best way to spend $100

this is new to me so dnt go hard=D.i want to try off camera flash. i have no idea or what so ever on how it works.=D i have 40D and 430ex. any comments is muc appreciated

http://www.mpex.com/pa​ge.htm?PG=Strobist%20K​its

will see.=D i already have a light stand, umbrella and flash. thanks for the input though

how does pc cord work? what do i need for my 40D and 430 ex?

PC cable should work. You'll need a shoe for the 430EX to connect the PC cable to it. The guy to talk to is FlashZebra - http://www.flashzebra.​com/hotshoes-shoes/index.shtml

You will not be able to use E-TTL.

cactus or pc? which is best for you? flashzebra is out of stock.

I've avoided the Cactus simply because I already have enough stress in my life. The failure rate on them is just high enough to keep me away. And since I shoot quite often for money I want more dependability. Despite its limitations I've been happy so far with the Canon wireless system.

I am looking into upgrading my AB triggers to their new units though.

i want to introduce myself to this things, specially wireless. im looking forward of getting pw but i think it won't hurt if i try cactus for intoduction.=D tanks for the input.=D

Ugh, I hate the cactus triggers. If you just want to practice at home by yourself on inanimate objects that might be okay. If you were willing to just throw extra money around for that specific reason only. But If I were you I'd save up for pocket wizards. I almost went on an engagement shoot with cactus triggers, but after testing them out at home... I didn't want them to go through the same frustration of guessing which one of the best shots got ruined because it wouldn't trigger. I was forced to shop for better, almost got the skyports which aren't bad... but I ended up getting pocket wizards because of their high reputation. I have never lost a great shot because of trigger problems since.