Best value Flash (Canon Mount)?

Hi all,

I'm looking to get a Canon mount flash for my DRebel (yes the original, hopefully a 40D in not too long). I've really only heard of the Canon and Sigma flashes. I'm looking (maybe this is obvious, because it's a flash...but) to use it for flash fill at sporting events like football and soccer (probably complimenting a 70-200) and then indoor events like speeches, etc. From my research I've found that the 580EX is probably too expensive for me. The 430EX might work. I've also looked at buying a used 550 EX which might be in the price range. Then there are the Sigmas: 530 DG ST, 530 DG Super, 500 DG ST, 500 DG Super. I've looked but can't figure out the difference in them. Anyone understanding the naming scheme? The Sigma's basically seem like a little scaled down version of the 580EX for a cheaper price: is that right? Anybody used them?

430EX: http://tinyurl.com/2qd36a

Sigma Flashes: http://www.sigmaphoto.com/flashes/flashes_flashes.asp

As of right now, the flash will only be mounted on the camera - no slave stuff or anything like that. Any suggestions/comments? Thanks for your help

-fool

I bought a 550 used here on TGR and like it a lot. I haven't really figured out all the stuff on it but it's been working for what I want so far.

Seems that most decent Flashes have a Guide number of ~165-180, which at an f/3.5 means an effective maximum range of ~50ft. You'd need this to shoot football, but they'll stop you from using strobes during play if it's college level or higher. I've seen guys get yelled at during HS games as well....

The Sigma EF-500 DG Super for EOS cameras runs about $180: http://shopproducts.howstuffworks.co...1/PID-21809814

I've used the 430ex quite extensively - it's good for general fill flash, portraits, lighting small rooms, etc., but definitely not for outdoor sports. I'm not sure how you intend to shoot football or soccer with a shoe mounted flash and a 70-200 lens....I can't see that working too well.

Regardless, I picked up a used 430EX for $200 on KEH.com, so there are a lot of good deals out there.


edit: check out strobist.com for a lot of good flash info.

I'd give serious consideration to the 550EX and 580EX. I can't recommend the Sigmas, because I haven't used them, but they're also mighty tempting. I will say that owning a 420EX is a pain in my ass because I end up carting around the 420EX in case I want to use ETTL on-camera or on an off-camera shoe cord, but then when I want to use off-camera flash I also carry a couple of SB-25s for use with radio slaves. If I had the 550EX or 580EX instead of the 420EX, I could just use that flash with the radio slaves.

(I'm not sure whether or not the 430EX offers full manual control; I know it has some manual adjustability but I thought it didn't go as far as the 5x0 series. I could be wrong.)