedlites don't work properly when connected to optical slaves. I have a couple units, including a Sunpak 383, that have hotshoe-type slaves attached to them all the time.

More details in this thread:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=308108

One other possible option: Maybe look for a used 550EX to use as master with the 430EX as slave, using Canon's wireless flash system. This would give you the additional option of E-TTL mode and ratios you can adjust on the master.

[mindchatter]

I'd love to have a 550 but my wallet told me no...

[Curtis N]

Well if you don't have the budget for a used 550EX then probably the Sigma and Promaster will be out of range, too. They're both upwards of $200. I don't know what the SB-26 is going for nowadays, but the Strobist crowd has created quite a demand for them so bargains are hard to come by.

[mindchatter]

Im thinking the sunpak 383 with an optical shoe. Any advice on it?

[Curtis N]

It works for me!

But if you need advice you'll need to be more specific. From what I've read, even the cheap optical slaves available on E-Bay seem to work fine. If you go with a hotshoe type slave, be sure it has a threaded hole in the bottom for mounting. Not always necessary but it comes in handy sometimes. Wein makes some good slave that are built strong enough you can drive a truck over them. Avoid the "digital slaves."