question about acsessories

can a cannon xsi be used with non cannon flashes and lenses?

if so what would i need to look for when looking into lenses and flashes

also how does one controll those unbrella and non camera mounted flashes ?

newfiebull wrote in post #7053314
can a cannon xsi be used with non cannon flashes and lenses?

if so what would i need to look for when looking into lenses and flashes

also how does one controll those unbrella and non camera mounted flashes ?

Welcome to POTN. Your XSI can use non-Canon lenses (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, etc.) that are designed for the Canon EOS mount.

It can also accept numerous older lenses with appropriate adapters and the use of manual focus.

The question about flashes is not so clear cut. There are some non-Canon flashed that offer E-TTL control, some that you can use in various other modes and some, mostly older flashes, that, due to high trigger voltages, could potentially cause damage to your camera.

You might want to check the "stickies" at the top of the lenses and flash forums for good information and more complete answers to your questions.

i dont like the auto focus anyway i have been playing mostly with the manual focus and as for the lights i was more so wondering what it is that makes you able to control non camera mounted flashes

Tons of flash info here: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=138907