Looking for flash for Digital Rebel

I've read the sticky posts, but they don't answer my question.
My son has a Digital Rebel, with a Canon 17-40 L-series lens. He's looking for a reasonably priced (can't afford to spend lots) flash that will mount on the hot shoe and not cause vignetting with this lens.
He mentioned the Canon Speedlight 220EX, but I saw no mention of this in the sticky post.
Will this flash unit meet his requirements (re. hot shoe, price)? Can you recommend any other units?
Thanks for any help you can provide.

The 220EX is old and low powered, i'd not recommend buying one if you didn't already have it. The 430EX is an excellent unit, even a 420EX would be fine.

One thing you need to consider is flash compensation. The 300D doesn't do it, so you will need the flash unit to have the ability to change the strength of its output.

Note, there are modified versions of the camera firmware available on the net that give this function, allowing you to consider cheaper flash options.

Drk Orange makes a very good point. Without FEC, using flash can be a frustrating experience. If you're using a 300D, make sure you get a flash unit with FEC.

The 430EX is the minimum Canon flash that I would recommend, for reasons stated above. The 300D camera cannot adjust the flash exposure if it isn't right (it could be wrong for a variety of reasons). The 430EX allows the flash exposure compensation to be dialed into the flash unit.

For the cost, the 420 or 430 are best choices. They are capable and easy to use. I opted to go with the 580EX after doing heavy investigations on the two flashes. For my purposes, the 580 won, but on a budget, the 430 would have been just great.

580 EX is the best.
430 EX will do.
IMHO

I love my 580EX, I cant recommend it enough. Yeah its not cheap but you get what you paid for.

580EX all the way. It'll probably outlast the use of your cameara.

sense you are on a budget Here is a reasonably priced flash. its not as feature rich as the canons but its much cheaper and will work with ttl, ettl or ettl II. It comes in black or silver. Make sure, what ever you get is ettl II compatable.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ghType=category​Navigation

I bought a 420EX for my 300D, and am very happy with it. It compared very favorably with the 550EX at the time, while being half the price. The only thing the 550 had that the 420 didn't was flash power adjustment, but that can be done in camera quite easily.

Here is a nice roundup of Canon flashes:

http://bobatkins.com …eosfaq/ex_speed​lites.html

sigma 500 super. essentially all the features of a 550 or 580, at less than the price of a 430.

the sunpack looks nice but can't be used as part of wireless setup, should you eventually go that route.

Thanks, all, for the prompt responses. We will look into your various suggestions.

Drk Orange, are these modified firmware versions from Canon, or are they hacked? Can you point me to the sites where I can download them? Thanks.

They're hacked from the 10d firmware.
http://www.bobatkins.c​om …_rebel_firmware​_hack.html

Thanks, all, for the helpful replies.
My son ordered the 430 EX today. I'm sure he'll be happy with it.