If you are controlling it manually, which is how i use all of mine off camera, and not using ttl then you can get just about any flash such as a vivitar 285 new for 85 bucks. They are old but are tanks and last forever. You can also get an older nikon sb-25, sb-26, sb-28 used for around 75 - 100 bucks which all have full manual controls, all powerful, and will work with any camera if your using them manual off camera. Lumopro lp160 is also another good all manual flash that is as powerful as the expensive Canon 580 EX II but only runs $160. You can get some cheap wireless triggers such as Yongnuo RF-603. I have 4 of them and they work quite well for the price. You can also use them as wireless shutter release for your camera. check out zack arias if you want to see what you can do with one cheap flash and a cheap umbrella. He got famous by using one cheap old viviar and a cheap umbrella. I have learned a tone from his site. Also strobist.com is pretty much the online external flash bible lol. Hope it helps.
Oh Oh On. One more thing.... If you can get it with High Speed Sync that will give you more creativity in using your flash in day light and darkening your background.
@tracywilliams Tracy, I use the Yongnuo brand that @agima suggested. I've got the fully manual ones (YN-460 and YN-460 II) which were $40 each and they're awesome. But Yongnuo have some more advanced Canon-compatible models too. Anyway, they generally seem accepted as best value for money available these days.
@tracywilliams Tracy, I have the 430EX, it really does work well with all the camera settings, and you can buy relatively inexpensive off-camera flash cords that give you that additional flexibility.
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http://speedlights.net/compare-speedlight-specs/?model=YN460&model2=580EX+II
I have heard a lot of good things about the Yongnuo brand and they are dirt cheap against a Canon speedlite.
@pizzaboy Thanks Mick :)