Budget Flashgun for Canon 300D

[No1Joker]

To give you an idea i've been looking at:
Sunpak PF30x, Jessops 300AFD or Jessops 300AFDC.

I am looking for a flash for my Canon 300D for hopefully under £50 (tough times ) so that i can avoid taking photos with great big blocks of shadow. I've attached an example.

I would only be using the flash to help with pictures inside of people less than 5m away. Mostly my little 10 month boy.

Anyone got any recommendations or advice. I know reading through most of this forum you guys have the "big boys" kit, but a little help for us poor 'uns would be really appreciated.

[mr ooops]

id be interested in this too, im just building my photo equipment list and while i dont mind eventualy buying pricier equipment later as my skills (hopefully improve) at present while im learning id like to keep to budget stuff that i can sell on at not much of a loss at a later stage, also if this works out to be a 5 min wonder hobby ive not lost big bucks, plus im still paying for crimbo so a flashgun at the 50 -70 mark would be great.

no1joker, great looking kid you have there, is it your first? if so take plenty of piccys they grow up so fast, really regret not taking more of my 2 when they were growing up.

jason

[No1Joker]

Thanks for the compliments. I'm enjoying playing proud Dad at the moment. I was seriously stunned at the level of attention he gets and how random people just walk up to us in the street and start talking. It's not something i'm used to around London.

I think (Flashguns) that the AFDC is the better between the two Jessops options. But you can only buy it 2nd hand now. Jeesops have the 300AFD for £35 collection only from store.

The Sunpak PF30x is definitely review better than the other two, but alot of that was because they were £100 at the time, not the £35 they are now. The Sunpak is generally £65-75. Not sure if they are "twice" as good, for being twice the price.

I might nip in to Jessops and see if i can try the 300AFD on my camera and take some shots. Maybe post some pics if i can.

My requirements are it MUST have TTL so it can be compatible with my canon and have a tilt. I would love a diffusion option, but i think will end up being an add-on box.

It's a photography forum so i'll attach another pic (just let me get away with another proud dad moment )

[senu]

Seriously, to have E-TTL ( especially E TTL II) for Canon you might want to stretch to a Speed light
A second hand Canon 430 will be most handy.. or even 420
Comet are doing new 430 EX for £116.. Normally £170
canon 430 ex vs 430ex 2??
A Sigma EF 500 DG would also be a bargain f you can get one second hand

[mr ooops]

I was seriously stunned at the level of attention he gets and how random people just walk up to us in the street and start talking

top tip, this works great in the supermarket too especially when no wife present


and senu, that flash is so damn tempting alas nowhere near to me has stock

[No1Joker]

Originally Posted by senu

Seriously, to have TTL ( especially TTL II) for Canon you migt want to stretch to a Speedlight
A second hand Canon 430 will be most handy..
Comet are doing new 430 EX for £116.. Normally £170
canon 430 ex vs 430ex 2??
A Sigma EF 500 DG would also be a bargain f you can get one second hand

£100 is beyond my limit for a flash sadly. I am hoping to pick up a cheap flash and cheap tripod and get change out of the £100. There's nothing i'd like than to go on a Speedlight/Monfrotto spending spree but nipper needs food and nappies

Any reviews/experience with the Sigma EF 500 DG? i'll try and have a google around tomorrow and see if i should add it to the short list.

Originally Posted by mr ooops

top tip, this works great in the supermarket too especially when no wife present

lol, indeed it does sir...indeed it does.

[senu]

I have the Sigma and used on Auto .. With your camera on P it works well. It is a bit tricky to use in any other mode and can be hit or miss hence my " retiring" it from frontiline duties
I do however keep it as a spare on the second camera though: it is good
Neither itself nor the 430 ( at its current price) are overcostly kit IMHO

I know how tight cash can be ( and i have a receipt hunting wife..) but having bought cheap and bought twice more than once Im a little less warmly disposed to cheap and possibly not cheerful

[No1Joker]

Canon Speedlite looks to be sold out at my local comet stores. Phoned customer services and they don't think there are many left from what they could tell.

I will try the cheapest Jessops on saturday. Hopefully bide my time and pick up a bargain on one of the many sites that i look at when trying to buy stuff.

I have the short list of possibles. I know there aren't loads of options at the cheaper end of the scale. But i'll try and update what i find out.

[senu]

The one on display in Yeading ( UB4 :West London) has remained there untouched for the last week.. or so
I saw it yesterday