Beginner flash $100-$200 range?

mike62 · 3rd of November 2008 (Mon)

I am trying to build my equipment list for my new 450D. Thus far I have the stock lens and I have purchased the Canon 55-250IS. I know I need a flash for sure but can't really justify the 580 price tag for my needs. I see the 430EXII for around $200.00. I also saw a Vivatar someone recommended from B&H for $99 that seemed pretty nice.

I take family, vacation, leisure pics, etc. and still to learn the complexities of lighting but the camera flash obviously is not near adequate.

What would be your suggestions in the $100 range for a flash?

$150-$200 range?

Right now I rather put more into lenses when I can as I still have a lot to learn on flashes and most of my pics are outdoors anyway.

Thanks for any suggestions.

bakerbranded · 3rd of November 2008 (Mon)

Get the 430EX.

PhatheadWRX · 3rd of November 2008 (Mon)

+2 for 430EXII

bakerbranded · 3rd of November 2008 (Mon)

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhatheadWRX

+2 for 430EXII

I'm referring to the 430EX I
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-430EX-Sp...5741281&sr=1-1

it is $200

The 430EX II is $270
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlit...5741281&sr=1-2

If you wanted the 430EX II, I might just wait and for $100 more grab a 580EX II

mike62 · 3rd of November 2008 (Mon)

Thanks bakerbranded for that clarification on the EX verse EXII.

bakerbranded · 3rd of November 2008 (Mon)

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike62

Thanks bakerbranded for that clarification on the EX verse EXII.

No probelm!

Headcase650 · 3rd of November 2008 (Mon)

There is a 420EX on the sell forum for $120. You could use it for as long as you like and sell it later at no expense.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...ighlight=420EX

Hears one for $87 with 25% cashback.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-Speedlite-420EX-TTL-Flash_W0QQitemZ330283512050QQcmdZViewItem?hash=ite m330283512050&_trkparms=72%3A1234|39%3A1|66%3A2|65 %3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

ben_r_ · 3rd of November 2008 (Mon)

Another vote for the 430EX here.

CloudINC00 · 4th of November 2008 (Tue)

I vote 430EX I too (even a used 550EX... thats what I use)... and about your want to buy better glass... I think your lighting investments put out more bang for your buck. Besides, the lenses you have will suffice for now.

PhatheadWRX · 4th of November 2008 (Tue)

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhatheadWRX

+2 for 430EXII

430EXI is a good flash too for $200. Just in your OP, you said you have seen the EXII for $200, thats a steal.

hawk911 · 4th of November 2008 (Tue)

the 580 is not just $100 more; those new are like $499.

chabooky386 · 4th of November 2008 (Tue)

430EX will be fine. Buy something you will want and use for the long run. No need for buying something that will do for now and upgrading later on.

Motofreak429 · 4th of November 2008 (Tue)

vivtar for 90 on amazon. and its pretty decent.

bakerbranded · 4th of November 2008 (Tue)

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawk911

the 580 is not just $100 more; those new are like $499.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlit.../dp/B000NP3DJW
$370

Only $100 more then the 430EX II
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlit.../dp/B001CCAISE

telles75 · 4th of November 2008 (Tue)

430EXI... they are cheap now that the version II came out...

3rd of November 2008 (Mon)	#1
mike62 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 146	Beginner flash $100-$200 range? I am trying to build my equipment list for my new 450D. Thus far I have the stock lens and I have purchased the Canon 55-250IS. I know I need a flash for sure but can't really justify the 580 price tag for my needs. I see the 430EXII for around $200.00. I also saw a Vivatar someone recommended from B&H for $99 that seemed pretty nice. I take family, vacation, leisure pics, etc. and still to learn the complexities of lighting but the camera flash obviously is not near adequate. What would be your suggestions in the $100 range for a flash? $150-$200 range? Right now I rather put more into lenses when I can as I still have a lot to learn on flashes and most of my pics are outdoors anyway. Thanks for any suggestions.

3rd of November 2008 (Mon)	#2
bakerbranded Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Erie, PA Posts: 1,595 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Beginner flash $100-$200 range? Get the 430EX. __________________ Scott Baker Photography GEAR BLOG SITE

3rd of November 2008 (Mon)	#3
PhatheadWRX Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 391	Re: Beginner flash $100-$200 range? +2 for 430EXII __________________ frenchbrownphoto.com - flickr - stomping ground Canon 40D Sigma 10-20, Canon 18-55 IS, Tammy 28-75, Canon 100 macro, Canon 70-300 IS USM Canon 430EX, Nikon SB-26

3rd of November 2008 (Mon)	#5
mike62 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 146	Re: Beginner flash $100-$200 range? Thanks bakerbranded for that clarification on the EX verse EXII.

3rd of November 2008 (Mon)	#7
Headcase650 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 1,631 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Beginner flash $100-$200 range? There is a 420EX on the sell forum for $120. You could use it for as long as you like and sell it later at no expense. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...ighlight=420EX Hears one for $87 with 25% cashback. http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-Speedlite-420EX-TTL-Flash_W0QQitemZ330283512050QQcmdZViewItem?hash=ite m330283512050&_trkparms=72%3A1234\|39%3A1\|66%3A2\|65 %3A12\|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 __________________ 60D, Canon 18-135 IS, Sigma 10-20 hsm, 24-70 2.8 hsm, 70-200 2.8 hsm, 430EX II, and all the other stuff that goes along with it. Last edited by Headcase650 : 3rd of November 2008 (Mon) at 17:24.

3rd of November 2008 (Mon)	#8
ben_r_ -POTN's Three legged Support- Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 15,526 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Beginner flash $100-$200 range? Another vote for the 430EX here. __________________ [ Gear List \| Flickr \| My Reviews ] /\|\ Tripod Leg Protection /\|\  GIVE a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. TEACH a man to fish and he'll eat for a lifetime.

4th of November 2008 (Tue)	#9
CloudINC00 Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 129 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Beginner flash $100-$200 range? I vote 430EX I too (even a used 550EX... thats what I use)... and about your want to buy better glass... I think your lighting investments put out more bang for your buck. Besides, the lenses you have will suffice for now. __________________ Canon 30D \| Canon 500D \| Canon 50mm 1.8 \| Canon 18-55 IS \| Vivitar 285HV x3 M42 collection: 50mm 1.4, 55mm 1.7, 58mm 2.0 35mm 2.8, 135mm 2.8 http://cloudinc00.deviantart.com/

4th of November 2008 (Tue)	#11
hawk911 Cream of the Crop Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Racine, Wisconsin Posts: 10,402 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Beginner flash $100-$200 range? the 580 is not just $100 more; those new are like $499. __________________ HAWK Photography Gallery FB Fan page \|_My gear: 5D & 40D (gripped), 580exII, 550ex, Canon 24-70 L & 85 f1.8, Sigma 24-70 & 70-200 f2.8, Kit 18-55, Sigma 1.4xtc; Elinchrom Whore, Cacti, Interfit triggers, Speedotron BD and Kacey Grid, Explorer XT battery

4th of November 2008 (Tue)	#12
chabooky386 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 1,125	Re: Beginner flash $100-$200 range? 430EX will be fine. Buy something you will want and use for the long run. No need for buying something that will do for now and upgrading later on. __________________ Canon 30D ? Canon BG-E2 Battery Grip Dynatran AT-858BL SIMPLE

4th of November 2008 (Tue)	#13
Motofreak429 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Santa Clarita,CA Posts: 485	Re: Beginner flash $100-$200 range? vivtar for 90 on amazon. and its pretty decent. __________________ Canon 5D w/grip 24-70L , 70-200 , Alienbee 800 & 1600 w/ Beauty Dish, Mid Octo, Vagabond, Cybersyncs JAC-images

4th of November 2008 (Tue)	#15
telles75 Goldmember Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,183 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Beginner flash $100-$200 range? 430EXI... they are cheap now that the version II came out... __________________ Rafael T. Nowadays I shoot Nikon, but deep inside I am still a Canon lover... plus Nikonians don't have a cool place to hang like POTN Gear - Model Mayhem - Flickr - Website

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