Alternative Flashguns?

[Grandpappy]

Is there an alternative to the Canon 'Speedlite' flashgun that will work on the majority of Canon cameras that doesn't cost a lot?

[Buenchico]

This page is from a US website and seems to be quite a few years old:
http://speedlights.net/flash-for-canon-ettl-speedlites/
However it will give you some clues at to what to look for.

Using that as a starting point for searching Amazon (including 'e-ttl flash' in the search terms) takes me to products such as this:
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[EDDIE51]

I have this on eBay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282363047083?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
It's far better than the 'Speedlite'

[Fitzer]

Try Yongnuo, well respected in the Canon world Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[bhg481]

I used Mecablitz when I had canon cameras. I still do now that I have Panasonics. Good, powerful guns and cheaper than Canon. Having said that I find that I hardly ever use mine nowadays; the ISO rating on digital cameras is easily adjustable, unlike the old film days, and photos look much more natural if you can use ambient lighting. The built-in flash gun on most digital cameras is usually adequate if fill-in flash is needed.

[Grandpappy]

Thanks all! Think I may forget about flash and just use ambient light or long tripod exposures?
Thanks

[EDDIE51]

Indirect flash is a lot better than direct flash as you have to use if you only have 'on camera' flash. A flash unit that has a pan and tilt head can be pointed away from the subject , at the ceiling or a wall for example.
You still get the light from the flash but it is not 'direct' light.
As long as you use a 'computer or auto' flash it will still expose the photo correctly.
You can also use a long sync lead to couple the flash unit to the camera but site it several feet away for indirect flash.

[bhg481]

I agree absolutely Eddie. If you're going to get a flashgun eventually make sure it has a tilt-and-swivel head and a good high guide-number, as quite a lot of light is lost with bounce flash. Bouncing the flash cuts out the harsh shadows but it can upset the colour balance if the walls/ceiling are not white (thank goodness for Photoshop).