Newbie looking for a flash

Hi all... first post here.

I've had my Rebel XSi for about 6 months or so and I'm looking to add an external flash. My main desire/need is to take better pictures indoor of my little 10 month old daughter (she's moving all the time!).

I am a total newbie to the flash world, so I've come here for advice. Should I even consider the 220EX or 270EX models, or should I go straight to the 430EX? I think the added features of the 430EX may give me better options down the road as I develop more skill/interested with flash, but it of course costs more than the other two.

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

FYI... the 580EX is out of my price range, so unfortunately, it's not an option.

ggweci wrote in post #8915133
Hi all... first post here.

I've had my Rebel XSi for about 6 months or so and I'm looking to add an external flash. My main desire/need is to take better pictures indoor of my little 10 month old daughter (she's moving all the time!).

I am a total newbie to the flash world, so I've come here for advice. Should I even consider the 220EX or 270EX models, or should I go straight to the 430EX? I think the added features of the 430EX may give me better options down the road as I develop more skill/interested with flash, but it of course costs more than the other two.

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

FYI... the 580EX is out of my price range, so unfortunately, it's not an option.

if you can get a 430EX, then go for it or the 430EXII. don't even consider the 270EX

Sorry, I meant the 430EX II.

That's one I was leaning towards, but if I could save some money (plus get a more portable unit) without losing too many features, I may have considered the lower end models.

Did some more research last night and I think the 430EX II is the best choice for the long run, given my budget.

Thanks.

430ex, either incarnation I or II. The 430exII is a little nicer, but if you can find a 430ex on the used forum here it will serve you just as well.

I have a newbie question. I have an XTi and I am debating getting either the 430 ex ii or the 580 ex ii. My question is, if I connect either of these to the camera via a hot shoe cable, will I still be able to use the XTi's E-TTL II functionality?

Thanks,
DougT

Yes, provided you get the proper cable. I like these http://flashzebra.com …/ettlcords/inde​x.shtml#at

The vendor is a member here, gives great support, and they are a very fair price..

Thanks! I was just reading the description for the cord on Canon USA's site and the description said that ETTL and ETTL II was not supported. I was wondering how the flash could tell it wasn't on a camera's shoe.

Thanks again,
DougT

dougT wrote in post #8919447
Thanks! I was just reading the description for the cord on Canon USA's site and the description said that ETTL and ETTL II was not supported. I was wondering how the flash could tell it wasn't on a camera's shoe.

Thanks again,
DougT

OCE 3 cords just like the one of flashzebra posted above supports ETTL functionality.

dougT wrote in post #8919447
Thanks! I was just reading the description for the cord on Canon USA's site and the description said that ETTL and ETTL II was not supported. I was wondering how the flash could tell it wasn't on a camera's shoe.

Thanks again,
DougT

Not sure which cable you were looking at, but there are several that allow you to use the flash away from the camera just as if it were on the hotshoe

I was looking here:
http://www.usa.canon.c​om …14998#SNAModelS​uppliesAct

I started with the $65 and $70 Connecting Cords and they say NO ETTL for you!

There is no entry either way for the others, which is why I decided to look on PONT for something definitive. I like the look of the FlashZebra products so I will go that way. Now I just have to argue with my piggy bank about 430 vs. 580. I'm leaning towards the 580 since it will act as a master.

DougT

OP, the 430 EX-II would be a good flash to start with.

dougT wrote in post #8919613
I was looking here:
http://www.usa.canon.c​om …14998#SNAModelS​uppliesAct

I started with the $65 and $70 Connecting Cords and they say NO ETTL for you!

There is no entry either way for the others, which is why I decided to look on PONT for something definitive. I like the look of the FlashZebra products so I will go that way. Now I just have to argue with my piggy bank about 430 vs. 580. I'm leaning towards the 580 since it will act as a master.

DougT

The one you would want from canon is the OC-E3, lower on the page. The ones I linked to earlier are cheaper and just as well built. (I have both)

Thanks for all the info.

I am leaning towards the 580 simply because, even though it's $200 street price more than the 430, it will act as a master and take an external battery pack.

Back when in the stone age when I used a 35mm, I have a vivitar flash -- who didn't -- with the battery pack. It was great. No lag, no missed shots. Then again, I didn't have rent/kids/wife/etc back then ...

Is there a third party flash that will speak ETTL II and act as master and take an external battery pack? Yea I'm asking for a lot but what the hell. This is that great time when I haven't bought anything -- besides the camera -- and I can dream.

DougT

580 is a great flash, you wont be disappointed. Ettl is great for situations where shooting conditions change from shot to shot. But if you are thinking multiple lights, consider radio triggers and manual flash. A lot more bang for the buck. You can put that old vivitar back to work.

Buy as much flash as you can afford, it will save you from selling it as your skills progress.