Which flash for Canon 40D?

[Kaare]

I need a flash gun for my Canon 40D, but I am in doubt what to buy. Pricing in the UK is similar to Norway, and I have been looking at the Canon Speedlite 430, latest model, but I read somewhere that this is basically a SLAVE flash. Is this correct? Or is it an OK general good flash gun? I have also looked at Metz and Nissin flash guns, but specs don't tell me what I need.
What I DO need is a flash that swivels and tilts. Can anyone please advice?
Kaare Nilsen
Norway
kaanil3@yahoo.com

[minky_monkey]

Basically, you can`t use a 430 ex to command other flashes. I`ve got both a 430ex and 580ex, they`re both good reliable units.

I don`t know about the others, but unless you need the higher power of the 580, or the need to trigger other flashes, then you`ll be fine with a 430.

[Rossi_57]

Hi Kaare, I would agree with minky, I also have a 40D and have both the 430ex 11 and 580ex 11 they are both excellent flash's and will serve you well. I do a bit of off camera flash, so the 580 is used as the Master and the 430 the slave. The 580 is a bit pricey but.

[Chris George]

The 430EX II came out top in our recent SuperTest of Canon-compatible flashguns. It is an extremely well-designed flash for the price, and has practically all the features you really need.

It can be used as part of a wireless flash set-up - but unlike some guns it can only be triggered by other flashguns (as a "slave"), it can not act as a "master" and fire other flashguns. However to do wireless flash you will almost inevitably need another flash anyway.

The only way to fire a Canon flash using the Canon wireless system without another flashgun is to either buy a Canon ST-E2 trigger unit, or buy the new Canon EOS 7D.

Chris
Chris George
Associate Editor, PhotoPlus