Flash Recommendations?

kcui

I'm looking for a low-moderate end Flash to use on my Canon 7D.

I don't do much flash photography but am looking for something better than the Stock flash. I'm more of a hobbyist with interests in potentially breaking into legit work.

I am considering the Canon Speedlite 270EXII (when it is released) but am looking for other opinions as well.

I'm looking to stay under $200 USD.

Thanks!

ziggy53

I own 4 of the Sigma DG Super flashes and I do believe they are an excellent value. The current version is the Sigma EF 610 DG Super flash at slightly above your budget. Here are some sources:

http://www.adorama.com/SG610EOS.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/741717-REG/Sigma_189101_EF610_DG_Super_Flash.html

Here are 2 Sigma Super flashes used to flank the group and a single Canon 580EX was used for wireless master and ceiling bounce with some fill also coming from the 580EX (but most of the exposure from the Sigma flashes):



The Canon flashes do have a better user interface, better construction and the 580EX will accept an external power supply.

The Sigma Super flashes are a better value (which is why I have 4 of them), most of the features of the 580EX, a little less power (but still plenty of power for professional work), are compatible with Canon wireless protocol, and they are are a bit lighter.

A used Canon 550EX is also a good value flash for your camera.

If you also purchase the following Sunpak digital slave you can use an external, off-camera, manual flash with your camera. This slave fires from either a manual/auto flash pulse or from a preflash-then-flash series of pulses like from your camera's built-in flash.

http://www.adorama.com/SUDCFA.html?searchinfo=sunpak+slave

Edit: I do believe that the Canon 7D has a wireless master/commander capability. The Sigma EF 610 DG Super flash would be able to use the Canon wireless E-TTL II protocol to work as an off-camera flash in slave mode. No need for the Sunpak slave I mentioned above.

kcui

Thanks for the recommendation.

After considering it some more I actually think I'm going to look around for a used 550EX (I also posted in the Flea Market section : ) )