450D Newbie buying first Flash Gun...

[BeerBelly]

Hi, want to get a flash that is better than the built in one.

Reviews for Sigma EF530 Super Flashgun have been promising for around the £200 mark - are there any cheaper, entry level models that are competent - looking to spend around £120 at the moment unless I save.

Any I can check out that will fit nicely on my 450D?


Thanks in advance

[Scphoto]

Have you looked at the Canon EX430 Mk II? or the older EX430.

[Bawbee]

There's also the Canon Speedlite 220EX and the recently announced 270EX.

A Canon speedlite will guarantee full-functionality now and in the future.

[geoffL]

I just picked up a 430 for £116 at comet a fortnight ago - suspect they might be all gone by now though....

[benji]

I've managed to buy on ebay a 2nd-hand Canon Speedlight 580EX MkII for £209.00, which is just under half the RRP price (at least, it was at the time I bought it, around 1 year ago). I was a bit lucky, though.

I'm very happy with it. This the best hotshoe speed flashgun you can get for a Canon DSLR.

The other alternative is the 430EX, which very similar, but with a lower guide number. It still is a very good model to own and use. You probably can pick one up in mint condition with your budget. Check that one out for sure (or also the 580EX, only MkI - another very good option).

If the "swivel" head is not a priority and you only want a "bounce", you should easily get something good for around £120.00, as with models suggested in previous posts.

Benji

[Benchista]

The new Canon 270EX is currently £120 at Jessops, and you can save another £6 with the code JESSOPS5.

[jchrisc]

I've managed to buy on ebay a 2nd-hand Canon Speedlight 580EX MkII for £209.00, which is just under half the RRP price

If you are looking at 2nd-hand, you might also find the 550EX which is very similar in function to the 580 - a bit bigger physically and slightly lower guide number. There is at least one on ebay at the moment.