better flash

superjunior

anyone use an external flash for their cameras like this...
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlite-II-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001CCAISE
I'm thinking about getting the 430 ex2, but I'd like to hear other opinions on this or other comarable units to other makes/models. Trying to get good pictures of my gear or any indoor shot really, seems the flash is just too much and without it its not enough. I would think a unit like this would be able to control the level of flash and give much better pictures. thanks ahead
Dan

janmike

Not an expert by any means, but I use a 420EX on my Canon EOS Rebel. Works for me.

Polkersince85

Get two halogen bulbs from Walmart and set them up as flood lights. Place them at 45 degree angles to the shot. Adjust as necessary.

superjunior

Polkersince85 wrote: »

Get two halogen bulbs from Walmart and set them up as flood lights. Place them at 45 degree angles to the shot. Adjust as necessary.

I have halogen work lights on stands that would probably fit the bill for most situations. Audio gear (for example) is so reflective, I wonder if angling the lights away would produce better results?

superjunior

janmike wrote: »

Not an expert by any means, but I use a 420EX on my Canon EOS Rebel. Works for me.

Nor am I, is it worth the extra coin for the overall improvement and versatility over the standard flash?

janmike

It is for sure.

Polkersince85

Photography is painting with light. The more the better. White paper in front of bright lights will soften it a bit. Just watch the heat. Bounce it off the white ceiling works,too.

superjunior

thanks for the advice fellas, I'm really diggin my new camera and learning how to take better pictures

disneyjoe7

I use a 550EX flash with a Rebel camera, and it works for me.

superjunior

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

I use a 550EX flash with a Rebel camera, and it works for me.

is the intensity/level of the flash adjustable?

disneyjoe7

Yes, you can do it with manual or automatically as it talks back to the camera.

superjunior

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

Yes, you can do it with manual or automatically as it talks back to the camera.

nice, think I'm gonna pick up one of these speedlights

fatchowmein

superjunior wrote: »

anyone use an external flash for their cameras like this...
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlite-II-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001CCAISE
I'm thinking about getting the 430 ex2, but I'd like to hear other opinions on this or other comarable units to other makes/models. Trying to get good pictures of my gear or any indoor shot really, seems the flash is just too much and without it its not enough. I would think a unit like this would be able to control the level of flash and give much better pictures. thanks ahead
Dan

Try a flash diffuser like this one.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/407175-REG/Sto_Fen_OM_EW_OM_EW_Omni_Bounce_for_Canon.html

For inanimate objects like audio gear and such, instead of using a flash, I like to use multiple lamps or natural light, a tripod, and various aperture and ISO settings along with multiple shots until I find a shot I like (plus lots of patience). For me, experimenting with light is part of the fun of this hobby because I learn something new every time but that's because I'm an amateur.

But try the diffuser. You should always own one for your flash.

superjunior

fatchowmein wrote: »

Try a flash diffuser like this one.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/407175-REG/Sto_Fen_OM_EW_OM_EW_Omni_Bounce_for_Canon.html

For inanimate objects like audio gear and such, instead of using a flash, I like to use multiple lamps or natural light, a tripod, and various aperture and ISO settings along with multiple shots until I find a shot I like (plus lots of patience). For me, experimenting with light is part of the fun of this hobby because I learn something new every time but that's because I'm an amateur.

But try the diffuser. You should always own one for your flash.

will do, thanks for the input. Damn, another hobby - just what I need..:p

doggie750

Sorry POLKS for digging the grave on this one...:cool:

@SUPER, I am actually on the same boat so w/c flash did u grab? There are several ones out there and .

maximillian

Have you tried to bouce the flash?

shack

doggie750 wrote:

Sorry POLKS for digging the grave on this one...:cool:

@SUPER, I am actually on the same boat so w/c flash did u grab? There are several ones out there and .

ALWAYS get the flash that is the same brand as your camera body. Canon for Canon...Nikon for Nikon...etc. Doing so will give you greater control and flexibility when using your flash.

Bouncing the flash off the ceiling (assuming it is a white ceiling) or wall, using some sort of difuser, controling the amount of flash output, getting the flash off the camera with a cord or remote trigger will all help with flash photography. On camera or pop-up flashes are good for fill light at best. More often than not they will make your image look harsh or create bad shadows.

The 430EX is a good flash for the average amateur photographer.

Don't get a fixed angle flash like this one...



They are only maginally better than the pop-up flash...and that is only because it is slightly more powerful.

BeRad

I own a 430 EX II and regret not getting the 580.

It's like buying an AVR with pre-outs. Sure, you might not need the extra features or power right now, but you will be thankful you have it already when it is needed.


If you plan to use the flash only in manual mode, you can get any 3'rd party full manual flash for a lot cheaper.

shack

BeRad wrote:

I own a 430 EX II and regret not getting the 580.

It's like buying an AVR with pre-outs. Sure, you might not need the extra features or power right now, but you will be thankful you have it already when it is needed.

I agree. It certainly has it's advantages.

BeRad wrote:

If you plan to use the flash only in manual mode, you can get any 3'rd party full manual flash for a lot cheaper.

It takes a lot to understand how to use a manual flash properly. You may not remember the old days of flashes with exposure/distance charts on the back so you could estimate the proper flash strength. Just like you mentioned above...with a generic flash...you lose a lot of the cameras features like the ETTL and being able to control the flash from the camera by not going with a flash dedicated to the body.

BeRad

I don't remember the old days since I only bought my camera 2 years ago.

I ended up only using ETTL at first but enjoyed experimenting with manual control (flash and camera!)

I found that after playing around for a while it was pretty easy to get an idea of what settings I need to be near. A few test shots and boom... got it!

Plus if you are using off camera wireless triggers (and only pro's are going to invest in pocket wizards) you can only use manual flash control anyways!

Manual is NOT the way to go for beginners but it is something to consider for those who like to play around.

shack

BeRad wrote:

I found that after playing around for a while it was pretty easy to get an idea of what settings I need to be near. A few test shots and boom... got it!

It's fun to play with and it never hurts to understand manual flash for those occasional situations where it is needed. Very few photographers that I'm around (amateur or pro) use manual settings unless absolutely necessary. Even the "old" guys who have been doing it forever and know intuitively the exact setting to be used...like the flexibility and control dedicated flashes offer.

BeRad wrote:

Plus if you are using off camera wireless triggers (and only pro's are going to invest in pocket wizards) you can only use manual flash control anyways.

That's not necessarily true. A couple of the new cameras (like the Canon 7D and 60D) will trigger as many 430EXs and 580EXs as you like. The 580EX will also act as a master to other Canon flashes. Some of Nikon's cameras and flashes will do the same. It is not radio control but light triggered. As long as there is line of sight...they will work.

You would be surprised how many "amateurs" use wireless triggers (as well as cords) including Pocket Wizards and Radio Poppers. Much like audio...folks are willing to pay for "stuff" they deem worthy. Companies like AilenBees make wireless flash systems that are much cheaper than Pocket Wizards that offer full control via ETTL.

To me...using manual flash is like using film and handheld light meters. They are old school...can be fun...and can teach you something about photography. But if you want to make the best images possible...use the technology.

Of course all this is JMO.

doggie750

much appreciated.............however freakn 580EX II is arm and leg :mad: Is this flash really worth it versus the 430EX II?

got a 30d btw and been shooting it with 50mm 1.8 (a good friend of mine). My apology, what's the ETTL? (guess I can google this..)

shack

ETTL = Evaluative Through The Lens

Here are most of the major differences, arranged in order of importance IMO.

- 580 is more powerful
- 580 can act as a MASTER flash to trigger other 580 or 430 slaves
- 580 has more custom functions
- 580 is weather sealed
- 580 has a scroll wheel on the back, the 430 has buttons
- 580 can tilt 7 degrees downwards, the 430 can't tilt down at all
- 580 will swivel 360 degrees, the 430 only 180 degrees
- 580 can be coupled with an external battery pack for better recycling time
- 580 has a metal shoe mount.
- 580 shoe mount has a lever lock connection, the 430 has the screw type
- 580 has a stroboscopic mode

Some of these are performance differences, some are build quality and some are aesthetics.

The 580 is a true professional grade flash. If the stuff above is important to you then you are a very serious photographer. As I said earlier, for most amateur photographers the 430 is more than adequate.

If you get really serious about photography, you will probably get to the point that you want/need multiple flash capabilities. At that point you can upgrade to a 580 and still utilize the 430. Until that time the 430 will probably be all you need.