Hey folks, I could use a little input on a good flash for my Canon EOS Rebel. I plan on using this camera extensively in Namibia this June. I'd like to find a good flash unit that's relatively inexpensive ($150-$200 or so) that will work for filling in daytime trophy shots, while still providing adequate flash for last-light or even night shots at close range. This camera has the factory 28-70 lens, and I will soon be aquiring a Sigma 70-300 APO Super 2 Macro. As a relative novice to "real" photography (i.e. other than P&S 35mm and digitals), I'll gladly accept any advice related to flashes and to SLR use in general.

Thanks in advance.

Buying a flash for your camera will be relativly simple. Put the Canon flash on it.
If you are considering stepping up to digital sometime go for the 420 ex. It will work now and sync with your digital canon in the future. If you aren't ever going digital get the 420ez. They have a zoom feature that will work with your camera and lens including some of the range of your new tele.The best thing about the factory flash is they will set automatically to match your camera and lenses.
Personally I prefer the tamron series of off-name lenses. I recently got the 28-300 macro to eliminate having to change lenses. This lens is smaller than my factory 28-90.
If you want to go with a less expensive but super good flash instead, look for a Vivitar 285HV. They can be found for around $100 and are a workhorse for professionals. I have a couple that are 10 years old and still firing close to Daylight balance. They have variable power settings and will allow sync with any camera but must be set manually.
Good luck.
Frank

Frank, thank you for the comments. I lean towards the EX version, as someday I would like to upgrade to a nice SLR based digital. I'be been very pleased with the EOS so far, so that may the digital route I go in a couple years.

What makes you prefer the Tamron lenses over Sigma? The Sigma I'm considering gets great reviews, looks like an appropriate lens, and is in my price range. Of course, the Tamrons are a bit less even, starting at about $120 for this one and increasing to about $150 for this one. Would you care to compare and contrast these three lenses for me? Considering your experience with photography, your opinion is certainly more qualified than mine!

Again, thanks.

DesertRam,


I went with 420EX on my Rebel and I have been very pleased with it..
With regards fill in-flash during the day, your built in flash should do just fine...when taking the pictures, I would take some with and some without fill it so you can compare the results...

Those evening trphy shots at dusk a very challenging. The tendency is for the subject to be illumiated correctly by your flash and every thing around it to be black even though it was not that dark in reality. To cope with I would recommend using the nightscene setting on the camera. This should try to expose for the background and ensure the subject is correctly illuminated as well...best thing to do is take some evening pics of the kids or a family pet between you go as practice....

To get the best from this mode and to generally help you compose your pictures, I can't strongly enough recommend a small travel tripod...usually all you will need is a tripod that will put your camera between knee and waist height.

The tripod really helps when composing the shot as you don't need to move and re compose if you want to go foward and adjust the subject...You can also compose a picture with a stand in holding the trophy andwhen you are happy take your place leaving someone just to push the button...

Take your time composing the pics as it is well worth it. Pay attention to the smallest details like grass covering part of the subject or blood from the subjects mouth or the dreaded tounge hanging out!..Hardly noticable faults now tend to look much worse in the final picture...

Have a look through hunting magazines and books and photocopy any trophy pictures you like and put them in your camera case as reminders. Allow plenty of time for each trophy and take lots of pictures with slightly different poses or from slightly perspectives..at least a dozen and twenty would be better...

Regards,

Pete

I guess my preference is really only based on my personal experience with handling and use. Granted, I have not used the APO lens you are looking at. I have a pair of Sigmas but find them a little heavier and the zoom feature not quite as smooth. I have to say I am using my zooms in a totally different way. I am usually in a fast action mode moving and shooting at moving subjects.
I totally agree with a camera support for posed images and a small velbon or tilt-all of 8 to 16 inches is lightweight and easy to carry with you. Remember, You can't use it if you don't have it with you.
Regarding the fill-flash out of doors. When using the on-camera flash out of doors the distance to your subject is a critical feature.
The 420 ex offers a guide number of 138 or f-13@10' w/iso100
Most on camera flashes are under 50 or f-4.5 @10' w/iso100
That means beyond 10' the on-camera flash becomes ineffective in filling in on a very bright day. This leads to either shadows under the eyes or a very pale background.
At 16 oz with two sets of batteries the extra weight is insignificant for the benefit gained.
Since both types of flash are ttl and e-ttl the dusk shots will be OK but be careful with camera shake as they will both change the shutter speed to a slower setting which is harder to hold steady. Again this is where your tripod comes into use.
If you are looking for more technical information go to your camera store and ask for Free Canon literature or go online to www.canoneos.com.
Good luck
Frank

DesertRam,
I to would recommend the 420Ex Canon flash for you as well. I have both the 420Ex and the 550Ex and use them on my Canon digital Rebel. For what you are planning to use your camera and flash for it should work fine.