Need an on camera flash...what do I get?

[JazzSAlive]

I'm looking to purchase a Flash for my Canon 50d, I want to use the camera for wedding pics, portraits, etc. My question is, what on camera flash units should I be looking at? Do I stay with Canon equipment or is there another brand equipment that is up to par with Canon equipment at a lower price? Your input would be greatly appreciated.

[tc95]

Robert...I don't use Canon...but with my Sony & Sigma systems I use the Sigma 500 & 530 DG Super flashes....I have not had an issue with these...and someone is always selling for around 100 to 150.....

[Tom]

For wedding and portrait work, the most important thing to do with your on camera flash is get it off camera.

Personally, I am about to invest in a set of Nikon flashes for my Canon cameras. You can't put them on the hot shoe, but I don't care.

[ngoduyviet]

There are a lot of other brands that'll work with Canon, but in the end, you'll probably get a Canon anyway. I'd just get either the 430ex, 430ex II, 580ex, 580ex II.

Like Thomas said, eventually, you'll want to get them off your camera on a stick, that's when you can get the SB series from Nikon to experiment with.

[brewercm]

I've been using the 530 DG Super with my Nikon and really like it. May not have the same build quality as the big boys but at 1/3 the cost worth it. Not to mention it works great with the Nikon CLS.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

POCKET WIZARDS first with some used flashes (have backups in case one goes out on the flashes which is rare with modern flashes). Learn how to use off camera flash-go to the strobist .com
and read and read and read. (he also recommends certain flashes over others).

[lucian]

I normally shoot with the camera on manual when using flash. I routinely use Sunpak 555. Sometimes I'll use a Vivitar 285HV. I'm using Olympus E-20, E-500 and E-520. When using the Sunpak I also use the Wein Safe-Sync.

My daughter uses the Promaster 7400 with her E-500. The strobe is great (dedicated) with one qualification - no manual setting.

Price is also good. About 1/2 of the cost of OEM.

[toverman]

Everybody here has said some good things about getting the flash off your camera, but there are times when on is necessary and works pretty well (with practice, the right techniques, sometimes a diffuser). So in that case, spring for a Canon flash. The 580 EX II is the current granddaddy, and it is worth the price. If you're charging for weddings, it will quickly pay for itself.