A few year ago when I pretty much in a big dilemma whether to take the seemingly affordable Sunpak PZ42X (Which I handily reviewed) or splurge for the pricier 430 EX (Mark II wasn't around that time) or even the 580 EX II which had a much larger guide number (means more powerful and cover large distance ler). Today I found out the hard way why always sticking with original manufacturer accessories is a safer bet in the long run, even if it's pricier.
Make no mistake that the Sunpak PZ42X have serve me very well for the EOS 400D although it lacks the slave capability, the 2nd curtain functionality and finally the x-sync (high speed sync). Those functionality aren't necessarily a deal breaker for photographer on a budget like me. :) But to find out that it isn't compatible with newer camera hit me like a brick (No i'm not bleeding, metaphorically speaking :)).
After searching the internet for answers turns out there is a solution for this incompatibility, but it's not feasible as you need to send the flash unit back to the manufacturer to get it's firmware updated. Well in this case good old China. The flash still can fire in the new camera in manual mode, just not E-TTL II. I heard the newer version of the flash in the market is firmware upgraded to support newer camera. I might never want to buy 3rd party flash ever again unless I only wish to use the flash as an off camera unit which E-TTL is irrelevant if you use the china radio triggers. Should have gotten 580EX II in the first place. Drats ....
