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Gear / Technical Help => Photo / Video Recording => Topic started by: Todd R on October 17, 2008, 03:08:58 PM

Title: Flash recommendations for Canon Digital Rebel?
Post by: Todd R on October 17, 2008, 03:08:58 PM
I'm interested in getting feedback for a basic flash to use with my Digital Rebel.  Looking for the cheapest option that would be useful beyond the built-in flash, hopefully with a bounce head.  I hardly ever take pics anymore, and when I do it is generally landscapes or concert pics without a flash.  But I'd like to have a flash for when I want to take nicer quality family photos and pics or my one-year-old.  Most of the family pics we take with a pocket Canon SD1000, but it'd be useful to have something for my Digital rebel.

Any suggestions on a specific flash and where to get it?
Title: Re: Flash recommendations for Canon Digital Rebel?
Post by: BJ on October 17, 2008, 04:03:52 PM
Quote from: Todd R on October 17, 2008, 03:08:58 PM
I'm interested in getting feedback for a basic flash to use with my Digital Rebel.  Looking for the cheapest option that would be useful beyond the built-in flash, hopefully with a bounce head.  I hardly ever take pics anymore, and when I do it is generally landscapes or concert pics without a flash.  But I'd like to have a flash for when I want to take nicer quality family photos and pics or my one-year-old.  Most of the family pics we take with a pocket Canon SD1000, but it'd be useful to have something for my Digital rebel.

Any suggestions on a specific flash and where to get it?

Vivitar 285hv (http://www.amazon.com/Vivitar-285HV-Auto-Professional-Flash/dp/B00004TVSP/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1224273744&sr=8-1) recieved great reviews on strobists.com

Stofen Bounce (http://www.amazon.com/Sto-Fen-Omni-Bounce-Achiever-Vivitar-OM-B/dp/B00009R69S/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1224273744&sr=8-2)

total about 100$ shipped from amazon
Title: Re: Flash recommendations for Canon Digital Rebel?
Post by: phanophish on October 19, 2008, 08:16:33 PM
FWIW I love the TTL functionality of my strobes (I shoot Nikon but the idea is the same), so you might want to look at the Canon units if only to have the fully functional TTL metering.  Makes shooting on the go and particularly bounce flash much easier.  I rely on it all the time when shooting weddings.

I think the basic Canon flash is the 430EX and it run around $240 from the reputable (B&H, Buy.com, Adorama) online retailers.  You can probably find one used for around $200 if you look on the photo message boards.

Title: Re: Flash recommendations for Canon Digital Rebel?
Post by: phanophish on October 20, 2008, 03:08:04 PM
Just stumbled across this on a deals site...

http://dealnews.com/Canon-Speedlite-430-EX-Flash-for-200-free-shipping/256875.html

Title: Re: Flash recommendations for Canon Digital Rebel?
Post by: hypnotoad on October 20, 2008, 07:57:16 PM
Whatever flash you end up getting, TTL metering would be well worth looking into (through the lens).
Title: Re: Flash recommendations for Canon Digital Rebel?
Post by: divamum on October 28, 2008, 10:55:08 PM
Quote from: phanophish on October 19, 2008, 08:16:33 PM
FWIW I love the TTL functionality of my strobes (I shoot Nikon but the idea is the same), so you might want to look at the Canon units if only to have the fully functional TTL metering.  Makes shooting on the go and particularly bounce flash much easier.  I rely on it all the time when shooting weddings.

I think the basic Canon flash is the 430EX and it run around $240 from the reputable (B&H, Buy.com, Adorama) online retailers.  You can probably find one used for around $200 if you look on the photo message boards.




I picked up a used 420ex for about $100 and I LOVE it.  You have to adjust fill flash ratios via the camera's FEC settings, but if you're game for that then it's a winner - I can't imagine doing any better for the price.