Cheap alternative to 550 or 580 EX

I have a 550ex and am looking for another similar output flash for my little strobist setup. I have a couple stands umbrellas and Cowboy Studio popper deals that dont support TTL. So I just need a manual slave.
What are my inexpensive choices.

I searched this forum and found some older sunpacks were suggested but they were discontinued. What would you suggest?

Thanks....Sorry if this has been answered over and over again.

-Matt

Check out the Yongnuo flashes.

just pick up the Yongnuo YN 460 II for like $45 shipped from eBay or deal extreme.

I'f you've already got the means to trigger them, then go on craigslist or pick up anything you can. In fact, get two cheap ones for when one breaks.
I don't mean to sound rude, but you're in a really good position. Try anything cheap. If/when it breaks, get another one. 30 to 50 bucks should get you going.
It's when you require a LOT of light, or ETTL....now THAT'S when it gets expensive.

Awesome....Thanks you guys....That looks to be perfect for my needs.

I got the YN-468 because it is my first flash and wanted to retain E-TTL II functionality, bit they have a number of models, such as the 460 II that was mentioned that would be great for manual flash.

That's good to know as well....Who knows I might upgrade to some better remotes that support TTL (someday).

CosmoKid wrote in post #10487134
just pick up the Yongnuo YN 460 II for like $45 shipped from eBay or deal extreme.

Do you own one? because I want to buy the YN 460 but want to know which omnibounce will fit

Pick up several Canon 540EZ's..... about $75.oo on eBay.
They are "EXACTLY" like the 550EX's but the 550's are for Digital Cameras and the 540's are for Film Cameras. You won't have to concern yourself with learning another Flash System and if you have the CP-E3 or CP-E4 Battery Pack, it'll work with both flashes..... and any and all of your modifiers for the 550 will work on the 540!

I agree with above poster. 540ez are very nice.

Ahhh....Now that seems like an even better solution....

YN-560

ninetwentynine wrote in post #10489326
YN-560

+1

FYI, KEH has a few BGN quality 550EX units for $165.

Well, they did before I bought two of them. They're one you're already familiar with, and they're pretty inexpensive. You can also use them to trigger each other, so can get Wireless TTL if you want to.

I was eagerly watching the YongNuo flashes, although when I saw those 550EX prices, and figured they'd be at least $180-200 for the YN version of the 580EX, I grabbed the two.

Down the road you could even get the YN ST-E2, to control them off camera. They're still able to be used manually that way, too.

They have two, when I checked a few seconds ago. Also a BGN 580EX for $275.

I am extremely satisfied with theQuantaray PZ-1 DSZ strobes. In fact, I own two and use them with a recently aquired Canon 430EX. I found them at a company called Tech For Less for $33 each. Talk about bang for your buck!

ron b.