flash

[texasturbo]

Hi All,

I am a novice who needs some direction on flash.

I use a Canon 40D with the flash that is built into the camera. What should I use? I am a novice now, but looking to get more serious. What do I need in order to have a good flash that compliments my Canon 40D?

Thanks
Jeff

 

[plentygood]

Strobist is a good place to start.

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

I'm still learning the basics, but it's definately helped me the most.

 

[H.M.]

a good flash that compliments my Canon 40D?

Canon's Speedlite 580EX II.

 

[reg]

What do I need in order to have a good flash that compliments my Canon 40D?

You'll want to put a voice module on the 580EX II for it to compliment your 40D.

They also make one that compliments your photos.

*bulb pops*

"Great bokeh on that one!"

 

[christopher walrath]

Promaster makes some good flash units that mount on dedicated modules for a little less moo-lah. My wife got one for about $140 if memory serves her right for her EOS630. The pro at Camera's Etc. showed her the literature that it works with the digi's as well.

 

[JerryPH]

A few thoughts:

http://jerryphpics.blogspot.com/2008/03/2-flash.html

 

[Tiberius47]

You can get great results from flashes other than the 580. Have a look for the 430, that will work on your camera, and when you upgrade, you can use it as a wireless slave.

The most important thing is to learn to use flash off camera. A synch cord will do it nicely, your camera has one. You'll need an adaptor for the flash though.

Have a look at the tutorial on manual flash in my signature. That should help you out with a good place to start.

 

[Applefanboy]

If you don't mind a manual flash, go with a Vivitar 285hv

 

[table1349]

Jerry makes a good point about the advantages and disadvantage of different flash units. My suggestion would be to go the strobist site posted and do some research into the kind of things that can be done with strobes, then sit down and decide what it is you plan on using the flash for, review Jerry's recomendations and decide from there.

I am a big strobist believer/user and my kit includes two 580 EX and 4 Sunpack 383's. The two 580's give me the Ettl function that I like to have for those occasions when I am only using one or two units. The four 383's make strobing a gym for sports a breeze and added to the 580's in manual mode I have an entirely portable studio setup complete with stands, umbrellas, softboxes, snoots, barndoors etc... at a heck of a lot cheaper price than monolights.

 

[christopher walrath]

One more thign bears mentioning. ANY flash with a mere 'M' or manual setting will do once you figure out your guide numbers for that flash and any lenses you are going to be using with it.

 

[Bifurcator]

Here's some reviews on the 580EX II

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0408/04081907canon_efs_flash.asp#speedlite
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-580EX-E-TTL-2-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx

I read the top one a few weeks ago. Seems pretty nice. I watched a video of some interview with a photographer (who covered the oscars) and he said that the new Canon Speedlights (580ex II) are not as good as the one's they replaced and burn out too quick - etc.

Shrug, flash powder and a cigarette lighter work.