Need Flash Recommendation - DPChallenge Forums

05/16/2006 10:30:48 AM · #1

I want to get a decent flash for my camera, but also one that will be compatible with a camera upgrade. I will probably upgrade to the Canon 350D later this year, but if a great deal comes along I'll consider the 300 or a Nikon.

I don't want to spend much more than $100-125, but will go up a bit if it's worth it and makes it more compatible with the camera upgrade.

Thanks.

05/16/2006 10:32:51 AM · #2

I know this is out of your price range, but,

the 580EX has the BEST ETTL-II there is and you will really hate youreself if you buy something els and later learn that you need the ETTL-II, its anywhere from 300-400 bucks

Message edited by author 2006-05-16 10:33:57.

05/16/2006 10:36:22 AM · #3

What about a non-Canon brand? Somehow I get the feeling that much of the $$ is for the Canon name, but I could be wrong.

05/16/2006 10:40:23 AM · #4

i really am not qualified to talk on this subject, i just dont think the 2nd party flashes will operate and perform the same as a canon, (DONT GET UPSET PEOPLE JUST AN OPINION)

Message edited by author 2006-05-16 10:40:44.

yido

Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF RF for Canon

05/16/2006 10:59:41 AM · #5

I don't think you are going to find a flash for under $100 that easily.
If you are not sure about which system you are going to get (Nikon vs Canon) then hold off unless you really really need one. YOu don't want to get a Canon system flash for the G6, then get a Nikon in a few months.

05/16/2006 11:20:26 AM · #6

Originally posted by yido:

I'm leaning towards the Canon at this point, but it's mainly subjective. And I'm certainly not trying to start the Canon/Nikon thing either....

What about something less than $200? Next month I'll be on vacation and visiting relatives and doing things which seem to always be in dark places. The built-in flash just doesn't seem to do it and since these are "once a year" visits to close family, I really want to get something better.

Thanks for the replies!

05/16/2006 11:23:15 AM · #7

i would know say where do you plan on taking your photography, keep it at amature/hobbyist or do you want to go further- portraits, weddings,
if the first then get any flahs you can find cheap that will work on both cameras, im unsure if they make one but there might be,
if the latter then your going to have to spend more money, you owe it to your clients to have the equipment on the higher scale so that there photos are great. im not saying you cant get great photos from the equipment, its the photog just as much as its the equpment but there is a quality level there,

Message edited by author 2006-05-16 11:24:59.

05/16/2006 11:39:19 AM · #8

The intent here is strictly amateur/hobbyist. We live far from any family and vacations/holidays are when we typically see them. Many potentially good shots from the winter holidays didn't turn out well due to lack of light.

Thanks again.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

05/16/2006 11:49:42 AM · #9

i think your best bet would to do some research on your own, and give us a few models to compare for you and help from there,

LeeD

Canon EOS-30D

05/16/2006 12:18:21 PM · #10

I was just recently in the same boat and went with the Sigma EF-500 DG Super E-TTL II . It stacks up nicely when compared to the Canon 580 EX but for a lot less. It's a little beyond your price range, but if you can swing it, I highly recommend it. I've been using mine now for about a month and I must say I love it!

05/16/2006 12:34:57 PM · #11

Originally posted by Palmetto_Pixels:

That looks like something that may work, but a quick search shows that most places have it for the same price. Dell has it, but unfortunately they cut back on their "% off" coupons. I do have a birthday coming up.... thanks.

yido

Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF RF for Canon

05/16/2006 01:10:02 PM · #12

the Canon 220 EX is just over $100, I have one on my back up camera and it's ok if you just want a more powerful flash, as it' has no other features besides a high sync.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

05/16/2006 02:01:05 PM · #13

See if you can find a 420EX on Ebay, they seem to be going for $140-$160. That's what I have and for most things I find it adequate.

An alternative is the Sigma 500 (not super) at about $150 new at B&H.

Aside from being somewhat less powerful than the 550EX/580EX flash units, these units lack the ability to control other canon units wirelessly. This may or may not be important to you.

They also lack manual settings, but if your G6 is like my G5 was, you can manually control the flash via the camera, so, that may be irrelevant.

I'd avoid the 220EX for the simple fact that it lacks a swivel/tilt head meaning that it would be impossible to do bounce flash.