Flash recomendation

Hi, I decided to buy an off-camera flash unit with my tax returns. I've done my homework, and researched flash units, but I still don't really know what I need. :meh:
I was thinking of getting a caple, and the cheapest Canon flash unit, but is there THE flash unit that most people have? (example, like the 50mm 1.8...it's so cheap, and nice everyone has one) I just want a good off-camera flash to experiment with. My budget is $150, and it has to work with my 40D (obviously). I don't really care about the automatic metering and stuff. I just need something to get the job done.
thanks for any help!

 

I picked up a Sunpak 2800 from best buy just for something better than my onboard flash that would allow me to bounce as well as adjust. Its got a slow recycle time but it is adequate for what I need as of now. It was 62.99 I believe. This is only until I get the 430 or 580 but my budget at the time was towards something else.

If you have 150 to spend check out the sunpak 383. Its a good off camera flash.

 

If your going to be using it off camera dont bother with any ttl flashes from canon. Just get something like a sunpak 383 or a vivitar 285 and trigger it with some gadget infinity cactus v2 triggers. And when your there make sure to by at least 2 receivers because you will eventually wanna add another flash to your system

 

I second the Sunpak 383. You can get them for $80 from most online retailers.

Also, if you're serious about it and have the money, skip the cactus triggers and look at the Elinchrom Skyports. Way more reliable than the ebay triggers. If you're really serious about it and have lots of money, Pocket Wizard Plus II's are the industry standard.

 

So this v

http://www.amazon.com/Vivitar-285HV...5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1211745374&sr=1-5

OR this v

http://www.amazon.com/SunPak-383-Su...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1211745486&sr=1-1

Combined with this v

http://www.gadgetinfinity.com/product.php?productid=16766

Will be all I need to start shooting with off camera flash??

 

You could do a lot worse than a Metz 45.

Check which ones are safe using a PC cord. If you go wireless it won't matter but they have brackets which work pretty well for event photography that you don't want to bother with a stand.

The Auto function is amazingly consistent too.

 

www.strobist.com

 

Hey, thanks for the replys. I don't know what a PC chord is, though. I'm so confused about everything... all I want is a decent, wireless, off-camera flash set-up that $150 will buy me.

I even looked all over strobist.com, and couldn't find a clear answer.

 

Old flashes are great.... just one word of caution, make sure the trigger voltage is not too high.

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

 

My wife picked up a Promaster with a Canon module for her EOS630 (works with Elan's). I beleive it worked on the D-SLR's as well. Right around $120 w/ the module, if my shaky memory serves my properly.

 

I'm confused on how to tell if the flashes are compatible with my camera. I don't want to take any chances of somehow breaking anything...

 

Flashes are all compatible with your camera as long as they have a trigger voltage that your camera can handle. Older flashes usually have a 100v - 300v trigger voltage which will fry a 40D or any digital camera. As long as the trigger voltage is under 8 volts, it should be alright. I would strongly recommend the Vivitar 285hv. I just got one and love it!!!