Best single off camera flash?

[SK6]

I still find flash photo very confusing, I plan on purchasing a 430ex here soon but won't have much need for just one flash but I don't need more than two...soooo what would be the best single off camera flash for me? Yes money is an issue so I can't buy two 430's.

Uses include but not limited to..

action sports
automotive
*some* outdoors portraits

[40Dude6aedyk]

Do you need eTTL or not?

[Zansho]

Off camera would be strictly in manual mode, so probably something like a Vivitar or a Sunpak might work well for you. The only ways you can use ettl on a Canon flash (or any other ettl capable flash) is to have an ST-E2 transmitter or a dedicated cable that allows you to communicate the ETTL functions to the flash and camera. Pocket wizards and other wireless triggering devices aside from the ST-E2 transmitter do not transmit ettl data.

If you just need a manual off camera flash, you can't go wrong with sunpaks or vivitars, really. They're cheap, can be had on ebay for under 40 bucks, and they can take a beating too.

[SK6]

I'd probably use a cord, st-e2 is way out of my budget and i don't completly understand ettl so I don't need it.

[Zansho]

Then you might want to look into getting some Sunpaks or Vivitars, maybe even a Metz hammerhead style flash, those things are dead powerful.

I got my Norman 200B's off of ebay for 120 bucks, and they're super strong. You can use them in a variety of ways, including barebulb, reflector, or tele-reflector on the head. 200 WS power is pretty damn nice for a portable sytem!

[SK6]

Then you might want to look into getting some Sunpaks or Vivitars, maybe even a Metz hammerhead style flash, those things are dead powerful.

I got my Norman 200B's off of ebay for 120 bucks, and they're super strong. You can use them in a variety of ways, including barebulb, reflector, or tele-reflector on the head. 200 WS power is pretty damn nice for a portable sytem!

I was looking at two 285 HV's as an option as well with the extra money going to cactus v2's. I'd just like a on camera flash besides the master.. if I used the 430 and a 285 in cross lighting would the 430 overpower the 285 even at the same setting? I hope thats a stupid question.

[SpanishLustre]

Please don't laugh at me, HAHA.. I know NOTHING about flash photography, I'm trying to learn here!
What is ETTL?
Thanks in advance. :)

[40Dude6aedyk]

eTTL is Canon's evaluative through-the-lens flash exposure. Basically it is where the camera controls the flash after firing a short test flash. It is NOT manual flash. If you want the camera to set the slave flash via eTTL, then you need a master/slave flash combo that supports eTTL.

[kniteshade]

e-ttl is 'through the lens' metering. Using it means camera will meter the scene and calculate appropriate flash settings automatically. This is only possible with on-camera, ST-E2, or a OC-E3 cable.

Any other type of off-camera flash you will need to use full manual. You set flash power manually, then set manual settings in the camera. You have more control and its usually cheaper setup cost, but its more time consuming.

[tim]

SK6, we really need to know what you're trying to achieve, the situation, and your experience level before we can recommend equipment.

For people wanting to learn about flash read the sticky threads/FAQs. They also link to a great resource called the EOS Flash Bible (http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/).

[SK6]

Tim-you need to read my first post.

[tim]

Are you professional or amateur? What's your budget? Why do you feel you need flash? What effect are you trying to achieve?

[SK6]

Are you professional or amateur? What's your budget? Why do you feel you need flash? What effect are you trying to achieve?

well if I was pro I'd hope I wouldn't be asking about this. I don't have a "budget" I can only piece together the kit slowly but in the long run I don't want to go over 450. I don't NEED a flash, I'd just like to expand my skills. Various effects.

few examples

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQXpb9Wfo_w&eurl=http://video.google.com/videosearch?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADBR_enUS225US225&q=cross%20lightingiurl=http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/BQXpb9Wfo_w/hqdefault.jpg&feature=player_embedded

http://a853.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/62/l_d5dc1e2509f89ad0860ece91a3015c74.jpg

[tim]

I started out with a cheap setup, Sunpak flashes and ebay slaves, but they're unreliable and too slow for me. I ended up throwing away and selling what I originally got and purchased 580EX II units and a Skyport radio system. I shoot professionally though, and have zero tolerance for gear that doesn't work reliably every time.

The cheapest option will be a Vivitar flash and Gadget Infinity radio triggers. The downside is manual control of flash power only, no ETTL, slow recharge and unreliable triggers. I have a couple of Sunpak 383s i'll sell when I get around to it.

Another option is a 430EX II (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/571297-USA/Canon_2805B002_430EX_II_Speedlite_TTL.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) and Skyport (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505381-REG/Elinchrom_EL_19360_EL_Skyport_Universal_Radio_Slav e.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) radio slaves. This is a lot more expensive, but will charge more quickly and trigger reliably.

Even better a 580EX II (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486706-USA/Canon_1946B002_580EX_II_Flash.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) with a Canon CP-E4 battery pack (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498738-REG/Canon_1947B001_Compact_Battery_Pack_CP_E4.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114). You get an extra stop of power, and recharge time drops to about 2 seconds.

You'll also want some light stands (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/114161-REG/Smith_Victor_401291_Raven_8_Black_Light.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114), an umbrella bracket (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298709-REG/Impact_3117_Umbrella_Bracket.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) to mount the flash to the stand, and you may need a cord to connect the receiver to the flash (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/421306-REG/Paramount_PMMHSF1_Miniphone_to_Female_Hot.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114).

Mix and match parts to achieve the performance and price you want.