photoguy

If your going to shoot manual flash it doesnt matter what brand you get. if you are wanting to use ETTL then stick with the canon.

Dria Loc: Ohio

I tried many of the cheaper ones-- there is not 1 I would recommend.
I love the 430ex.

travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

Hello Jazzyam: When I first started reading the threads here at UHH some one recommended the Yongnuo YN560 manual Speedlite. I read the reviews about this model on line, then put it on my Christmas wish list. The price of these flash units range somewhere between $65 to $75. Needless to say I received one for Christmas and thus far it has exceeded my expectations. Yes it mounts right on my Canon D5 Mark II's hot shoe. Just do you research and keep in mind you get what you pay for.

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

i have a couple of canon 580 exII..but i also have 3 yongnuo yn-560 that i bought for backups or hair lights, etc....

as far as manual flashes...they are awesome for under $70 each. been using all 3 for over 7 months and not a failure. bought them from amazon.

of course, they are not 580exII, but i can by 7 of them to 1 580!

not a complaint.

i never shoot in ttl mode anyway..always manual.

and also..my wife uses a yn-467 yongnou on her t1i and it has ttl.

Awagner Loc: St. Louis

I have a Canon 60D and a 430ex II flash; they definitely work together-E-TTL and manual. Also, check out the Nissin line of flashes; they will work flawlessly with Canon and Nikon just like the brand specific models-and they are less expensive; not cheap, but I bought a Nissin Di866 mark II, which is a "substitute" for the Canon 580ex II, for $255 and the 580ex II is $425-$500 depending upon where you buy from.

Doodlebug Loc: San Diego, CA

My photography instructor said you really should stay within the brand of your camera for a flash. Like someone here stated there are settings that coordinate together between the flash and camera and a flash of another brand may not "talk" to the camera as a Canon would. Before purchasing, especially on line, I would take my camera to a real camera store and ask the question. Not a Best Buy or Target...the good old fashion camera stores.

twowindsbear

I suggest adding to your 'wish list' an extension cord for your flash, and a mounting bracke for the flash that will allow you to move your flash off your camera. This will give your flash photos a more 'natural' look.

AndyT Loc: Hampstead, New Hampshire

Dear Jazzyam. Ive been a Nikon user for years, and have found that staying with the same brand as the camera, although may be more expensive, is the way to go. The units generally are designed to be able to "sync" up to all the features your camera has to offer. Go with Canon, and bouncing off a side wall can give you really nice "window light looking" results, so get the swivel as well as bounce.

frasher101 Loc: Houndsfield N.Y.

Depending on the shoot I tend to use slaves on 3"tripods to full size pods. $5.00 at a discount store

Rader Loc: Northwest Missouri

i have an canon xti and purchased a used 550 ex
really happy with the power and the versatility

MissLauraLee Loc: Indiana

I just went out and bought Canons top of the line 580exii its great I love it!

travlnman46 Loc: Yakima WA

Hi twowindsbear:... Good idea I'll add an extension cord to my wish list for my birthday, which is this coming
Monday....

Julieb Loc: LaSalle, Colorado

I picked up a Canon 580 EX used and I love it. It sycs beautifully with my t3i and it is durable. (I accidentally dropped it a couple of times and it still works great). Can be used either as a master or a slave. Your new camera pop-up flash can serve as the trigger.

ltruex Loc: Waco TX

The 430 EX also is master or slave, either way you will not be disappointed with the Canon make, but I cannot say that about others. L3

jazzysam Loc: Knoxville Tn

Hey Guys ... I missed several replies while gone for the New Year Holiday.... I DO APPRECIATE ALL/EVERYONE'S HELP ! I LOVE this column and have been watching, reading every forum everyday since Sept 2010 ! I just got brave enough to join . I always had a camera in my hand & have had several people encourage me to do more ... so I am slowly but surely " jumping in " !;) For my external flash I ended up with the Canon 580 EX II...so wish me luck ... I have 1 more Christmas gift to receive and I am going to get a Studio Light Kit. I don't know whether to get continuous/strobe etc ...and I am now really unsure what I need since I got the Canon 580.In case I want to use this in with what kit I would purchase . I have made some space in my basement for now, but I plan by Spring to clear out a spare bedroom but want to play in the base ment during cold weather . My budget is about blown but will be around the 300-350 at the most ! I will take all help and advice !!! LOL MAYBE, just Maybe 1 day I can " run with the BIG Dogs " as they say !!! BUt I need the advice ....THANKS Jazzy a new photo pup ;)