Which Flash system?

I have recently purchased the 20d and now wonder which flash and how many to buy ,to use as a portable portrait set up. Can i use the cheaper sigma etc or is this a false economy. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

ETTl-II is part of the camera, not the flash. Get the 420EX unless you have a good reason to get the 550EX or the 580EX.
- 550EX - more power, more controls on the camera.
- 580EX - a little more power again, and knowledge of the 1.6X crop means less area illuminated = less power used = faster recharge times.

580ex and if you need more lights get a few 420's or 550's since their price has dropped, and the 580 will control the others, as they will act as slaves

Thanks Ill check these out

Totally get the 580EX. It will work better with the 20D to give you more accurate exposures. Also take my word for it. You may not need the power now, but once you figure out how wireless multiple i-ttl flash works, you will start buying light stands to put these guys on and shoot through umbrellas, etc. etc. Those types of modifiers suck up the light real fast.

I come from a studio strobe background and have all that equipment. I still only use standard strobes if I am in my studio or if I have the time to pack/lug/set-up etc.

These do not replace studio lights for all situations. They augment them. Give you more tools to work with. Like a point gaurd compliments a great center.

What they will do though is give you portability and speed. That means opportinity and or money depending on your goals.

I always have a small (relatively) in my vehical that has the following:

Three light stands
A mini light stand
A very small mini boom
A couple foldable reflectors
A couple bounce/shoot thru umbrellas
A couple 8X16 collapsable backgrounds that can just be leaned up on a wall

It typically takes me about 5 minutes to completely set up a shoot.

I hate to put a number on it, but I would say you get 85% of the results for 15% the effort.

THIS IS REAL IMPORTANT - Learn the basics of lighting and lighting ratios. Get a basic studio set up if you can afford. These things are ment to build on knowlede/abilites. They are not magic.

AKREAGER Thanks-Which portable studio set up would you recommend?