What Flash

So this is it...time to bite the bullet and think about a flash unit. I do not have flash of any kind now. My main interest is birds and I use the 40D. What Canon flash would people recommend? I only want to do this once so I would like to do it right.

Thanks for your input.

You could get the Speedlite 580EX II, next best choice might be the newly announced 430EX II. You should also consider getting a Better Beamer for more reach.

I recommend the 580EX II for the greater power (GN 190 vs 141) and the fact that the 580EX can be used as a master while the 430EX II is a slave only. If you ever buy a second or third flash for portraits, groups, sports, etc, you'll want a master. JMHO.

I agree with Axel, and would add that a Better Beamer is essential for bird photography with a flash (unless you're only doing multiflash hummingbird photography).