Flash help needed!

Just starting a photography side biz and offered my services for free to a friend who is getting married next weekend. I don't have an external flash and initially wasn't concerned for various reasons, but the more I think about it the more nervous I get. I obviously don't want to use the camera flash if I don't have to and with the wedding inside even with a f1.4 I'm nervous that I will get a lot of blur. Therefore I'm looking at very inexpensive flash units. I don't have any experience with flash devices so need some advice. Does anyone have experience with either the Rokinon E-TTL II AF or Bower ETTL I/II? Very inexpensive, but will it work for my needs? I'm planning on purchasing a Canon 430ex or 580ex in the future but need something just to get me through until then. Help!

I don't have experience with any of these, but another option to include on your list is the new Yuong Nuo that works with Canon's ETTL. There are different versions of the flash so make sure you're looking at teh Canon ETTL and not the Nikon-compatible one or any of the manual-only models.

Have you considered renting? Rather than spending the money in getting a flash that you're planning on replacing later, you may want to consider renting:

1. http://www.borrowlense​s.com …/Canon_Speedlit​e_580_EXII

2. http://www.lensrentals​.com …edlite-580ex-ii/for-canon

Just a thought.

I don't have experience with flash you mentioned either.

cornickml wrote in post #9388005
I obviously don't want to use the camera flash if I don't have to ..!

Don't be that guy.
If you buy cheaper units, you have to worry about the recycle time.
I would buy used...
430EX - $200
430EXII - $250
580EX - $300
580EXII - $350

Pmolan wrote in post #9388638
Don't be that guy.
If you buy cheaper units, you have to worry about the recycle time.
I would buy used...
430EX - $200
430EXII - $250
580EX - $300
580EXII - $350

used? Those are like new prices, lol.

The 430EX II can be found for $250 NEW
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …0EX_II_Speedlit​e_TTL.html

The 580 EX II can be had for $395 new, $368 if you use bing cash back and ebay (which always has like 8% cash back).

themadman wrote in post #9388675
used? Those are like new prices, lol.

The 430EX II can be found for $250 NEW
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …0EX_II_Speedlit​e_TTL.html

I didnt just make that up.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=810329

Pmolan wrote in post #9389313
I didnt just make that up.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=810329

To be honest, it is frequently not worth buying Canon stuff used as it is almost the same price as new. I always see 50 1.4's and 85 1.8's going for $350 when their new price is around $380. Same thing for flashes, rarely do I see a good deal. Third party stuff is a different story, but Canon stuff, I have always bought mine new =P