Flashgun advice please!

[emily16]

Hi all,

I havent used a flash gun before and dont really know much about them when it comes to choosing one, but its something i would like to learn more about.
I would like to get a cheap one to start me off as i wont be using it very much, but there are times when my camera flash isnt enough which is why im looking into getting one.

Ive had a little look and found this:
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/...7557/show.html

Is this any good for me to start with or is it a real 'no go' and not worth it? I have a canon so am i right in thinking this one is fully compatible as it has TTL?

Really i just want some advice on what to look for, what is a must, and what i can get for as little as possible as its not something im going to use loads so dont want to spend too much.

Thanks

Emily

[Drew Smith]

Hi Emily

The first flash I bought was a second hand Canon 420EX Speedlite, which still does good service. I'm not sure a Brand name flash is necessary when you are starting out though. I'm sure other people will post telling you of their experiences with flash guns.

However, whatever you do buy I'd suggest that you make sure the flash head will pivot upwards and will aslo rotate; that way you can bounce flash any where you need.

I'd look at getting a Diffuser for it too, to soften the harsh light. Diffusers cost 'silly money' in the high street for what is essentially a bit of plastic, but you can pick them up a lot cheaper on ebay etc.

Hope this helps.

[matt wilson]

I bought the Jessops one and regreeted it .It is not advertised correctly as it is not fully ettl compatible .

Output is not brilliant and you get colour casts.

Build quality is appallingly bad .(I am not a photo gear snob by any means) but would urge you to wait a little longer and get the Canon 420.

[MattUK]

Hey Emily,

I posted something similar here: http://www.photoradar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5039 and got a good response with some advice from Steve. Might be worth keeping an eye on that thread too, to see what others recommend

[silversnapper1]

Originally Posted by MattUK

Hey Emily,

I posted something similar here: http://www.photoradar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5039 and got a good response with some advice from Steve. Might be worth keeping an eye on that thread too, to see what others recommend

Yes, don't rely on my advice totally there. As I say, I am fairly new to the flash or strobist stuff and I would look forward to learning from someone with more knowledge to be able to get my head around it. I have just passed on some info that I have gained over the past couple of weeks.

[littlebro]

You dont say how much you want to spend Emily, I have a Nissin Di622, have a look at them here. But even though its Nissin they do fit Canon's as well .

http://www.google.co.uk/webhp?source...&aqi=&aql=&oq=