Recommendations for a flash?

I was in your situation not long ago and someone here recommended the Metz 50 AF-1 and I am extremely happy with it. It is the functional equivalent of the Canon 430 EX II with more power, a built-in reflector and the ability to tilt the head down. Best of all it is less expensive than the Canon 430 EX II.

Do you have a budget? If not, why not just go to the top with a 580 EX II? You can always dial the power down on a high-power flash, but you can't get more power out of a weaker flash. And considering that good flash technique generally calls for bouncing or diffusing the flash, those will eat up power very quickly. It can serve as a master if you decide to add other speedlites, too, and has a built-in white card to reflect some flash forward when bouncing.

Alternatively, I saw recently that Sigma has released a similar flash, which costs less...the EF-610 DG Super. It is comparable to the Canon 430 EX II, but with some of the features of the 580 EX II. It's reasonably priced at about $250. Here's a good review.

Save some money for a quality diffuser and a book or two on how to use flash effectively; it takes some practice but it is well worth learning good technique. Strobist.com has some great info on using a single speedlite.

Bill - I looked that one up... I like the motorized zoom and some of the features the Canon was missing out on... and in my price range. Thanks!

Jay - Yes, I really don't want to spend over $200 on it. I could stretch to $250 for the Sigma... Adorama actually has a good deal with batteries/charger/diffuser for $255. (I've purchased all my gear through them; I tend to have a bit of loyalty.) I'll definitely check out those reviews, thanks!

You can get a refurbished Canon 430 EX II from Adorama for $239. With flash I think you are far better off going with Canon flash for a Canon camera.
http://www.adorama.com/CA430EX2R.html Good luck!

You can get a refurbished Canon 430 EX II from Adorama for $239. With flash I think you are far better off going with Canon flash for a Canon camera.
You can get a brand new Metz 50 AF-1 from B and H for $199.99. FWIW, I suppose that there is some faint chance that an incompatibility might be found in the future between a Metz flash and some future Canon camera but Metz is one of the few flash manufacturers that provides firmware update capability for their flashes to protect buyers from any compatibility or other issues that might be found.

The above advice are good. But, study this one to give you a broader appreciation of what other manufacturers have to offer in a relatively portable package at a higher price:

Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/590119-REG/Quantum_Instruments_QF8C_Qflash_TRIO_QF8C_TTL.html

I still like the 550EX, especially when paired with a cheap CP-E4 knock-off. With the external power supply it recycles as quick as the 580 EX II has nearly the same power (and feature set) and can be found for 200ish dollars in good condition.

Thanks everyone, I think I have settled on the Metz 50 AF-1. Now my question is new vs used.
Adorama has a new one for $199 or a used one for $150 in E+ Condition. Is there anything I need to be concerned about when buying a used flash?
Again, I'm no pro... so should I just got for the used, or is it really necessary to buy the new?

Thanks

For a price difference of $49? I would certainly buy it new with the warranty. No concerns about how the flash was used under what conditions and how much more life is in the electronics. Really a no brainer!