What would be my best flash for my money?

[bfriend]

I recently bought a canon digital rebel and I love it. Now I want to buy a flash for it and im not really sure which one would be the best purchase for my money and I would also like to be insured that my choice would be 100% compatible.



I really like the Canon 580EX which is going for around $400, but it is out of my price range right now. I am prepared to spend around $200 - $250 for a flash but I am unsure which on I should buy.



There are 3 models that catch my eye, but could some one please help me decide and please let me know if they are similar to the canon 580ex which I can not afford.



#1) Sigma EF-500 DG Super E-TTL II Shoe Mount Flash for Canon EOS for $199.95

(http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=352101&is=REG (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=352101&is=REG))



#2) Canon 420EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash for $179.95

(http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=206436&is=USA (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=206436&is=USA))



#3) Quantaray - QDC-900WA Digital Zoom Flash for Canon Digital Rebel for $179.99

(http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=13161353&bct=t1004%3Bc5849722 (http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=13161353&bct=t1004%3Bc5849722))



Thanks



Bill Friend

(bfriend@wi.rr.com)

[scottbergerphoto]

Since the Rebel doesn't have FEC without the Hack, I suggest a flash that allows you to dial it in on the flash like the Sigma 500DG Super or the Canon 550EX or 580EX. The 420EX has no manual controls. If you plan on using the Hack, and you don't think you'll be doing wireless ETTL or Manual Flash, the the 420EX is a good start.
Scott

[mhanlen]

If you decide to go with the 420EX, then Amazon.com has it for $181 bucks which includes shipping.

[Illegally_Alive]

If you decide to go with the 420EX, then Amazon.com has it for $181 bucks which includes shipping.

Which is also the price of the Sigma. Better flash, same price.

[Dennis_H]

I have the same setup and got the Sigma in last week from Delta International for $180

http://www.deltainternational.com/store/Item_SGFDGSUPERC.htm

It seems to be a good flash for the money. I replaced a 540EZ that doesn't work with the digital series. The build quality is not up to the Canon, but is certainly adequate. I used it a little yesterday at 60' distance or so and it seemed to work fine.

Dennis_H

[Persian-Rice]

Sigma 500 is the best bang for the buck.

[Mike Panic]

$250 will get you a minty used 550ex

[Mac]

I have had my Sigma Super for about a month now, and I love it. It is amazing what I can do with it...now I just need to learn what it is all used for... :D

[elbirth]

I have the Sigma 500 DG Super and it's a really nice flash

[Fills]

I researched this for a short while, and with what your comparing there is no better choice than the Sigma. I ordered it last week. The 550 or 580 may be better, but for the price the 420 is not as good as the Sigma.

[merrrrjig]

I just bought the 420 EX flash and I love it! I dont think the recycle speed on the other lenses are faster. I needed the fast recyle for my action shots