Third Party Flash Units

I currently have two 580 EXII's, I am thinking about getting a few third party flashes for studio use (off camera). I have done a bit of reading and have found a few but still am not sure. I hope some of your POTNers can help. I've read a bit on the Vivitar 285HV, but still want a third opinion. What about Sunpak flashes? If you were to buy 4 flashes and your budget was under $200 per flash which flash would you get? I beleive the 285HV is only $100. Anyways thanks for your time and your help!!

im currently using 430ex as my only canon flash along with (3) nikon sb-28 units. works great. i prefer the nikon over the vivitar cause of the size and more power/zoom adjustments. you can only find them used though. but vivitar and sunpak will work just fine for off-camera usage.

if you look around and keep your ear to the ground in the sell forum you can get 285hv flashes for less than $100. I'm waiting for mine to arrive after I purchased it on POTN. Will be using it as a slave to my 580ex II.

I think with a lot of the cheaper third party flashes its a trade off for features. The 285hv has variable power and a zoom and tilt head. I don't think a sunpak 333 can turn its head? Someone can confirm this**

Really it depends what you are looking for. If you are looking at less than $200 per flash then check out the deals you can get on ebay for a nikon sb 24/25/26/28 flash. Those flashes are definitely reliable and you can get them for under $200. Plus they have more features than a 285hv or sunpak 333.

good luck with it.

i already have two SB24's that i got for free from my dad WOOT! i may go ahead and get the Vivitar 285HV. What are you guys using to trigger your third party slaves?