Alternative Flash to 430EX for Canon 400D

[uneek]

New to this strobist business and am trying to get some help tracking down a flash that will work on my 400D but not cost a pretty penny.

I will soon have a set of Cactus V2, and I would like a flash to use with them for off-camera shooting, but also the ability for ETTL on camera.

Does such a flash exist that is manually adjustable etc? I have heard people using Nikon flashes such as SB26 etc. Is this a viable option?

cheers

[jev]

Not if you want to use E-TTL. Your best bet probably would be with Metz. Sigma perhaps (but be advised there are known issues with Sigma flashes on Canon bodies).

[uneek]

hmm...maybe I need to remove the need for ETTL and learn how to do this stuff the real way. With that in mind, I guess I should be looking at a Nikon flash? (only saying that as I have just watched the first part of the Strobist DVD and he recommends Nikon flashes even for Canon users).

After a quick look on ebay would something like a sb-24 be a good starting point?

Appreciate any help

[jev]

Provided you're absolutely sure you never, ever want to use any automatic flash, the SB-24 would be a good starting point as any I guess. The question is: why?

I think it pays to get the requirements right first. If you ever want to do anything with on-camera flash, I would suggest to stick with brands that work with E-TTL (or even better with E-TTL II). What is the pricepoint you're looking at and why?

[uneek]

max $200 I guess, but if I can get a known-brand flash cheaper that will do an adequate job for an amateur's first foray into playing with light.....

why? because i just spent a heap on a new Sigma 30 1.4

What needs to be set manually on a flash for each shot? (Assuming I'm using with a prime lens - if that makes any difference re not zooming). I have never owned a flash so sorry if that's a stupid question

[Riverlander]

I think it pays to get the requirements right first.

I strongly agree with this sentiment.
If you buy anything other than a Canon (or another ETTL II flash) I am prepared to bet you will flounder around trying to learn the ins and outs of flash exposure, and then decide to get the Canon anyway.