Picking out a flash

Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 8 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia

I have a Canon 300D and im pretty new to photography. im taking a photography class now and i need to invest in a flash. Im a college student...so naturally im on a budget....i dont know to much about flashes...but i want the ability to bounce the flash off things once i learn a little more...can someone please suggest a flash and possible accessories i can at least get started with for around 200 bucks....new or used....thanks in advanced

Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 131 Location: Boulder, Colorado

The Sunpack 554 Handle Flash is an excellent basic flash....and should help you to learn about all the settings before buying one of the "new-fangled-auto-everything" flashes.

Joined: 13 Jan 2007 Posts: 245 Location: Maryland

I can vouch for the Sunpak 544. Own several myself. They do have a basic auto mode for flash exposure, and full manual control for over, I think it's a 7 stop range, in 1/3 stop increments.

90 deg tilt and 360 deg swivel capabilities in the head too. Can bounce flash from a wall behind you, and everywhere in between.

Quite powerful. Can use with light modifiers, and still have enough power to use a range of apertures.

Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 8 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia

thanks for the advice...now..can u suggest a place to get it for the cheapest price!

Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 131 Location: Boulder, Colorado

Try KEH.com out of Atlanta....but they are pretty cheap new...about $119, I think...

Joined: 13 Jan 2007 Posts: 245 Location: Maryland

While trying to find a decent price for you, I've found that the Sunpak 544 is being discountinued. Haven't been able to find a source for them yet, if any are left out there.

Didn't find it on KEH with their search feature.

Perhaps a gently used one on Ebay. I've bought one from their before. $35 I think it was. Make sure it comes with the battery holder and sync cord.

This news upsets me! I'll be looking for eplacement options should I need them.