I need your input (help!)

[Kawarthabob]

I've looked and looked at flash units on various sites and am still confused as to which one to get. I have a canon rebel xs camera. The flashes compatable that my manual states are ST-E2, 220 EX, 430 EXII, 580 EXII. Which one is the best bang for the buck? I want to be able to use it off camera in the future. Sunpack offers a flash (PF30X) but i'm hesitant to buy anything other than what canon recommends ( due to sync speeds etc). Has anyone gone through this or recommend which one to buy? what model(s) can i get that will allow me to shoot with it off camera? What other add on's will I need so I can do this? Any and all help is greatly appreciated. The only store here in town is a Black's Camera outlet and I'm not too happy with their service . My only other option is a fair drive to Henry's and I feel intimidated when I'm in there so I want to be prepared when I go there.

[Mad Aussie]

I can only tell you I bought 2x 530 EXII 's and really love them. My daughter (Chantelle here at ph.ca) has the same camera as you and a 530 EXII as well.

However, like you, I only wanted a Canon reccomended flash so I can't comment on other options.

[Marko]

You could easily try a dedicated flash like a sunpack or a vivitar if you are on a budget....they should work well and you can use them as a second off camera flash if one day you want to buy the canon.

[scorpio_e]

The ST-E2 is a trigger to fire the Canon flashes remotely.
The ST-E2 will not work well in bight sunlight.I have the 430 and the 580. I use the 580 to trigger the 430 on occasion. These units do not communicate well on bright sunny days either.

I would recommend getting a 430 EX. You can use it in ettl mode. I like the 580 a lot better but the 43o is a good place to start.

[scorpio_e]

I would not rush going to off camera.. Learn on camera flash first. You can bounce the flash. You can even point the flash into a reflector and you will get the appearance of an off camera flash.

Good luck