Shoe Mount Flash Units?

[bwmson]

Hi all -

So I have the Canon Xsi and have enjoyed getting acquainted with it... but the flash is really leaving some to be desired. So I'm on the verge of buying a shoe-mount flash for the camera, and would like to get some feedback on that idea. I've never used a shoe-mount flash before, so I imagine there will be some learning there. I'm doing some research on my own of course, but I was curious about what any of you might think. Any particular favorites? Recommendations? I looked at B&H a bit, and they seem to group Canon 430EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash with my camera...

I'd like to keep it around $200-250 at the most, but if there is cheaper that works, I wouldn't mind saving some money as I'm about to buy a house... any thoughts would be appreciated!

-B

[bob_r]

B,

The 430 will be a big step up from the on-board flash. I have a 580 and it's one of my best purchases. Don't restrict it's use to just indoor-low light situations. It works outdoors just as well to provide fill-flash when needed. Be sure to buy an off shoe cord for it too (Canon OC-E3).

If you're not very familiar with a flash, Blue Crane has a nice training DVD for the 580/430
http://www.bluecranedigital.com/canonspeed.htm

Bob R

[Bonish Photo]

I have both a 580 and a 430 and like both of them. I also found those blue crane DVD's and books Bob mentioned and they really do a good job of explaining the flashes through and through.

I dont know if I'd buy brand new, I buy all my stuff off of either POTN Forum or the Fred Miranda Forum and saved about $100 on both flashes by getting them used over brand new. Both have taken some serious abuse and hold up to everything I have dished out....so far (knocks on wood)

I agree with Bob also about the off-camera flash cord, but I dont know if I'd buy a Canon brand. I bought a off-brand cord, exact same as the Canon model and only cost $25 compared to the $50 that the Canon model cost. I figure its a cord, I mean how much different can the Canon brand be? Actually the guy at the store recommended it to me as I had went in to get the Canon model. He said "Want to save some money?" That's like asking a trick question, but I ended up spending the difference on another Tamrac Boomerang Strap for the second body. We had one, but fought over who got to use it because of how comfortable it is.

So if what your asking is do we recommend it, YES. You'll be amazed with how much better it will make your pictures. The on-camera flash is just awful, and should only be used in extreme emergencies. The 430 is a great flash, and do yourself a favor and get a Stoffen diffuser with it too.

[bob_r]

I agree with Bob also about the off-camera flash cord, but I dont know if I'd buy a Canon brand. I bought a off-brand cord, exact same as the Canon model and only cost $25 compared to the $50 that the Canon model cost. I figure its a cord, I mean how much different can the Canon brand be? Actually the guy at the store recommended it to me as I had went in to get the Canon model. He said "Want to save some money?" That's like asking a trick question, but I ended up spending the difference on another Tamrac Boomerang Strap for the second body. We had one, but fought over who got to use it because of how comfortable it is.

So if what your asking is do we recommend it, YES. You'll be amazed with how much better it will make your pictures. The on-camera flash is just awful, and should only be used in extreme emergencies. The 430 is a great flash, and do yourself a favor and get a Stoffen diffuser with it too.

Another vote for the Sto-fen diffuser (I use the "Omni-bounce").

Pat, does your cord have metal or plastic brackets? The older Canon cords were made of plastic and had a tendency to break with only moderate use (yes, I have a broken one), but the newer models have metal brackets and should be much more reliable.

Bob R

[Bonish Photo]

The part that attaches to the actual shoe on top of the camera and flash body is metal, but the rest of the housing is plastic.

I know what you mean about the plastic housings, I had a older Rebel when I first started shooting, and purchased a Quantary flash, (I think its a Ritz Camera name brand?) and the plastic shoe broke within the first few weeks of use.

That's one good word of advise to watch out for.