Cannot afford Canon 550EX

[kevyan]

Hi all,

I am thinking of getting a flash for my camera, but I cannot afford to buy the Canon 550EX.

Would like to know if there are other alternatives to 550EX? Cheaper and (good/equivalent/or even better than 550EX) in terms of functions.

Thank you.

Kevin

[Garion]

You can try looking at the Sigma EF 500 DG Superflash unit, somewhat similar in functions to the 550EX, and cheaper. (ard $400 plus?).

You can also consider a Canon 420EX, lower power, no manual functions however, just ETTL & hi-speed flash sync. Cost ard $300 new, $250-$280 2nd hand.

[NC30]

get a 'dumb' auto flash with lower GN (~35). You'll learn flash photography from basics without all the E-TTL, iTTL aid. 'dumb' meaning it cannot communicate with your camera (only communication is "FIRE!") auto meaning it will automatically cut off the flash output once it has detected that there is enough light. (example: fill in flash that doesn't need full output)

I've taken this path previously, I bought a 2nd hand Metz 32Z1 that costs me <$100 and I'm glad I did.

[HelmetBox]

sigma 500 DG

no two thoughts about it.

[user111]

420EX your best bet for now.

[shawnlim]

Originally Posted by kevyan Hi all, I am thinking of getting a flash for my camera, but I cannot afford to buy the Canon 550EX. Would like to know if there are other alternatives to 550EX? Cheaper and (good/equivalent/or even better than 550EX) in terms of functions. Thank you. Kevin

As far as i know, quality dont comes cheap! Theres always a saying>>
You pay monkey you get peanuts.
Just my 2 cents

[Yappy]

So can I assume that I can use manual setting for any camera with any non-delicated flash as long as the flash fit into the flash holder of the camera?

yappy &happy

[ndroo]

Originally Posted by shawnlim You pay monkey you get peanuts.

Ain't it suppose to be the other way round? Pay monkey get peanuts is a bigger ripoff!

[Adam Goi]

Hi.

What's your budget? Still possible to get a used 550EX instead?

[DaNi3L]

Find a used Metz? Dun think you'll regret it if u can get it for a good price.

[code]

Originally Posted by Garion You can try looking at the Sigma EF 500 DG Superflash unit, somewhat similar in functions to the 550EX, and cheaper. (ard $400 plus?).

For $400 plus, you can get a second hand 550EX.. look ard the B&S section, a number of good deals come about every now and then.

[kevyan]

Sad to say, but my budget is only $250. Maybe I should save up some more.

[ed9119]

then try a 380ex...... about $200+ 2nd hand

[code]

Originally Posted by kevyan Sad to say, but my budget is only $250. Maybe I should save up some more.

What camera are you using it for? If it's EOS 30/33, a 420EX would be sufficient as the body allows to you have certain custom functions for the flash.

[kevyan]

I'm using EOS 66.

[Snow_One]

Originally Posted by kevyan I'm using EOS 66.

get 540ez, have ttl/manual and FEC

[TITANIUMLEE]

Hi

sigma 500 dg super i bought from ms color at $330.

[jsbn]

Originally Posted by DaNi3L Find a used Metz? Dun think you'll regret it if u can get it for a good price.

Got one guy selling his CT4 for quite cheap at B&S.... If he dun mind da blady sledgehammer, he can try it.

[PQ23]

Originally Posted by DaNi3L Find a used Metz? Dun think you'll regret it if u can get it for a good price.

Absolutely agree The auto feature is marvelous!! E-TTL s***s

[bkling1]

Originally Posted by shawnlim As far as i know, quality dont comes cheap! Theres always a saying>> You pay monkey you get peanuts. Just my 2 cents

I like the above.