WHICH FLASH FOR A 7D

Do I stick with a canon flash like a speedlite 580 or the new 600 or a off brand?

If you want to use the flash unit as a master to control other flashes, you'll basically need either a 580EX II or 600EX-RT. If you don't need this capability, you could check into Yongnuo and other third party units. The Yongnuo 568EX sells for around $190 and has E-TTL and high speed sync capability, and is claimed by the manufacturer to be as powerful as the 580EX II; it's fully controllable using your 7D's built-in flash and flash menu. See here https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1220090 for more on the YN-568EX.

Id stick with the 580exii. Used price is about $300. I think thats half the cost of the new 600. I would get the 600 but im too invested in pocketwizards to make use of the 600 RT.

Yeah get a 580. A used version 1 can be had for under $300.

I would recommend the 580. Have been using one for a few months now and it works flawlessly with the wireless trigger system built into the camera. No issues outdoors as soon have reported.

Thanks for all your input. I'm going to get the 580. Man I love this forum. Enjoy

I picked up a brand new 580 EX II with an off camera shoe cord for $420 off craigslist. Thanks again for all your input.

when my flash NEEDS to work perfectly, i grab my 580ex II.

I also have some yongnou YN568 (which is like a 580ex II copy, but without the battery port on the side) which i use for off camera. I let my 2nd shooter demo it out, it worked well, i just don't like the IR grid it displays, it's a little more "distracting" than the canon version. But the price is right, around $180 shipped.