Digital Rebel, which flash should I pick-up?

06/30/2004 08:43:00 PM · #1

I want to do some portrait shots without having to run out and buy a whole studio setup. I picked up a magazine that talks about the equipment needed and they suggest the following...

Digital Camera with Zoom Lense .... Check

Tripod ............................ Check

Hammerhead Flash .................. Nope

Reflector ......................... Nope

The article continues on showing various methods of getting decent shots using the aforementioned components. So, I went out to look for a flash and was advised that my camera is limited to "Only Canon Flashes for your camera" by the local camera shop guy and he continued saying that there are only 3 Canon Flashes available for my camera...

What I need to know is, how much truth is to his statements?

If so, which of the three flashes should I consider?

I need something that is versatile and will allow me to grow as a photographer, but also won't break my bank, I figure that anywhere from $50 to $130 (US currency) would be fine, as I have seen a number of flashes in those ranges.

What do you suggest?

Please ask any additional questions about the kinds of shots I am looking to make, it would be a great help.

Thanks in advance!

audioaltima

Canon EOS-10D

06/30/2004 09:03:52 PM · #2

Aside from discontinued models, I do believe Canon makes only three speedlites (and two ring/twin lites) that work with the EOS system. However, there are also third party flashes available. Sigma and Metz for sure make flashes that work (and support the ETTL), and there are probably much more.

I've been using the Canon 550ex and the MT-24ex macro twinlite with my 10D. I love them both! :) The 550ex is a great choice to go with because it also can work to control several other flashes in a system.

Message edited by author 2004-06-30 21:05:10.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

07/01/2004 11:26:42 AM · #3

YOWZA!

The 550ex is just slightly more then outside my budget at this time. I definately see it's a great flash, but with this being more of a hobby then a professional path, right now, I need to keep my spending down to a more 'reasonable' level...

The 420ex is more affordable and seems like a decent flash as well, but I would still like to keep my expenditure closer or lower then $130 USD... Does anyone know of any 'decent' compatible flashes closer to that price?

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

07/01/2004 11:31:53 AM · #4

The only flashes that will support E-TTL on your camera and faster than 1/200s shooting are the canon brand flashes. Other off-brand flashes will work but with reduced functionality in various ways.

If you want to use flash exposure compensation or second curtain sync, with your camera, the only choice is the 550EX, or hacking your camera's internal software and voiding the warranty. If you do that, the 420EX is also an option.

Any of the Canon flashes will work with E-TTL but no FEC without modification on a 300D

digistoune

Canon EOS-20D

07/01/2004 11:41:47 AM · #5

You might also consider this flash by Sigma. It offers E-TTL support and is basically a reverse-engineered clone of the 550EX for alot less money. I think it would make an excellent flash to learn with as you can always upgrade your lighting set up later. Something to keep in mind is that the Sigma utilizes only one auto focus point while the 420EX uses all 7 and the 550EX uses 5.

Oops, sorry! Forgot to add that Adorama has the flash for $189. I found one on ebay for $165. That's about as cheap as your gonna get.

Message edited by author 2004-07-01 11:43:43.

jab119

07/01/2004 11:45:56 AM · #6

I know this is not the best flash in the world, but I have one. I originally got it to work with my Sony 707, then when I got the canon D60 I just bought the canon Module to make the flash work on my D60

Promaster 5750 Flash this is 129.95

Canon Module this is $69.95

It works well but it is somewhat limited as compared to a Canon Speed lite.

unless you find a used Canon flash, you probablly wont find one that cheap.

James

EddyG

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

07/01/2004 11:46:23 AM · #7

One of the best reasons to stick with Canon Speedlites is because of the cool wireless E-TTL multi-flash stuff you can do when you mix a 550EX or ST-E2 with one or more of a 420EX, 550EX, MR-14EX or MT-24EX. Very cool stuff. Buying a 420EX now would allow you to "grow" into a more capable lighting setup down the road.

Message edited by author 2004-07-01 11:47:04.

07/01/2004 11:48:15 AM · #8

Okay, I am a little lost at some of the terms you mentioned...

What I am looking to do is be able to shoot some better protraits and still life shots by adding the ability to bounce light off of surfaces. I plan on being relatively close to my sitters/subjects.

I would like to be able to put a little fill flash highlights into a sitter's eyes, as I have read about in the article that has gotten me into the idea of picking up a flash as well, but that isn't SUPER important.

Right now, I want to increase the range of my equipment to help produce slightly better portrait shots, then start shooting portraits of the family and if all goes well, perhaps shoot some for a few bucks here and there to finance more costly equipment.

Do I need all the features the 550ex provides? Should I look no lower then the 420ex Flash? What about the 220ex? Will going with a 'lesser' flash destroy my chances at improving my portrait shots?

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

07/01/2004 02:41:20 PM · #9

You tend to get what you pay for.

Bounce flash requires a flash head that can at least tilt. It can be an advantage to have a head that will tilt, and swivel. I know the 420EX does. I assume the 550EX does. I know some of the other lower end canon flashes don't. I don't know about the ones you specifically ask about - it is worth checking.

I personally use flash exposure compensation quite a lot, as I don't particularly like the camera making all my exposure decisions for me - flash or otherwise and tend to try to use exposure control for more creative effect or correct exposure. I have a 420EX, because the d60 lets me control the power output of the flash. From what I understand this is not true of the Rebel. You can do this with a 550EX as this as on flash exposure controls, rather than camera only control like the 420EX. You may, or may not need these features, depending on how you plan to use the flash.

Message edited by author 2004-07-01 14:41:42.