Flash recommendation for Canon 5D (Mark I)

[dha6892]

I've just changed from a t1i body to a 5D mark I body (I wish I could upgrade to mark II but my budget is limited). The problem is that the 5D does not have a built in flash like the t1i. Can anyone give me some recommendation of a good inexpensive flash unit? I'm not expecting to use it frequently because I shoot mostly outdoor in daylight. Maybe I need an inexpensive unit that allow me to do some "obligations" like taking family pictures in the evening, etc.

[Iguanasan]

I guess it depends on how inexpensive you want to go. I bought the YN-460 and YN-560 (Yongnuo) flash units off of eBay which work pretty well but they are completely manual devices - no auto anything. At $45 and $70 Canadian - delivered to my door - they are quite reasonably priced and seem to work quite well. I did have a problem with the YN-460 which died on me. I mailed it back to them - quite literally on a slow boat to China - and they repaired and returned it to me and it seems to be working fine now. I suspect they actually just sent me a new one but that's not the story they tell. In any event, I have found them to work reasonably well when needed but there's a bit of a learning curve to use manual flash.

Also note, I'm not saying these are as good as the Canon 480ex or 580ex but they're pretty comparable at a significantly lower price if you forget about the fact that you can't use them for ETTL stuff. The Canon 480ex will set you back around $400 though.

[Richard]

How about something like a Yongnuo YN-468II eTTL II, I have a load of YN-560's that have been brilliant, but are manual flashes. The YN-468II is auto so should make life a bit easier. You will be able to bounce the flash off the ceiling or walls to help soften the light.

[Marko]

Personally - my first flash would be dedicated.
This one is 270.00 and is getting good reviews Canon 430EX II Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash 2805B002 B&H Photo

[dha6892]

Iguanasan and Richard: I have heard many positive reviews about the Yongnuo but do they work with Canon 5D mark I?
Marko: A Canon flash will always be the best choice indeed. But my budget is quite limited now. I'd love to spend less than $100.