Need flash advice

[Pat H]

I'm looking into buying a flash for my Rebel XT. I'm kind of cheap when it comes to things like this so I was wondering if there was another brand of flash that is just as good as Canon but can be found for a cheaper price. Also, what type should I look into getting? I know nothing about flashes since I'm just starting out with an SLR. Any help is appreciated.

[markubig]

Hi Pat -
You can get a new 420ex for $180 at B&H and for cheaper if you look for a used one. Is that still out of your range?

[Pat H]

hmm..sounds like a good deal. The one I was shown by a friend was about $400, but now that I think of it, it was probably the 580EX. I'll look into it, thanks!

[markubig]

yes, 580 is latest and greatest, thus the most expensive. The knock on the 420 is that it doesn't have FEC on the flash unit. This was bad for 300D owners who didn't have FEC on the camera, so they just plain didn't have FEC (that's Flash Exposure Control, btw).

Anyway, your RebelXT has FEC, so it's not an issue anymore. Also, the 420 can only be used as a slave flash in a wireless ETTL setup. When you eventually get your 580exhttp://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif, you can keep that 420 as a slave flash unit.

Good luck!

[tucked]

Don't forget the Sigma 500-dg super. Almost as good as a 550ex/580ex... but far less!

[David1943]

I felt as though I was paying more than I should when I bought my 550EX but I wouldn't be without it now I realise what a superb bit of kit it really is. When I received it, I took it out the box, put batteries in it, attached it to my 300D and immediately shot two very well exposed pictures of a friend without even looking at any instructions.

If you can go the extra mile, do at least have a look at one. The only minus as far as I'm concerned is its heavy weight.

Happy snapping, David :)

[tim]

FEC can be used on the camera or on the flash, I suspect if you set it on the camera it overrides what you set on the body, but i'm not sure of that.

The 420EX will take as good a photo as the 550EX, the camera controls the exposure, the flash just makes light. The 550EX is more powerful and has manual control, but the only button I touch on the flash is the power switch.

[scottbergerphoto]

FEC can be used on the camera or on the flash, I suspect if you set it on the camera it overrides what you set on the body, but i'm not sure of that.


FEC on the flash (550EX) overrides the setting on the body.
Page 37 of the 550EX manual.

[Curtis N]

Go for the off brands. Buy for features and capabilities, not brand name. You will eventually kick yourself if you don't get one with FEC and/or the ability to vary the output manually.

[Titus213]

Go for the off brands. Buy for features and capabilities, not brand name. You will eventually kick yourself if you don't get one with FEC and/or the ability to vary the output manually.

The only caveat I would add is that when spending this much money (and nearly $300 is a bunch for me) I take into account build quality/durability too. Features and capabilities for sure, but they have to last...

[scottbergerphoto]

If you plan on doing alot of wireless ETTL, stick with Canon. People have reported problems with the Sigma flashes in this area.

[Darter]

Depending on usage and needs, consider the ProMaster 7500 DX. It's built quite well. I had a 7000M for 11 years and it still felt like new after all that time of rotating and tilting the bounce head. The 7500 is even sturdier and trimmed down a bit in physical size. IIRC, it has the output of the 550 for the price of the 420. The secondary flash on the unit is quite a nice bonus too since it gives you two sources of light in one unit.