Do I need the TTL cord?

I just bought a car so I have a smaller budget than I am used to.

I want to start playing with flash photography and found this flash unit.
http://www.amazon.com …FIT0E/ref=pd_bx​gy_p_img_a

I'm just wondering, do I need a TTL cord with it? I noticed the outfits that come with the flash bracket have the cord too. I plan to probably mount it directly to the camera so I'm not sure there's a need for the cord...

Also, does anyone have experience with this brand of flash? Is it any good?

Thanks,
Dan

I have no experience with this brand but based on the Amazon product description you do not need a TTL cord in order for the flash to work with your Rebel XTi...IF you plan on putting the flash on the hotshoe of your camera.

The TTL cord would be required if (and when) you want to have the flash "off camera". Think of the cord like an extension cord. It just allows you to move the flash "off" to a bracket, a stand, hand held, etc. and still maintain communication with the camera so it can sync with the shutter properly and put out the proper amount of light (hopefully!).

You can work a flash off camera without a TTL cord but now you are getting into wireless triggers and all other kinds of issues.

ethos101 wrote in post #5984354
I just bought a car so I have a smaller budget than I am used to.

I want to start playing with flash photography and found this flash unit.
http://www.amazon.com …FIT0E/ref=pd_bx​gy_p_img_a

I'm just wondering, do I need a TTL cord with it? I noticed the outfits that come with the flash bracket have the cord too. I plan to probably mount it directly to the camera so I'm not sure there's a need for the cord...

Also, does anyone have experience with this brand of flash? Is it any good?

Thanks,
Dan

save your money and buy a 430ex or even a sigma Super 500 DG. much more useful and compatible.

Thanks for the quick reply.

I see theres a whole wireless TTL unit for just over 100.

Dan

turbodude wrote in post #5984542
save your money and buy a 430ex or even a sigma Super 500 DG. much more useful and compatible.

Does that mean you DO have experience with the unit I was inquiring about?

I can't see the back of the flash from that link but I suspect it is a unit being sold out of China under several different names. I have a version labeled as Vivitar. It was even cheaper than the unit you are looking at and I just added it to my collection. It has a motorized zoom and full manual control down to 1/16th power and full e-ttl. It functions as it should except....that annoying charging sound doesn't really go away even when it's fully charged, a sign of cheaper electronics. If you are shooting in a quiet environment and have good hearing you will be annoyed! I usually slave it so it hasn't been a big issue but be warned.

Cheers

Gotcha. Thanks for the info.

I've been reading through all the flash/studio posts and stickys. GREAT information here man I could (and probably will, heck I have been for some time now) spend days just reading through this forum.

Anyways I think I'm gonna save up for the Sigma if not maybe a Canon unit. I hate when companies advertise guide numbers and their products fail to meet their own standard out of the box.

Thanks!

As a secondary unit it is worth the money.

Cheers