Flash options?

[Eastree]

This past weekend I went to a convention. It was a GREAT place to get acquainted with my 50mm lens, and also gain a bit of courage for asking to take strangers' pictures.

Any way, my only flash is the one built into my Canon 30D, and I do not like how it performs.

I saw a lot of examples of people going farther than I can (or am willing) at the moment, and some examples of extreme flash set-ups, including a back-mounted umbrella flash (I completely regret not getting any pictures of THOSE!)

So ... what are your recommendations for a decent hot shoe flash to attach to my camera? And are there any accessories I should get with it? The flash-top reflectors were fairly popular as well.

It won't be an immediate purchase, but I would like to make a list of equipment goals.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by Eastree

I saw a lot of examples of people going farther than I can (or am willing) at the moment, and some examples of extreme flash set-ups, including a back-mounted umbrella flash (I completely regret not getting any pictures of THOSE!)

No worries. I got one.

So ... what are your recommendations for a decent hot shoe flash to attach to my camera? And are there any accessories I should get with it? The flash-top reflectors were fairly popular as well.

580EXII would be the top choice, if you can afford it. Used wise, the 580EX and 550EX are also good. Below that, a 430EXII (used: 430EX) are also good. I wouldn't recommend going down to a 420EX, 270EX or 220EX, because they have no manual control over the power level, so are useless for Strobist work.

As far as accessories, I wouldn't recommend getting any, because those things don't actually work the way you think they do (they don't diffuse the light per se; they throw the light in every direction so it can bounce back from all the walls--it's the walls that do the diffusing--outside or in a really big venue, you're just robbing yourself of power), and you can DIY yourself much cheaper alternatives. I actually prefer van Niekirk's foam half snoot.

[Eastree]

that's a GREAT shot of such an epic rig! I do have sympathy for those guys trying to navigate the crowds and doorways!

And thanks for the suggestions! I'll look into them.