Help choosing flash

While I am not new to photography and wish to make this more of profession rather than hobby one day, I have always simply made do with the camera I have and no accesories (ei flash, battery pack, lighting). But now I am really finding myself in need of some lighting. I take a lot of self portraits for the time being, and do not have much space where I live for standing lighting.

What would you suggest I look into for a basic flash for my Canon Rebel XS that isn't too cheaply made, but not over $300?

Any input is appreciated!

I love my Canon 430EX II..reliable and powerful...doesn't eat up battery fast compared to the 580EX line

You can get a few YongNuo flashes accessories and triggers for 300 bucks

PhilF wrote in post #11405845
I love my Canon 430EX II..reliable and powerful...doesn't eat up battery fast compared to the 580EX line

Thank you, I believe I've actually looked at and considered this one!
Can I find some photos you have taken using it online just to see how it turns out?

35mmNewbie wrote in post #11405860
You can get a few YongNuo flashes accessories and trigges for 300 bucks

I'm actually seeing almost everything YongNuo under 100 bucks which is great, but I feel like there must be a catch to it.

whowrotezalexb wrote in post #11405884
I'm actually seeing almost everything YongNuo under 100 bucks which is great, but I feel like there must be a catch to it.

The only catch is having to wait a month at the latest to get them. I love my YongNuo flashes, Ive owned 4, the YN-467's and now I have my 2 YN-560's Their reliable and they don't kill my cheapie batterys too fast.

I have an 580EX. But thats over you budget you said. I would suggest this. DONT GO CHEAP. Get a flash that works FULLY with the electronics of you camera, AND still maintains full communication with your camera, out of the hot shoe, especially wireless.

whowrotezalexb wrote in post #11405878
Thank you, I believe I've actually looked at and considered this one!
Can I find some photos you have taken using it online just to see how it turns out?

http://philfernandezph​otography.com/p1009119​317/e10a0eadf
http://philfernandezph​otography.com/p1009119​317/eff832b0
http://philfernandezph​otography.com/p9563015​36/e9e015

kjonnnn wrote in post #11405907
I have an 580EX. But thats over you budget you said. I would suggest this. DONT GO CHEAP. Get a flash that works FULLY with the electronics of you camera, AND still maintains full communication with your camera, out of the hot shoe, especially wireless.

So I've been told. The only problem is that if I don't go cheap then I will be waiting months and months to afford just a flash alone as I'm not making too much money and have other things to pay for. I'm also thinking of starting a fund to save money solely to upgrade cameras (I've got my eye on the 60D). Would it be a better idea to save up for a better flash/equipment first rather than to go out for a new camera now?

If you are sincere about going professional one day, do not 'cheap out' with gear aimed and priced for amateur snapshooters when you have to depend upon it. I certainly have some inexpensive aftermarket accessories, but none of them could leave me in a lurch if they failed on the job. As the hired gun, you simply MUST get the job done, and in many cases reshoots are close to impossible.

Most people who 'cheap out' are actually driving UP their costs when they discover the inadequacy of what they bought the first time, and then have to buy a second, better product while suffering the used equipment resale depreciation on the first one.

PhilF wrote in post #11405943
http://philfernandezph​otography.com/p1009119​317/e10a0eadf
http://philfernandezph​otography.com/p1009119​317/eff832b0
http://philfernandezph​otography.com/p9563015​36/e9e015

Hm looks pretty decent. Although I see a bit of glare on the faces. Does this flash work well in low lighting? I do a lot of concert shooting and need something that wont make my photos look like **** if I do use flash.

Wilt wrote in post #11405986
If you are sincere about going professional, never 'cheap out' with gear aimed and priced for amateur snapshooters when you have to depend upon it. I certainly have some inexpensive aftermarket accessories, but none of them could leave me in a lurch if they failed on the job.

The thing is that as much as I hope to one day, I don't think I will be going professional anytime in the near future, so I'm hoping to find something that will last a year or so (sort of temporary) until I can really afford the expensive equip.

whowrotezalexb wrote in post #11406008
The thing is that as much as I hope to one day, I don't think I will be going professional anytime in the near future, so I'm hoping to find something that will last a year or so (sort of temporary) until I can really afford the expensive equip.

I added this to my prior post, probably after you replied...
Most people who 'cheap out' are actually driving UP their costs when they discover the inadequacy of what they bought the first time, and then have to buy a second, better product while suffering the used equipment resale depreciation on the first one.

What kind of camera do you own?

My order for getting things is:

1. Lenses
2. Accessories
3. Camera Body.

If you're happy with your camera body, decide between the best flash or some quality lenses. At a minimum, you should be able to shoot with the flash off the camera, if you're gonna get one. You'll be totally disappointed if you're taking portraits with the flash in the hot show all the time.

whowrotezalexb wrote in post #11405998
Hm looks pretty decent. Although I see a bit of glare on the faces. Does this flash work well in low lighting? I do a lot of concert shooting and need something that wont make my photos look like **** if I do use flash.

sure..it's pretty powerful.
well in concerts...expect a lot of glare in faces when sweat and hot lights are involved.