Flashgun / Speedlite for 550D

[Theninjagecko]

If there is one thing I don't like about the 550D its the seizure inducing strobe flash.

I'm after a cheap flashgun that can be used in auto mode instead of using the 550D's built in flash.

Any idea's on any cheap ones that will work for me?

Thanks guys.

[Serhan]

Have a look here: http://speedlights.net/
And in particular to Yongnuo as they are great quality flash guns for less money.

[Hax]

550D, Canon right?

By meaning 'auto', I assume you want ETTL capability? (Where you don't have to worry about light power/high speed sync..)

Most if not nearly all non Canon flashguns will not support ETTL (Might be some recent development I haven't heard of yet! Also not all Canon flashes do ETTL...)

What is the budget when you say cheap?

New 430 EX ii is under £200. Seen used 550EX for around £100 on the usual bay of e's. I think there is a cheaper ETTL model than the 430's available, can't remember the name. If buying second hand, research the model first! Generally aim for EX flashes and not EZ.

What is the builtin flash currently doing? (I don't have builtin ones on my Canon's) Some red-eye reduction thingy? Some flash using IR type assist for focus?

The cheap hotshoe flashes (~£20ish) are great but are fully manual.

[Theninjagecko]

550D, Canon right?

By meaning 'auto', I assume you want ETTL capability? (Where you don't have to worry about light power/high speed sync..)

Most if not nearly all non Canon flashguns will not support ETTL (Might be some recent development I haven't heard of yet! Also not all Canon flashes do ETTL...)

What is the budget when you say cheap?

New 430 EX ii is under £200. Seen used 550EX for around £100 on the usual bay of e's. I think there is a cheaper ETTL model than the 430's available, can't remember the name. If buying second hand, research the model first! Generally aim for EX flashes and not EZ.

What is the builtin flash currently doing? (I don't have builtin ones on my Canon's) Some red-eye reduction thingy? Some flash using IR type assist for focus?

The cheap hotshoe flashes (~£20ish) are great but are fully manual.

ETTL support yes, i had a feeling i would be needing a canon one. Thansk fro the feedback :)

[mac124]

What is the builtin flash currently doing? (I don't have builtin ones on my Canon's) Some red-eye reduction thingy? Some flash using IR type assist for focus?

Basically i think you hit the nail squarely on the head, if its anything like the Canons i have owned it strobes the onboard flash to focus, so i don't know if an external flash gun would be much different tbh (personally never used one) as that will still need some light to focus if its so dark to warrant the use of a flash?

Yes/no?

As i said i have never used a flash gun on my camera so have no idea how they work so could be talking utter tripe?

[Hax]

External speedlites have an AF assist light to aid AF. Usually that red lens on the front just above the hotshoe. It give out a pattern with contrasting red/black lines.

That lens also covers a receiver used in Canon's wireless flash system.

[Hax]

I checked today and it looks like some 3rd party flashes can support ETTL.

Take a look at Sigma, Metz etc. You might have to dig deeper into online manuals from the manufacturers to see what they do support.

I also checked out the other models in the Yongnuo range and the higher models supposedly support ETTL. How good it does it though is another question.

Sorry, misinformation to start with :o