Flashes for Canon Rebel Xti

Hey guys! Newbie here!

A while back, I decided to buy a Phoenix Smartflash 99C for my Powershot S5 IS and it worked fine. I then upgraded to a Rebel Xti and although it had done OKAY in most situations, I am starting to notice that I am getting more out of focus shots than I did with my S5. I messed around with the camera settings and I it just seems to me that it is the flash itself that is causing the problems.

I do mostly nightclub/nighttime stuff so a flash with a nice, solid and powerful AF assist light is important to me. I have looked at some flashes but at the moment, I can either save up for the 430ex or get the Opteka EF-600 DG right now. I have been reading mixed reviews on the Sigma EF-500 DG Super but I have not seen too many reviews on the Opteka flash.

So, for less than $150 total, which one should I get?

Hope to learn more from this forum and contribute.

Thanks for the help!

Twin Turbo

I'd say go with the 430 or a vivitar 285hv

I have the sigma super 500 and love it found it on ebay for $150. I also have vivitar 285's which are great for strobist work team them up with some budget cactus triggers and you have off camera flash. If you feel you will be using more of an on camera flash for fill or bounce go with something that supports ttl like the 430 or 500 super, and you can also control manually if you like.

I''ll second the Sigma 500.