<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"]I think non Canon flashes are a great choice. However there is a caveat; are you shooting TTL or fully Manual?<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"]I started playing with flashes after I saw Zack Arias' <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"]ONE LIGHT DVD. [url="http://www.zackarias.com/workshop/]www.zackarias.com/workshop/[/url] . I highly recommend watching this DVD. He runs through all the ins and outs of off-camera flash and how to set yourself up. His mantra is that "[i]<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"]the flash should be off-camera - as God intended it to be[/i]" and that manual operation will give you consistent results every time (if you know what you are doing). If this is you then go non-Canon. A brand new Vivitar 285 will only cost you about $85. If TTL is your thing or you need high speed sync then Canon is probably the right direction to head in.<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"]Also don't forget about the merits of fast lenses and natural light. In some ways this may simplify your work when doing weddings, and some venues may not allow flash.<o></o>


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Quote Originally Posted by nvitalephotography


...most people will automatically say... that if can you spend the money on the camera and lenses you should be able to spend the money on name brand accessories.
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This is non sequitur logic.


<span style="font-size: 9pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"]Hope this is helpful.<o></o>