Need flash for Rebel XT Sigma, Promaster or Other?

Ok I am ready to pull the trigger on a Flash unit for my Rebel XT. Yes I am old school with the XT. I need a flash unit and I would like to get as many features as possible for $200. I need tilt, swivel, variable output and maybe front and rear curtain synch. Now I'm not sure if I will any focus functioning by buying a non canon brand so I need input and help.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Sigma are a good off-brand unit, but they're $240 or so. For $189 you can get the Sigma 530, not the super, so no wireless on that model I don't think.

I don't know anything about promaster.

Front/read curtain sync is in the camera body, not the flash, all flashes will do it.

I have 2 XT's and an XTI, and I have 2 promaster 7500dx's..they have a module just for the XT. Will also work wireless, zoom flash head, etc..I like it alot.

spring for the 430ex you wont be sorry.

I know at least 2 people that went for the sigma ones, then later felt the need to upgrade to the canon version.

the interface on a canon is arguably better and you won't regret it if you expand your flash kit, or decide to sell it off used.

The power of the 580ex is not necessary in most photography from my experience.

MikeMcL wrote in post #5563834
spring for the 430ex you wont be sorry.<Snip>
The power of the 580ex is not necessary in most photography from my experience.

I am still learning about flashes so i'm not an authority on the subject, but i understand the 430 cannot act as slave flash? - where the 580 can?
this is why i'd be inclined more to the 580... though my wallet at present is inclined in the other direction (cheaper).

The 430 works fine as a slave, just not a master. The 580 is both.

for the money and since you're starting out, get the 430EX.

tim wrote in post #5563717
Front/read curtain sync is in the camera body, not the flash, all flashes will do it.

I think only dedicated flashes will do rear-curtain sync on EOS cameras.

e-k

as tim said, the 430 will work as a slave... later on when you upgrade your kit to include a 580 ex.

That is what i was getting at in the other piece i said. Many people get a 430, learn, then get a 580, and do 2-point flash... very effective and easy to handle.

Oh, a 550ex is the cheaper, older version of the 580 and it will also work as a master/slave.

Someone told me that Promaster is made by Sunpak. My local photo supplier gave me a number on a Promaster flash 3500 EDF (I think) but I can't find anything out about it.

EM3 wrote in post #5569668
Someone told me that Promaster is made by Sunpak. My local photo supplier gave me a number on a Promaster flash 3500 EDF (I think) but I can't find anything out about it.

The Promaster that has a dedicated module for the XT and XTI is the 7500DX

http://www.promaster.c​om …50&SubCatID=3&s​m=sm2_1503

Shooting wrote in post #5570618
The Promaster that has a dedicated module for the XT and XTI is the 7500DX

http://www.promaster.c​om …50&SubCatID=3&s​m=sm2_1503

i looked at that link... seems like a good unit but the last line seemed a little bit Apples+Apples=Pears

. . .Even though you can adjust the "film" speed setting on your digital camera, you really are only adjusting the software. Setting the ISO does not really change the ability of the camera's sensor to absorb light . . .

from: http://www.promaster.c​om …&page=PROD&prod​uct=7500DX

otherwise seems like it has 430ex type features?