Cheap Canon flash unit

[MyWorld]

I'm in the market for a cheap flash unit for my Canon 350D and was looking at the following options:
http://www.oneshop.co.za/p~metz-mz-36341-36af4c-ettl-flash-for-canon-cameras.html
http://www.oneshop.co.za/p~vivitar-285hv-auto-professional-flash.html
http://www.oneshop.co.za/p~phoenix-smart-flash-for-canon-112-dzbis-digital-flash-dslr.html
http://www.oneshop.co.za/p~canon-mount-digital-concepts-powerzoom-952afcan-flash-for.html

As you can see I'm trying to keep it under R2000-00.

The problem I have is getting the right one, I cannot afford to throw money in the water so if there are anyone here who know of something better, please let me know.

Metz is a brand name, but this seems to be the entry level flash and there are mono-flash units that are more expensive that raises a few flags for me.
Vivitar has long been know to be a good cheap alternative but I read a few reviews that says the the 2006-2008 batch was a disaster, have they fixed the problems? Dunno, can't find any recent reviews.
The other names are no-name brands and I'm cautious if no-one can give me a solid go ahead.

The flash will be used once, maybe twice a year at most since I'm into wildlife and landscapes and do not need a flash for that. I feel that this does not justify getting a Canon Flash unit.

So what should I be looking at? Do you know of anything better that will not break the bank?

 

[bwana]

It's a couple hundred rand over your budget but the Sigma EF 530 DG ST might be worth looking at. The Sigma EF 530 DG ST Super is a little over r3k but is [feature wise] on par with the Canon 580 speedlite.

 

[MyWorld]

bwana, that is a bit way over the budget for me and I cannot justify having that flash that I'm rarely going to use.
I have only needed a dedicated flash about a handful of times since going digital, and since my subjects rarely move (landscapes and flowers), I can afford to wait a bit for a recycle or have the flashgun in my hand (tilt and swivel) firing off camera.
Portrait work I rarely do and if there are portraits to be done it is usually "point-and-shoot" family snaps.

At this stage I feel like leaning towards the Vivitar flash, but I would have loved it if someone could have given me an opinion on the Metz.
Metz = ISO 100 36 guide number, tilt no swivel
Vivitar = ISO 100 120 guide number, tilt no swivel

On paper it looks like Vivitar is the one to go for, but personal experience plays a huge role in all this tech jargon.

 

[bwana]

Its your call but imo that extra r200 is well worth it for that little bit of future proofing. You might appreciate having ettl one day.

I've heard fairly good things about the vivitar for off camera use. Iirc koffie has one.

 

[MyWorld]

Sorry bwana, I thought you meant I should have a look at the R3k Sigma super, misread your post entirely.
Yes, the R2100-00 Sigma is attractive, have you used it and can you recommend it?

 

[BigAl-sa]

I'm with Bwana on the ettl. Unless the Metz or Vivitar have Canon modules, I'd avoid them. If they don't have Canon modules, check the trigger voltage - it can fry your camera if too high. I'd also avoid the Sigma ST (non-super). I've seen too many complaints about it across forums I've been on.

Further, check out Outdoorphoto's classifieds - you can often find bargains there. I got a 580ex (I) for R2.5k not too long ago. Personally, I'd look out for a Sigma 530 super or a Canon 430ex in the secondhand market.

[edit]
wrt to the metz in your original query, check the review on the relevant Amazon page
[/edit]

 

[MyWorld]

Interesting review, thanks for the link BigAl.
Okay, seems like it is the classifieds then.