Handy Flash, but not enough power...

This is a sturdy, well built flash. It has a lot of useful features and would be a great addition to a hobbyist photographer's artillery. The ability to easily change the angle of the flash and bounce off of ceilings is wonderful. You can get just about any angle you need.

The flash has the ability to be slaved to another Canon flash, which allows for advanced multi-flash techniques using the flash off camera. It comes with an adapter which will allow you to mount the flash to a tripod or stand. This would be extremely useful for a number of location situations such as weddings, receptions, parties, etc. Position the flashes out of the way and you have lighting through out the event.

However, as the sole on-camera flash at events such as weddings & receptions it just does not do the job. It lacks the light power that the Canon 580 EX has. Once the AA batteries are not brand new, the recycling time slows so much, that you do not have the ability to rapid fire with flash. The result is either missed shots or horribly underexposed shots. You do not have the option of powering this flash with a high capacity battery, so you have to live with the recycling time. The recycle time is almost 4 seconds with brand new alkaline batteries. If you have Nimh's you can get down to 2 seconds (when fully charged). The performance declines from there.