What kind of flash...

I know, you guys are thinking....this Keller guy is asking way to many questions!!

Sorry about that. I am just trying to learn as much as i can.

My question is...

What is a good flash to get for me 450D? Something that won't break the bank, but will let me learn as much as possible dealing with different types of shots using a flash?

thanks again...

keller

Re: What kind of flash...

I bought the 430 EX II and couldn't be happier. Actually, if you buy the 430 EX, the older model, you'll get almost the same performance for a better price...i didn't buy the older model because I couldn't find a used one off an ebay seller I trusted...

it really works well, and it's easy to use (i'm no pro, neither at flash nor at photography hahaha) and it make me take great pictures...

Re: What kind of flash...

I second the 430 suggestion. The 430 EX and 430 EXII are both good starting points for a flash collection. When you add the 580 EXIIlater, you can use the 430's as slaves and have outstanding capabilities.

Re: What kind of flash...

I agree with the others, the 430exii is a very forgiving flash for my experience and 50D. Keep asking the questions, we all started from the same point at one time or another.

Re: What kind of flash...

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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"]I agree with the 430EX or
EXII. Dumien
suggested the 430EX used. This may be a good idea. I have a 530EX
and a 530EXII. The EXII has a lever lock instead of the screw lock.
I have had it about 1-1/2 and it has enough looseness in it sometimes
misfires. I never have this issue with the EX that uses the screw
lock. You may also look at Metz. shootsmarter.com did an evaluation
of flash units. They had lots of praise for the EXII but seemed to like
the Metz better.<o:p></o:p>
<u4:p></u4:p>

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"]Keep the questions coming.<u4:p></u4:p><o:p></o:p>

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"]Mark<u4:p></u4:p><o:p></o:p>

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"]<u4:p></u4:p><o:p></o:p>

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"]<o:p></o:p>

Re: What kind of flash...

@keller

What kinds of shooting do you want to do? Portraiture? Action sports? Parties? Kids playing in the living room?

The reason I'm asking is this--while the 430EX is a fantastic flash, if you're mostly wanting to shoot portraiture you might want to consider getting a cheaper (non-Canon) flash (like the Vivitar 285HV), a lightstand, an umbrella, umbrella swivel, and a cheap wireless flash trigger (like the CTR-301p found on ebay) for the same amount of money. When it comes to shooting people, off-camera flash will give you much better results overall.

You can sort of simulate off-camera flash with an on-camera flash by bouncing the light off a neutral (white) colored wall...but that's not always a viable option.

For an example of what you can do with off-camera flash, take a look at this shot I did last weekend. It was lit with 3 Vivitar 285HVs.

[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.21.08/3559981875_5F00_8a9b79e348_5F00_b.jpg[/img]

Just something to think about...

Re: What kind of flash...

Hey pros...

Thanks for all the help and advice. Right now i take photos of anything that moves or even stands still. I am just trying to learn as much as possible. I bought the camera for family picture taking, but i believe i fell in love with the camera. Now i want to know everything aboutthe cameraand more....

thanks again...

keller