Daddy B... (flash?)

[Madhatter4674]

What kind of external flash do you recommend for the Rebel XT?

Looking to pick up a versatile flash for multiple uses.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Hatter

[DaddyB]

I absolutely, unequivocally, practially DEMAND that you buy a Canon brand flash. The difference in the no-name flash I had, the vivitar flash I replaced it with was minimal. The difference between the Vivitar and the Canon is unbelievable. The distance this flash covers and it's sheer power to light up a room by bouncing OFF A 2 STORY CATHEDRAL CIELING is unmatched. I have the 580ex. It used to be top of the line (there's a 580exII now) and the 'replacement' isn't much better at all than this fine flash. My flash travails started when I first bought my Digital Rebel XT. I still had it for another 6 months or more after I finally got the 580ex. It's just a perfect flash.

You might see if you can pick one of those up. Prices have gone down now that there's a successor to it. Word's gotten out that the 580exII isn't any big thang, so folks are pretty much hanging onto their older flashes, so there's not a flood on the market of used flashes.

I love the 580ex for it's power, for it's ability to rotate the head in most anydirection so that you can bounce light from almost anywhere, the ability to turn OFF the flash part of the unit but keep the infrared focus light available so that the camera focuses tack sharp in absolute darkenss (ie: the haunted Mansion). If you've ever tried to take a picture with your rebel in the dark, and got frustrated that the camera just couldn't focus... this flash will cure that absolutely.

I'm not sure if the lesser models (in the 400 line) will do this or not. The 580 should run a couple of hundred dollars... but you can keep this flash forever as long as you stay in the Canon line of equipment. It runs beautifully on my 40d, and should I ever get the chance to upgrade, I'm sure i'll want to keep it even if I am using a 1dIIIs!

Hope that helps!

I have told people that the first piece of equipment to purchase after the camera and a good tripod, is a brand flash. Olympus flash for Olympus cameras, Nikon for Nikon cameras, etc. They build these things to make the most of their brand, and vivitar and others try to make their flash just work with EVERY brand... there's a difference that is easy to recognize, and it's worth the price.

[Madhatter4674]

Thanks for the help DaddyB. I'll be in Disneyland next week (from Hermiston, Oregon) and shall endeavor to pursue an adequate Canon flash. Thanks again.

Hatter