Why can I not get my Canon 40D faster than 1/250 with the flash

[mikehaugen]

If I recall the pocket wizard issue was only with the 580ex-II and only with the ttl capable pw's. If you want to get multiple 580's and ttl pw's that is going to be a huge chunk of money. While pocket wizards are great, you may want to try something cheaper in the meantime. Just to experiment with off-camera flash try some cheapo ebay radio transmitters. You will lose ttl metering, but it's good to get good with manual flash anyway. I haven't had good luck with using multiple ttl flashes, or with one ttl flash and any other flash. It is great if you have to have your flash on camera, or maybe even by itself off-camera, but the consistency I get trying to use ttl with any other flash source is not very good. Maybe it's me though, I could definitely be doing something wrong. However, with manual, as long as your flash- subject distance doesn't change it will be consistent all of the time. I just wouldn't jump out and spend $1500+ on flash equipment until you really know that you need it.

 

[Jakefreese]

I will not be getting more high dollar gear any time soon, spent enough lately just when I do I want things to work right. Thanks for the info, need more practice and reading