Flash recommendation

[Flowty]

Hello, everyone. I know it might be a dumb question, but I'm pretty new to photography, and things are kinda expensive here.

I'm looking for flash recomendations. I shoot mainly indoors, and I'm looking for a flash unit with both automatic and manual settings. Tilting head would be awesome, though I don't think I need swivel by now. My purpose for the unit is to shoot on social events. It would be nice if I couls use radio synch with it. The camera I own is a Canon 550d (Rebel T2i or Kiss x4, whatever). My budget is pretty tight, but I belive that I can extend it to something mid-range.

Thanks in advance

[inkista]

Not a dumb question. A lot of people ask about this, since flash information is a bit more chaotic and less-defined than information on lenses and camera bodies. And if you haven't shot flash, it's hard to know what you want. It sounds like you've done more research than most folks before asking. Thank you for that.

Unfortunately, with flashes, as with lenses, you tend to get what you pay for.

In the Canon lineup, new, your best two choices are the 430EX II and 580EX II, as you've probably gathered. If you can't afford the 580EXII, but you want something nicer than a 430EXII, you may want to go used and see if you can find a 550EX or 580EX (mark I). If the 430EXII is too expensive, a used 430EX I might be the way to go.

Do not go for the EZs or the 420EX--no manual control for off-camera work.

If this is still too expensive, then you're going to be looking at third-party flashes. The one big danger here (as with lenses) is a question of future compatibility. If Canon changes the way their cameras and flashes 'talk' to each other, they will make sure their older equipment will still work in the new system. They won't be doing that for third-party brands. Brands that seem to be popular as lower-cost eTTL alternatives are Nissin, Yongnou, and Sigma. Metz isn't that low-cost, but they do have upgradeable firmware as a way of dodging the future compatibility bullet.

With third-party flashes, you may have to google a bit to find out just how much of the Canon automatic function the flash has. Most of the "eTTL" 3rd party flashes can do the automatic power-setting via through-the-lens metering. But additional features like high-speed sync, remote commanding via Canon's proprietary light-based wireless system, and control through the camera menu, are usually less well documented and defined. Going to the Strobist group discussion threads on flickr may yield more information about this.

And, of course, you're going to lose all those goodies with cheap radio triggers.

Radio triggers like the Cactus V4 and RF-602 attach to the flash and camera hotshoes, so you don't have to worry about compatibility for the most part. You might prefer a flash with a sync port, so you have the choice of adding to the height of the flash on the stand, but you don't need it to sync the flash off-camera, as you do with some of the higher-end triggers (like the PocketWizard Plus II).

[PAKirk]

inkista

This is an exultant reply well done.

Hear as is my thoughts.
I’m new to DSLR photography, only purchased my Canon 55D a few months ago.
About a month ago I had the same questions about purchasing a flash. I was on a budget and was looking for a decent flash. I looked at several and thought to myself I’m just a beginner so I only need a basic flash.
I spent a lot of time at photography shops testing out own brands and non-canon models ect.
I hummed and hared thinking I will not need an expensive flash and I will never use all its functionality.(WRONG)
Well I eventually went for the Canon 550EXII because even just playing around with flashes in the local stores on reviewing the photos later at home the 550EXII stood out from the rest.
So I went and got one!!
Two weeks down the line and I DO NOT REGRET spending the extra money on this flash.
I now use it all the time indoors (and out). The red Focus assist beams are AMAZING (assuming the flash in on camera ) my lenses focus almost instantly in very poor lighting.
I use the flash in Fully Auto and Manual; have used the high speed sync ect.
The swing and tilt on a flash is a MUST I very soon discovered.
The most important thing of all is when used properly you CAN NOT tell a flash has been used and you can freeze action and capture all the ambient light at lower shutter speeds.
It is an excellent starting flash also as it is a good master for cheaper slaves like the 430 to build up a portable studio lighting system.
I have learnt a LOT in the last month about flash photography (Thanks DPS). It is all fresh in my mind so please feel free to ask any questions and I will do my best to help (from a beginner’s point of view).
I hope this helps you chose the right flash.