looking for a flash

[brownieapple]

i have ~200 USD to play with and i want to get an good/decent all around flash for my 7D. what would you guys recommend?

or would there be something i could better spend my money on?

 

[John Mc]

What are you Shooting? Canons 430 ExII is about 200. But Also look at 3rd party's, Metz are not bad with their mid range flashes, a 48 af-1 will set you back about 140 if you can get it new,cheaper if used. The 50 Af-1 comes in at 200, its the successor to the 48.

 

[Big Mike]

Yup, the 430EX would be the ideal choice around $200.

 

[brownieapple]

sorry for the late reply! right now i really am just shooting any and everything. i haven't found what it is that grabs my attention the most.

i did look into the 430ex ii. it looks pretty solid for anything i could come across. i went to best buy and they had them for 100$ more than i found on the net. asked if they price matched but they said no just BB.com, wal-mart, target, etc. so looks like i will be ordering it in the next few weeks.

 

[Big Mike]

Beware of finding the 'lowest price' on the internet.

Looking around, the 'real' price of the 430EX is more like $280 (sorry, my bad).
Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash 2805B002 B&H Photo

There is a cheaper Canon mode, the 270EX.Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash 3806B002 B&H Photo Video
It does allow you to bounce the flash, but it doesn't rotate, so it's not as versatile as the 430EX.

If you really want to stick to your $200 budget, there are other flashes that would work, but they will be off-brand units and the quality is hit and miss.

 

[brownieapple]

Thanks big mike. I realize that "lowest price" might not mean lowest price. And $280 is still within reach I just cannot purchase it right away a little more saving is in order!