Recommend me a flash ... please :)

[Jo]

Right, I have come to the conclusion that I need a flash. I have found myself in a couple of very difficult lighting situations of late, and I really would like to purchase a flash to use to bounce some light, and the occasional splash of fill. It will mainly be used during portraiture, animals and people.

I have a budget of about £100 - £200. The cheaper the better. I won't be using it often enough to spend heaps. For the moment anyway.

This is to use with my 40D.

Thanks in advance!

Jo
xxx

 

[Canon Bob]

Jo,

I picked up a used 550EX to stick on my 5D. It seems to do the trick for someone who's an occasional user. Expect to pay between £120-150

The 580series are generally better units but price goes up accordingly.

Bob

 

[andrewc]

430EX should suffice.

 

[CScottMcQueen]

430EX should suffice.

you wont go wrong with a 430EX, drop kerso an email

 

[samcox89]

try and get one with a pc input, it might come in handy someday. The 430 doesn't have one, but the 580II does, not too sure about the models below.

 

[Little Man]

430ex's are around £150 ish.

 

[Jo]

Thanks for your suggestions all very helpful and I will look at all mentioned.

Jo
xx

 

[AliB]

The 580ex MkI does not have a PC port either, it was introduced on the MkII.

The PC port can be handy if you want to use radio triggers, some of the quality ones use the PC port.

I've got the MkI and it's a good flash, just missing that port.

 

[andrewc]

The alternative is a Sigma / Sunpak / Metz alternative. I have a Sigma, although the newer Speedlites will integrate with the onboard flash menu on the 40D