Cheap alternatives to Canon brand flash?

[Fihiro]

I'm looking at the prices for the canon branded flashes.

They are way over anything I would consider reasonable at this point (seeing as photography is only but a hobby)

However, some of my shots could really benefit from having a proper flash.
Are their any recommendations out there for me? IE: Vivitar or Sigma or something. I want the ability to tilt the head to bounce off of walls, and something to adjust intensity, but thats all I require at this point (do all modern flashes have E-TTL? )

-Thank you

[tkbslc]

There are about 5 threads on this topic in the first two pages of this thread. Poke around and you'll find some good options.

You didn't mention what your budget was, though. You can get a half-decent Sigma or Sunpak unit for about $100-160. If you want to do the thinking for the flash, you can go with a Vivitar 285 or Sunpak 383, they aren't ETTL, but they are <$100.

Also 380EX or 420EX from canon work good, but you have to get them used. There are a number of cheapie ETTL flashes for Canon available that work fine, but the reliability ratings usually aren't too kind.

[vdao1972]

If you are looking for a flash that uses ETTL, I would stick with Canon branded flashes. But if you plan to use the flash manually, there are tons of great options around. I use a 580 for press stuff where speed is of the essence and use a vivitar 283 bounced off a brolly for slower, more leisurely photos. The vivitar ran me $40 on ebay and with the vario-power adapter, the kit ran me $60. I have had the vivitar for over 2 years now with no problems whatsoever with it.
Hope this helps your search!

[M_ark]

one answer to this question:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542936-REG/Vivitar_DF400MZC_DF400MZ_Digital_TTL_Shoe.html
cheap, Has ETTL II