third party master flashes for canon 450d with 430ex

[bradaun]

I use a 430ex on a 450d and would like to use it as a slave to another shoe-meunted master flash without losing ttl functionality. I am not really interested in using flashes in manual mode just yet due to inexperience. Price considerations warrant my looking at third party flashes such as Metz or Sunpak etc. Does anyone know of a list of compatible flashes (third party) that would suit this purpose or where is a good source of 580 ex flashes secondhand.

[NHL]

For wireless, the Metz 58AF-1 are probably the most compatible at this moment
If not then its firmware can always be updated at a later time... through USB

-> This unit has the same GN as the 580EX but comes with two heads (i.e. more flexible):
http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electron...formation.html

As well as adding a very Nikon feature to a Canon:
Audio feedbacks for correct, under-exposure, and flash ready!

[bradaun]

Thanks very much for that. I will investigate. Forgive my ignorance of flashes, but what would the metering situation be with the 430ex if the metz were used as an on-camera master. Is it automatic? Does the camera register a preflash from both flashes before metering?
Thanks again,
B

[NHL]

The 430EX will be on automatic when "slave"d to the Metz as "master".
The camera will command both flash (i.e. Metz and 430EX) to preflash and will meter both of them according to the following sequences:

http://eosseries.ifrance.com/en/flas...ork_ssfil.html

[anthlover]

Nasty pop up on that site that comes through pop up blockers.

[oldfella]

It`s quickly cancelled.