Question About Flash for a Canon

[Zydeco]

So, I'm getting ready to order a camera/base/lens/etc. within the next few days, and I've pretty much decided to go with a used Canon 1000D.

A photographer friend of the family mentioned that sometimes, non-Canon flashes don't sync up well on Canon cameras.

In another thread I made a few days ago, someone recommended a Vivitar 285HV. Will I encounter that sort of problem with the Vivitar? I looked into the Canon 430EX speedlight, but those are super expensive. xD

 

[Zydeco]

41 Views and no replies? I know you folks know about flash mounts!

 

[Aragorncito]

Hi there, I have a Canon 7D and I use a Vivitar 285HV flahs without any problem, I even have a pretty old flash from a very , very rare brand plus old and I don't have problems at all with both I even used them with a Canon Rebel Xti I used at school. Hope it helps a little ! cheers.

 

[Zydeco]

Thanks for the reply, Aragorncito! That definitely does help, yes. xD I just needed a second opinion from someone who's used this flash firsthand without any issue. Glad to hear it, it's likely going to be the one I end up choosing!

 

[bazooka]

What do you mean by "sync'd up" exactly? Are you looking for an ETTL flash or a manual flash?

 

[radiorickm]

When they mention things like this, they are usually refering to the TTL capabilities of the units. MOST flashes will "sync up" (meaning that they FIRE at the correct time) when used MANUALLY. It's when you try and use the TTL that you have problems (not that the Vivitar has the TTL capability), but other flashes. I have a Sunpak unit that works just fine on my XTI, but it will not do ANYTHING on my 40D.

 

[KmH]

The Vivitar 285HV does not TTL, but it does have some semi-auto features that are independent of the camera.

Your 1000D has a flash x-sync shutter speed of 1/200.

 

[Zydeco]

Ooh, I see. So, with the Vivitar, I'd have to set the flash manually? No idea how to go about that just yet, but that's mostly because I can't physically fiddle around with it until I've actually ordered and received it.

 

[MLeeK]

WHat is your budget for this purchase?

With off brand flashes you do run the risk of when a newer camera comes out it will not be compatible. Nissin makes their flashes with a USB port so you can update firmware yourself and fix this. Sigma will update firmware free of charge for you if you send it in. I just had to have my sigma's updated because they would not work with my 7D.
How often does it happen? Not that much, but it does, can and may very well happen sometime down the road. For me the savings was well worth the trip to NYC for my flashes. I think it ran me about $15 in shipping.

 

[KmH]

With just about any of the less expensive flash units flash units you need to be more involved with the settings.

That's why the Canon flash units cost more, they have the electronics and programming needed to do ETTL Canon cameras.

The simple inexpensive flash units only need a trigger signal from the camera, you get to be the computer.

 

[Zydeco]

I'm not looking to go all out on a flash just yet, so the Vivitar, which I found used for about $75, is near the price range I'd like to stay in.

 

[MLeeK]

ahhhh, ouch. There are a few that are made by Sunpak and Bower that are e-ttl. They are CHEAP flashes, but if you are looking for cheap that will work for a while instead of last forever they'll work.

 

[ElenaGordon]

Hi there, as I do have 1000d as well as 1d mark ii, I always have used random flashes. Never ever I had any issues with Vivatar. I have previously used an Achiever. Good luck!

 

[enzodm]

Look also at Yongnuo flashes (I have a YN-465, used on 1000D and 60D). Some models do TTL on Canon, they are cheap, not much powerful but not bad at all. E.g., Yongnuo YN-468 Flash Review | Speedlights.net

 

[Sean1965]

My Nissin works great as long i as it is on the camera if I put it on a stand the ttl features dont work at all