Canon 430EX II v other brands

[tph1177]

Hi All

I am thinking of getting myself a Canon 430EX II flash, but was wondering if a Simga (or something similar) branded flash might be better value for money. Is the Canon flash going to integrate better with my camera (Canon 1000D)? Has anyone used a non-Canon flash? How have they found it?

Thanks
Trev

[bigdazzler]

I dont shoot with Canon gear mate but if you plan on using E-TTL metering, always stick to your camera brands equivalent flashes.

If planning to use your flashes off camera with triggers, any manual flash will do the job.

If this is your first venture into flash, I would stick with the Canon for reliability/integration reasons.

[etherial]

Yes I would agree with that, I have been researching flashes myself and found this article posted in another thread very useful; its long but well worth the read. There is a section on third party flashes near the bottom.

Flash Photography with Canon EOS Cameras - Part I. (http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/)

Basically, one key thing I got from it was that manufacturers particularly Canon don't make it common knowledge on how exactly their E-TTL works, so other manufacturers are taking at guess when they build something 'compatible'. I've also heard stories about various incompatibilites so if you are going to go for something else, be very careful.

I would stick with the brand; in fact I did, I have just ordered my 580 EXII. CANT WAIT!:D

[tph1177]

Thanks everyone for the help. I think I will stick the the Canon.
Etherial, thanks for the link it looks like there is lots of useful information in there. If you don't mind me asking, where did you order your flash from?

Thanks
Trev

[jeffde]

I trev

I have a 430 but wish i had a 580.
Tha major advantage of the 580 is that it will fire (as a master) a 430 but the 430 only acts as a slave.
Not a problem if you know somebody with a 580, but if the budget allow go the 580 ex 11....
I agree with the others, stay with the Canon flash..

[Karl]

I know the others have said to stick with a Canon flash and I agree with their reasonings; however, I recently purchased from Evilbay a Yougno Brand Speedlite 460 for my Canon 450D and for what I want it to do it is a good unit.

In total it cost me about $80 for the strobe and $10 - $15 for postage.

Just a thought anyway ;)

Karl

[etherial]

Of course! Hopefully all goes ok, I haven't received it yet!

I am buying it on ebay from here (http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/CyberBeeShop__W0QQ_armrsZ1).

[Dawixe]

Interesting article.

I've been using a 3rd party flash unit generic brand. I don't seem to find it any inferior to the factory ones, as it even seem to perform better. It has ETTL and the recharge rate is faster. Currently using it on a 50D.

[tph1177]

Dawixe, which 3rd party flash have you been using?

Thanks
Trev

[Dawixe]

Its called CyberTik and I got it for around 1/3 of 430's price. Been using it for a while now.

[tph1177]

Thanks everyone for your help. I think I will get the Canon 430EXII. Now I just have to shop around and find the cheapest price :-)

[ehor]

I think I'm the only one who uses and loves Metz flashes :)