Shoe mounted flash, is name brand a must?

ecphoto · Mar 13, 2012

Canon brand speedlights are a bit out of my price range right now.
I've seen some promising ones being offered by vivitar, bower and sunpak for about $50-80USD.

Is that a viable option?
I mean in terms of build quality

Tiberius47 · Mar 13, 2012

I;ve heard some good things about some of the third party flashes. Haven't used any myself. All my flashes are brand ones.

Village Idiot · Mar 13, 2012

If you're going with a full manual non TTL, then it doesn't matter. If you're purchasing a TTL flash that communicates with the camera, then it does. You could go with a 3rd party in that instance, but there's not gaurenteeing forwards or backwards compatibility. Unless Canon completely overhauls it's EOS system, then a 430EX should still work with new cameras for years to come.

ecphoto · Mar 13, 2012

Village Idiot said:
If you're going with a full manual non TTL, then it doesn't matter. If you're purchasing a TTL flash that communicates with the camera, then it does. You could go with a 3rd party in that instance, but there's not gaurenteeing forwards or backwards compatibility. Unless Canon completely overhauls it's EOS system, then a 430EX should still work with new cameras for years to come.

I definitely want to use the built in TTL system. I got a third party flash that was all manual before and found my self shooting at least 5 or 6 test shots every single time lol. I was shooting sony at the time which sucked enough in itself.

davisphotos · Mar 13, 2012

The only non Canon shoemount flash I used was a Sigma, and it was horrible. Metz has a good reputation, and offers some flashes that are a bit more affordable than Canon, but I don't have any personal experience with them. I would avoid Vivitar and Bowen, Sunpak might be okay. If you do get a shoe mount flash, make sure it has a head that can tilt and swivel so you can bounce it, and also make sure it is E-TTL II, if it is just E-TTL, it will not work with the digital Canon.

KmH · Mar 13, 2012

Using TTL flash is actually a lot more complex, and entails a much steeper learning curve than learning to use manual controls.

TTL has to use pre-flashes to work, and the pre-flashes often adversely effect your shot. For instance pre-flashes often make people blink and their eyes are partly or fully closed when the shutter is released. Pre-Flashes can also cause premature triggering of off camera flash units.

Using TTL the camera/flash unit are just following a software routine written by some camera software engineers. An unfortunate result is that TTL often produces inconsistant results.

Big Mike · Mar 13, 2012

Save up for the Canon, you'll be happy that you did.

The 600EX, 580EX II and 430EXII are great flashes, but expensive. The 320EX and the 270EXII are smaller and more affordable, but less powerful, with fewer options. Although, the 320EX is the only one with a built-in video light.
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup

MLeeK · Mar 13, 2012

I have 2 sigma shoe mounted flashes that I use regularly and they are excellent. I even had a problem with compatibility when I bought the 7D and sent them off to Sigma to be updated free of charge. I have no idea where davis had problems with Sigma, they're pretty well respected as a second brand flash. However the good ones are going to be well over your budget. Metz and Nissin are excellent (and metz would probably be my first choice) as well-and over your budget.
You are in the junk category there. They will work, but it's not going to be great and it's not going to have the best durability/lifespan.