3 Best Flashes for a Canon Rebel XT.

ellepixels

What are the 3 best flashes for a rebel XT?


Im attending a wedding in a couple of weeks. I need to purchase a flash and a memory card. My current memory card is 1Gig.
Im not the official photography, but I am looking forward to practicing!
Looking forward to your advice.
thank you

(Budget is limited)

cmason

ellepixels wrote:

What are the 3 best flashes for a rebel XT?


Im attending a wedding in a couple of weeks. I need to purchase a flash and a memory card. My current memory card is 1Gig.
Im not the official photography, but I am looking forward to practicing!
Looking forward to your advice.
thank you

(Budget is limited)

430EX
580EX
Sigma 500 DG Super

I am a big fan of the 430EX, great flash

Scott_Quier

By coincidence, I just got done doing the same thing - not the contracted photographer, just a friend. From 2:00PM - 10:30PM, I shot 535 (actual count) frames.

I have the Sigma 500 DG Super.

On Thursday, I loaded it up with fully charged 2500 mAh AA batteries and shot about 360 photos of baby goats (pictures are in process right now, will post some later - and no, baby goats are not cute) in a rather dark barn, with dark walls.

Took the flash w/ same batteries (not recharged) to the wedding tonight. Shot probably another 150 before the flash refresh rate started to cause problems. Popped in a new set of same batteries and continued the rest of the night. The flash was still going strong when I called it a night.

All were shot using the Gary Fong LiteSphere (the clear one, with dome). Couldn't be more pleased with the images. The only problem I am having with the flash is that it doesn't seem to want to stay in some tilt positions. It affects both axis of rotation, so I don't think it's a mechanical problem, more likely a design issue.

Were I to do it over again, I would probably go with the 580EX, but I'll keep this flash until it stops working. And, that may be a while because it works well enough that I'm not going to "accidently" drop it.

DanielB

i'll vouch for the 430EX its an awesome flash. does just what i want it to almost all the features of the 580 minus the master capability, but i didn't need that so it was an easy decision for me.

Barefoot and Natural

Oh my goodness Scott.....
I crack up almost everytime I read one of your posts....you are a very funny guy!

I have that same Gary Fong Dome.....I love it!! I get some pretty strange looks from people........but I totally love it!!

ScottMcLeod

cmason wrote:

430EX
580EX
Sigma 500 DG Super

I am a big fan of the 430EX, great flash

Seconded.

Though, I'd lean towards the 500 DG Super. Not as good build quality as the canon, but the flash is more powerful, and more versatile, and cheaper.

My favourite feature: Firing off-camera with the optical sensor (IE: doesn't require another 580/500 to trigger it. You can fire it with the off-camera flash that's bounced out of the frame...

ScottMcLeod

Scott_Quier wrote:

Were I to do it over again, I would probably go with the 580EX, but I'll keep this flash until it stops working. And, that may be a while because it works well enough that I'm not going to "accidently" drop it.

When it stops working, lemme know (especially if the electronics still work, but it won't fire the flash anymore.)

Regarding the not willing to stay in positions, I'm using a lighter plastic version of the GFLSII, I haven't had any issues. How much does your LS weigh?

Jeffro

I have the 550EX, and have used the 580EX and they are both great. I try to stay with Canon accessories all the way.

PeterGar

After considering what flash to buy for use with my 300D DRebel, I made the decision to spend the money and buy the 580EX. I just ordered it from BH a few days ago (I got a great deal plus rebate).

The wedding photographer that I assist uses a 580EX and swears by it. I looked at the Sigma and the 430EX but decided against those for a number of reasons. The master feature of the 580EX is something I plan to use in the future, so I didn't want to be limited in that regard. I understand the Sigma can master other Canon compatible flashes. Although I have read great performance reviews of the Sigma, everyone seems to agree that the controls on the Sigma are not as user-friendly as the 580EX. Additionally, although my main lens is a Tamron, I want to eventually build an all Canon kit (including L glass), so I figured since the 580EX is Canon's top of the line professional quality flash, and I want to build a profesisonal kit to do professional wedding work, the 580EX was a no-brainer.

Of course I ordered the 580EX with the clear Gary Fong Lightphere II. Now I'm just waiting for delivery on these. I know one thing, with the 580EX and the LSII, I won't be disappointed.

Scott_Quier

ScottMcLeod wrote:

When it stops working, lemme know (especially if the electronics still work, but it won't fire the flash anymore.)

Regarding the not willing to stay in positions, I'm using a lighter plastic version of the GFLSII, I haven't had any issues. How much does your LS weigh?

I just weight it on the kitchen scale. With dome, it's 5oz or, switching setting, 143g.