What Flash

[carole wiley]

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.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

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.

[LeeOtsubo]

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.

[Doug Brown]

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).