This question is for the Rebel and Powershot owners that use a hot shoe mounted flash . . . other than the Canon Speedlites, what brands and models are you using and finding effective.

I'm looking for a unit that has bounce/tilt and swivel. Thanks.

Not sure of any other brands but the Canon 430EX is a very good flash. I have one along with the 550EX and though not as high tech, the 430EX is still a great flash. It tilts and swivals too!

There probably are less expensive (non Canon) units out there and you might ask at a camera store. Maybe even by a used one and try it out.

:noidea: Canon 430EX here

I have the 430EX as well. :)

I have the 580EX II .. I haven't heard much about other brands ..

430 EX here too. Any particular reason you don't want to go with Canon for a flash?

I have the 420EX which was replaced by the 430EX.

430 EX here too. Any particular reason you don't want to go with Canon for a flash?

It's been years since I've purchased a flash unit. Back in my 35mm SLR and 6x6 days, the manufacturer's branded flash units were generally overpriced and underfeatured compared to the quality aftermarket units, such as Sunpak, Vivitar or even up to the pro units like Metz and Norman.

I see that Canon flash units are still "premium priced" and was curious as to whether there are other brands that provide the same bang or more, for less bucks.

It's been years since I've purchased a flash unit. Back in my 35mm SLR and 6x6 days, the manufacturer's branded flash units were generally overpriced and underfeatured compared to the quality aftermarket units, such as Sunpak, Vivitar or even up to the pro units like Metz and Norman.

I see that Canon flash units are still "premium priced" and was curious as to whether there are other brands that provide the same bang or more, for less bucks.Honestly, I wouldn't go with another brand. You can probably find a used or older model for a good price. I think Canon's flash units are fantastic. Most pros use them and a lot will even use them for studio lighting (with some extra equipment). I'm new to flash though (hated it for a long time - finally realized I *needed* one to get good lighting a few months ago) so I don't know too much.

In my SLR days, I still have an older Vivatar. Loved it then, but haven't tried it with the new DSLR. (SLR is a Minolta) Back then (early 70's) the two hawt camera's were Nikon and Minolta.

Just following up on some research and found an interesting item. Older flash units that were designed for film cameras may pose a hazard to digital cameras.

Some of my favorites, like the Vivitar 285, use a sync voltage (signal sent thru the hotshoe) of over 200 volts, while most digital camera flash units sync at 6 volts. If the digitals internals aren't designed by the camera maker to handle the higher voltages of those older flash units, it could fry some circuits inside the camera.

In response, Vivitar introduced the 285 HV that has a 6 volt sync.

I'm in the minority using a Sigma EF 500 DG Super E-TTL II. I don't use it much, though. Bought it mainly because it's the same flash my boss has and we can sync them to fire from one another.

Just following up on some research and found an interesting item. Older flash units that were designed for film cameras may pose a hazard to digital cameras.

Some of my favorites, like the Vivitar 285, use a sync voltage (signal sent thru the hotshoe) of over 200 volts, while most digital camera flash units sync at 6 volts. If the digitals internals aren't designed by the camera maker to handle the higher voltages of those older flash units, it could fry some circuits inside the camera.

In response, Vivitar introduced the 285 HV that has a 6 volt sync.

In doing my never ending self-education I ran across that info too :eek: Needless to say I've got a Speedlite 430EX on order due to arrive end of week. :thumb4:

If the digitals internals aren't designed by the camera maker to handle the higher voltages of those older flash units, it could fry some circuits inside the camera.


I promise you it'll happen. Also, flashes such as the 580EX (the 550EX has been discontinued) are engineered to sync with Canon DSLR settings. Now days, you get what you pay for in a flash for your DSLR camera body.