Flash unit recommendations

I have done some research on the web and now I am even more cornfused:

I need some recommendations for flash units for my new Rebel XT. Seems the flash unit I have used for years with my film SLR's will not work at all.

I am looking for something I can use in very dark situations, that include movement.

I also want a fast recycle time.

Is there anything that will allow me to use 'continuous shooting' with flash? Been searching through the manual and here, so far have not found the answer if there is one.

Along those same lines I would like something I can use either as a remote or off the camera as well.

Thanx in advance for yer help....

CD

crashdude said:

I am looking for something I can use in very dark situations, that
include movement.

Click to expand...

You're in luck. Dark situations doesn't require too much flash power because flash doesn't have to over power the ambient light. It's when using flash as fill light in sunny situations that requires the most power.

crashdude said:

I also want a fast recycle time.

Click to expand...

This is less important than you would think. Recyle time only kicks in if you drained the flash's capacitor. But if this is a priority, the Canon 430EX and 580EX are among the best in recycle time. They are about double as fast as the older Canon 420EX, 550EX, Sigma DG500 Super. For the 550EX and 580EX, you can also buy an external battery pack (Canon CP-E3) that will greatly reduce the recycle time.

crashdude said:

Is there anything that will allow me to use 'continuous shooting'
with flash? Been searching through the manual and here, so far have
not found the answer if there is one.

Click to expand...

Yes, pretty much any flash will allow this, as long as you haven't drained the capacitor. For example, if you use 1/8 of the flash power with each shot, you can shoot 8 in a row in a burst mode. To use lower power and maintain the same exposure, use higher ISO or smaller fstop (or stand closer to the subject).

crashdude said:

Along those same lines I would like something I can use either as a
remote or off the camera as well.

Click to expand...

The Sigma DG500 Super has the optical slave mode. This allows you to trigger it remotely using the XT's built-in flash. Other than that, you can buy ebay radio flash triggers for about $50 and hook it into any flash units. I heard that these ebay radio triggers don't work with the Canon 430EX though.

My 430ex does everything I've needed it to. I haven't put it through a trial either, but I'm happy with hit.

the quantry 900 is awesome, recycles faster then the 580 and has full swivel and bounce

O.K. I am seriously thinking on the Simga EF500 DG Super. I have read of troubles with the flash lens burning and blackening with repeated rapid use. Seems it gets too hot and melts.

Anyone have experience with that? I plan to use it for night action shooting and will be shooting multiple bursts so I am concerned about this.

One reviewer mentioned he was shooting shots about 1 every 5-6 seoncds and the entire lens melted after about 2 minutes....

May hafta go with the Canon 580EX

CD

Don't mess around. 430EX. 'Nuff said!
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I think my focusing screen needs contacts.