Vivitar DF400MZ Digital TTL Shoe Mount Flash

[Jarhead5811]

Several people have recommended the 430EXbuteven a refurbishedcost more than twice as much as the Vivitar DF400MZ.

[Sean Setters]

Jarhead-


Personally, I would stay away from the Vivitar DF400MZ. Here's why:


1) It's supposed to be a TTL flash, but when mounted on a 50D it doesn't work correctly. It will work fine on an XTi, though.


2) There seems to be a triggering anomaly with the flash. My Cybersyncs won't trigger the flash. I've heard of some owners whose Cybersyncs will trigger the flash, and some that won't.


The optical trigger works decently on the flash, but I simply don't use it often because of its shortcomings.

[Jarhead5811]

Cool, that just re-enforces my thought on sticking with Canon.

[Sean Setters]

If you're ok with using your flashes in manual mode, I'd suggest combing ebay for a wide range of flashes:


Vivitar 285 (although this might be a gamble depending on triggering voltage and trigger used)


Vivitar 285HV


Nikon SB-24


Nikon SB-26


Nikon SB-28


Nikon SB-28DX


Nikon SB-80DX

[Jarhead5811]

Cool, but at least for now I'd like to stick with something myST-E2can trigger, not to mention TTL as a possibility. I'll likely geta thirdrefurbished 430EXfrom Adorama. They've gone up in price but then again they now have a one year warranty.