I'm about to start school for Photo. and I need an external flash with ability to shoe mount. I have a Canon Rebel 550D... Throughout this class I'll be doing all sorts of photography so I need something that will "work" for general use (I know that's probably very vague and there may not be a single flash that fits this description).
Could I get some suggestions as to what would work well? but would like to try to not get crazy with prices - though I do understand it will probably be a few hundred.
I will ask school as well, but I like getting as much advice as possible.
I have the Canon Speedlite 430 EX II and I just love it! That's a good price. I got mine after someone brought it back to the store. I paid $279 for it because the box had been opened.
I concur on the 430 EX. The only limitation is, if you wish to add extra flashes later to use OCF (off camera flash), the 430 will not work as a controlling unit. It can be controlled, however, by the ST-E2 or a 580 EX / 580 EX II. So, if you do want to do OCF later, you can't just buy another 430. Not really much of a limitation, and with the 550D it will keep up under most circumstances, so the 580 is probably overkill.
Thanks all, looks like it's gonna be a tough call between the 480 and 580
@jinximages Thanks for pointing that out, that is probably something I should really consider. I don't know much about OCF uses but for some reason food, jewelry, etc types of shots come to mind... or does OCF have a much broader range of applications than I am thinking?
@richwho OCF is also great for portraiture, because it allows you to do basic studio lighting either without the studio gear, or on location right out of your camera bag.
If you want to use your 430 off camera, you can just get the transmitter or a 580 later - either one can be used to control it. And it will work just fine if you go all out and get PocketWizards. I would say the only reason to get the 580 instead, now, is if you want the extra power and faster cycle times or, if you're anything like me, the idea of using mixed flash models later on bothers you somewhat. ;) That's just my little "keep everything the same type" OCD. Haha! Really though, it shouldn't matter if you get a 430 now and a 580 later, if you decide you need it, or just run either one from an ST-E2 or PocketWizard.
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Does that sound good or should I look elsewhere?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/571297-USA/Canon_2805B002_430EX_II_Speedlite_TTL.html/mode/edu
@jinximages Thanks for pointing that out, that is probably something I should really consider. I don't know much about OCF uses but for some reason food, jewelry, etc types of shots come to mind... or does OCF have a much broader range of applications than I am thinking?
Zack Arias does some great stuff using one light, off camera: http://www.onelightworkshop.com/
If you want to use your 430 off camera, you can just get the transmitter or a 580 later - either one can be used to control it. And it will work just fine if you go all out and get PocketWizards. I would say the only reason to get the 580 instead, now, is if you want the extra power and faster cycle times or, if you're anything like me, the idea of using mixed flash models later on bothers you somewhat. ;) That's just my little "keep everything the same type" OCD. Haha! Really though, it shouldn't matter if you get a 430 now and a 580 later, if you decide you need it, or just run either one from an ST-E2 or PocketWizard.