external flash: Any recommendations for an inexpensive ex flash for a newbie starting out ? Will also take any /all advice on a first-time studio lighting kit ! :) I have a Canon EOS...

jazzysam Loc: Knoxville Tn

Any recommendations for an inexpensive ex flash for a newbie starting out ? Will also take any /all advice on a first-time studio lighting kit ! :) I have a Canon EOS xti and got a Canon EOS 60 D from Santa this Christmas . Thanks sooo much !! I look forward to the advice !! :)
Jazzy.....

ltruex Loc: Waco TX

A little late, but if you can ever get santa to give you a speedlight you will be forever grateful and so will santa for you not bothering till next year...ps it's not cheap but worth the cost. L3

jazzyam wrote:

Any recommendations for an inexpensive ex flash for a newbie starting out ? Will also take any /all advice on a first-time studio lighting kit ! :) I have a Canon EOS xti and got a Canon EOS 60 D from Santa this Christmas . Thanks sooo much !! I look forward to the advice !! :)
Jazzy.....

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

I have the 430 EXii speedlight, not cheap but not top of the line either. When looking for speedlights, make sure the head can swivel so you can bounce. Anything without a swivel head is going to really limit what you can do with it and your going to find yourself later upgrading and purchasing one anyhow. Save the money and purchase correctly (even if that means doing without until you can save up for it).

I sent you a PM about the lighting kit my DH purchased for me. I've only had mine for 2 days but so far I am really happy with it and I think it will last me a while.

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

Hi! Digital Concepts has one. Model 952AF. It's got all the bells and whistles and if you shop it right on eBay you can get it for around $40. Sigma makes some good ones. How much did you want to spend?

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

Hi! Digital Concepts has one. Model 952AF. It's got all the bells and whistles and if you shop it right on eBay you can get it for around $40. Sigma makes some good ones. How much did you want to spend? There are so many inexpensive alternatives.

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc3-8ZpBaXg

Check this out!

Looks really good!

ltruex Loc: Waco TX

I really would recommend stay with Canon, for there are features found in Canon that may not exist in an aftermarket version...By example I use High speed sync at any camera speed I shoot and the exposures are dead on, and the captures are dead still. I shoot a very high speed for wild life using flash, but I don't like pushing my ISO with exception of night shooting, then I go high...but not at other times, yet I use flash for wild life, as they are quick to move. L3

SteveG wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc3-8ZpBaXg

Check this out!

Looks really good!

ltruex Loc: Waco TX

I use the 430 ex and happy with the performance even when used with a flash softbox or tele use extender...works great. your model has faster cycle time than my version and who knows what other features, but I plan my next flash will be the EXII version. L3

MWAC wrote:

I have the 430 EXii speedlight, not cheap but not ... (show quote)

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

Sure Canon is the best but I think he was looking for "inexpensive" and the Canon's are anything but that. I was trying to find out what his budget was so that would better indicate where he could go. I personally would love to have one of the Canon's but after seeing the Yongnuo on You Tube I thought that would be a good expensive alternative. Minus the high speed sync of course. If you don't need that $140 in a lot less inexpensive than the price on the Canon units. Unless he can find a used one??? The Yongnuo seems to have everything the 580EX has minus the high speed sync. The person that reviewed the Yongnuo was really impressed with the compatibility of it to his Canon.

ltruex Loc: Waco TX

I know he said inexpensive, but I offer him to consider if help may come his way...santa...a good flash that takes care of all exposures to lessen his learning curve and yes it cost more than $40, but comes in several models that get the cost lower than the limo of the line...my pocket book was fractured to purchase a 430EX, yet to some that is cheap, and after using this flash for more than a year with flawless captures I wanted to share that experience and don't feel it's monies waisted. Also he asked for recommendations and that is mine. L3

SteveG wrote:

Sure Canon is the best but I think he was looking ... (show quote)

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

Ok. But they said inexpensive, that's all I was commenting to. You imply Canon is the only way. It isn't.

ltruex Loc: Waco TX

It's Jazzyams choice not mine to make...So I favor a name brand like Canon...He may not want either of our suggestions. It's OK with me. 8-) L3 [quote=SteveG]Ok. But they said inexpensive, that's all I was commenting to. You imply Canon is the only way. It isn't.[/qu]

SteveG Loc: Norh Carolina

I favor it too! It is the best way to go.

iresq Loc: Annapolis MD

Years ago I purchased a Sigma EF-500 DG Super. Aside from inconsistent results, the battery door broke off. I tend to agree that in this case, buy once cry once

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

iresq wrote:

Years ago I purchased a Sigma EF-500 DG Super. Aside from inconsistent results, the battery door broke off. I tend to agree that in this case, buy once cry once

Learned the hard way, this is the way to go.