Sunpak for a Rebel XTi?

In April, I am buying a new XTi, several Sigma lenses and a few other goodies. I am on a pretty tight budget, being retired and need to cut a few corners. Is anyone using a Sunpak PZ40X II AF TTL Shoe Mount Flash on an XTi and if so, how is it working out for you. I am just a serious hobbiest. Mostly vacation pictures, some in and outdoor sports for my grandkids, parties, that sort of thing. I will probably never use remote flash.

Thanks for any info you can give me.

I'm wondering how the Sunpak PZ40X II stacks up against the older Sunpak PF30X which seems to be selling at or a little over $100 right now.

How about the Sunpak 383? Only $80 and quite powerful.

Sunpak makes good flash units. No doubt it will perform as its specs indicate. The biggest limitation of that unit is lack of a swivel head. Swivel is essential if you want to bounce off the ceiling in vertical orientation. I don't consider the low profile design of the Sunpak to be an advantage. Moving the flash further from the lens is generally a good idea to avoid redeye.

Now let me give you another option or two for you to ruminate on.
The Sigma EF-500 DG ST ($150) as about the same power, greater zooming range, faster recyle time and a bounce/swivel head. It doesn't have as much manual power versatility as the Sunpak, but overall I think it's better value. This flash will handle 99% of what most people use a flash for.

A feature lacking on both of the above mentioned units is high speed sync. It's a fairly specialized capability for outdoor wide aperture shots. To get this feature, you'll need to graduate to a Canon EX series Speedlite or a Sigma EF-500 DG Super ($240).

The Sunpak 383 that Tony mentioned is a great unit. Since it's non-dedicated, it doesn't have an AF assist light, which I find essential in dark indoor environments. It requires a bit more know-how to use effectively, and is much more difficult to use for outdoor fill, where Canon's E-TTL system really shines. But if an $80 flash is all you can afford, the Sunpak 383 will serve you well.

I just looked it up, it has vertical bounce head, not swivel.

Curtis N wrote in post #2714864
The Sigma EF-500 DG ST ($150) as about the same power, greater zooming range, faster recyle time and a bounce/swivel head. It doesn't have as much manual power versatility as the Sunpak, but overall I think it's better value. This flash will handle 99% of what most people use a flash for.

I found this flash on Amazon for $139, I currently have the Super for my Minolta, and like it a lot. I think I might do this.