Best el-cheapo external flashes for use as portable studio strobes?

What is CDPF's opinion on this? I'm getting into using off-camera flashes as portable strobes; I already have a 580EX for my Canon and some wireless triggers. ETTL is not important, as these will all be set manually. I'm really just looking for some decent power for cheap.

Are you wanting battery powered strobes or AC power? How much power do you need (are you trying to overpower the sun)? What is your budget?

I would suggest the Oloong SP-660 II as a slave unit since you already have a 580EX II. this flash has wireless E-TTL and optical slave s1, s2 mode. you can get three SP-660 II for the same price as one Canon 430EX II.
it's also compatible with Nikon's CLS.

http://www.ebay.com …0bf91a92d#ht_15​459wt_1392

jra wrote in post #14067095
Are you wanting battery powered strobes or AC power? How much power do you need (are you trying to overpower the sun)? What is your budget?

Battery powered; remember, I am essentially asking about off-camera flashes (such as my 580EX II).

I use both the Vivitar 285HV and the Yongnuo YN 560. I like the YN 560 best. It is the same size as my Canon 580ex and all accessories, including external power pack work with it.

dedsen wrote in post #14067691
I use both the Vivitar 285HV and the Yongnuo YN 560. I like the YN 560 best. It is the same size as my Canon 580ex and all accessories, including external power pack work with it.

+1 on the Yongnuo 560. I have two, for the money they are probably the best non-eTTL flash.