question about flash for Canon 30d

**Gil26** · 05-12-2006, 10:55 PM

Hi everybody, finaly Im ready to get my camera and its going to be the Canon 30D so now my question is the flash, I want to get one because Im going to be at some weddings so can anybody help me with what will be a good flash for my camera, I was looking at some that go from $150 to $550 i can probably spend the $550 but I dont know if I really need to get something like that or if something cheaper will do good at weddings thanks

**brucep** · 05-12-2006, 11:13 PM

I use the 580EX, but you may find the Sigma EF-500 DG Super to your liking. Here's a comparison of their two very recent predecessors:
http://photonotes.org/reviews/sigma-ef-500-super/

I've read the build quality is a bit less in the Sigma, and that there are "issues" when it comes to controling lighting ratios of remote flashes using ETTL in the Sigmas, so I went with two 580EXs and love 'em!

Here's the Canon Flash 'bible,' including a section about "EOS system compatible flash units" including the Sigma:
http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

Many folks here on the 'zo are happy with their EF-500 DG Super Sigmas. Hopefully they'll chime in here.

Whichever you choose, you'll want to budget to get the off-camera cord and a bracket which will allow you to have the flash directly over your lens whether you're shooting horizontally or vertically.

**Landis** · 05-13-2006, 10:49 AM

I would recommend you get a STO-FEN flash diffuser for what ever flash you get:

http://tinyurl.com/oqt92

The photographer who did my daughter's wedding introduced me to this very good and inexpensive solution to improve the quality of the light.

His photos are here: http://www.photozo.com/album/showgallery.php?cat=4474

**JMAC** · 05-13-2006, 11:39 AM

Thanks for that link Bruce, i found it really helpful................i borrowed my mates 580EX for the weekend and he gave me it without the manual..................cheers, Jimmy!!

**brucep** · 05-13-2006, 01:35 PM

Jimmy, here's my 580EX manual in PDF:
http://brucephilpott.com/photos/580EX_Manual.pdf

Just be sure to put it back when you're done.

I'm with Landis on that StoFen diffuser. I think it was he who told me about it and I wouldn't be without mine.

**Gil26** · 05-13-2006, 05:14 PM

Thanks bruce for the for the link on the flash, now for sure Im going for the 580EX and also the off-camera cord and bracket youre was verry helpful
And thank you too Landis I did read your coments about the diffuser on another forum but now that i saw the pictures of your daughter's wedding it got me thinking about it and good thing its not to expenseve so Im goin to get it to Thanks

**JMAC** · 05-14-2006, 04:47 AM

Thanks again Bruce..........i will give it a good read, there is so many controls and options on the flash that i need to read about.............cheers, Jimmy!!