Hey all!

So I've got a question for ya...

I have never used anything but the flash on my camera and I want to start experimenting but don't know what to buy??

I just bought my first SLR in August and I am not happy with the on camera flash...I know most professionals don't even use it...ever...so I want to expand...but I don't want to waste my $$ on the wrong thing! There is so much to choose from!!!

what do you use and why do you like it??

and.... ANY tips you have are SO welcomed

thanx!! ~Stephanie

what camera do you want to stick a flash on?

Canon Digital rebel Xti

i would look for an old 550 or a 580.
I love my 550's

Since you have a Canon camera, I would go with a Canon flash. Make sure you buy one that you can grow with. Don't buy a lesser model, and realize that you won't be able to do the things you want to do as you learn! Listen to the Canon users here.

check ebay for 550ex, 580ex or 430ex. If you are interested in really learning about flash photography then you can always buy an old flash and use it on manual, but you will have to be paying attention all the time. I'd say 550ex.
Chris

I've love my 580.

Why do you love them? =)

430ex and 580ex.. We love them due to power and compatability.

Go get the 430.

go on... You know you wanna.
Scoot on over to B&H and get it.
$240...

If you do not have a flash at all, then get a brand name flash to use on camera for fill. The 580 or 430 are both good for this, like these guys said above. Then, when your ready to venture into the world of wireless flash, dont waste money on a brand name flash. Buy an old Vivitar 285 for about $80. If your using pocket wizards, and dont care about losing TTL, then spending $400 on a flash is a waste of money. When your flash is off camera and manual, then a flash is a flash is a flash.

Tru dat. Sometimes for multiple flashes, I breakout an old quanaray that a friend gave me a few years ago... I forgot I had it till a week or so ago ..
Put it on M and rollon.

Good advice Nick.. I fergot to add dat.