Starting to look for flash units

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sondo2121

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I am starting to look for a flash unit for my Canon camera. Right now I have a Digital Rebel XTi. I have been looking at the Speedlite 580EX and the 580EX II. It seems that the EXII is the newer version.

My question for the more experienced flash unit users out there is what the main difference between the 2 models is?

Also, if there are other units out there, what do you recommend?
 
I don't think the 580EX Mark I is generally available anymore, you'd have to pick it up used. As to the differences, there are a few: they got rid of the physical master/slave switch, decreased the recycling time, and made it a bit quieter.

Unless you need the ability to control multiple flashes from one primary unit, or need to put out huge amounts of light, you might be better off with a 430EX II as your first flash.

For reference, your XTI's pop-up flash has a guide number of 42' (effective working distance at ISO100), where the 430EX II has a GN of 141' and the 580EX II works to a whopping 190'.

Here's a review: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-580EX-II-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx
 
Nissin Di866 is also really good and priced competitively to the Canon. I'd avoid the Sigma flashes as I have heard too many horror stories with those.

The 580 and 430 EXIIs communicate with the newer Canon bodies and can be controlled directly from the Camera. Not sure the XTi will do that.
 
Been using this for a long time now. In about 4 years of use on an XT, XSi, and 50D no issues. Combine it with a softbox for nice diffuse flash lighting for relatively cheap.

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