I've been thinking of asking for an external flash (for canon xti) for christmas from my parents, the only problem is they only want to spend between $120-$150 so basically any canon brand flash is out of the question. I have no idea what to look for when it comes to a decent flash so I'm turning to you guys for help. I/they would prefer to buy from a local store so I'm kinda stuck buying the quantaray brand from ritz, would any of those flashes be worth it or should I just hold out till I can get a canon flash(430ex)?

Link for ritz camera
Flashes for Film Cameras - RitzCamera.com

 

I'd say, have them give you the money, and then if you can split the difference, go to North Tampa Photo and pick out a flash from there. Ritz is a waste of a business.

So yes, in the long run you will be MUCH better off getting the good flash to begin with. No sense in getting the off brand (which would do ok to start with, dont get me wrong), but why spend that money when you will eventually want/need to move to the legit Canon one.

 

i have a quantray and am more than half-way pleased with its performance. synching can be a little iffy, but its nothing a little tweaking can't fix. it definitley has more fill than my stock flash, that's for sure.IMO, go with the cheaper right now, experiment with it, get used to an external unit; then a couple years later, if your still into the whole photography thing, get a canon...

 

Look into the Vivitar 285HV. Not sure if NTP sells it, but if they do, it's a great flash.

 

I ended up with the 430ex II, my mom put $130 down and I paid the rest. I went with Michael's reasoning which makes sense, I figured I won't get a better price with my mom splitting the cost. Thanks for everyone else's input.

Here's a quick comparison.

This is with the on board camera flash in the kitchen with no lights on.


This is with the 430EX II straight out the box just put it on the camera and took the picture

 

def. getting the 430ex. never used an external flash before which sounds retarded but the comparison did it for me. Enjoy it

 

Make sure you understand lighting nd flashes before you jump up and go buy an external flash. It can do you more harm than good if your not careful.

 

Neither have I. I wish I could compare the quantaray to really see a difference.



Doing more harm as in using flash when it's not needed or as in adding frustration to something your still unfamiliar with?

I kind of get what your saying and then kind of don't, if that makes any sense. Could you please elaborate?

 

Thats my fault for not explaining myself. But yes, jumping into something your unfamiliar with. Which, i guess we all did at one point.

Well, lighting a subject is getting into a totally new avenue of photography. I'm not saying NOT to do it, because getting into external lighting can open up many doors and improve your photography dramatically. Just be sure to READ, READ, READ. Oh, and READ.

Using an off camera flash can:

* eliminate distracting shadows around the subject
* provide depth to subject
* more powerful than on camera flashes resulting in greater illumination and a wider beam of light
* may be moved for better effects
* will provide a softer, nicer light in your images.

But like you said, you could also end up getting frustrated. By overexposing images...etc. Look at Strobist.com - Learn to Light Search the blog on any questions you may have. And im sure you will find the answers on this site.