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08/18/2005 09:50:27 AM · #1 |
OK, so I am starting realize just how important a flash is and have decided to finally go ahead and buy one. I want something that is relatively cheap and can be used for both a fill flash for portraits and lighting for macro photography. Right now I think I have norrowed it down to either a Canon 420EX or a Sigma EF-500 DG. Both of these seem like they will do the trick, but just wondering if anybody out here has any opinions of either... or if you would recommend something different.
Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks. |
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08/18/2005 11:08:04 AM · #2 |
Both fill & macro subjects don't need alot of power. In fact at very close range on TTL the flash can't quench fast enough and you will get gross over exposure. I'm not sure if canon makes a small unit like the Nikon SB-30, but if they do I would check it out. Metz makes great small flashes like the 28AF-3C TTL. It is also small enough to fit in your pocket when not on the camera.
That being said its usually the larger units that provide alot of other features. And the sigma provides alot of bang for your buck. |
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08/18/2005 11:34:13 AM · #3 |
If it's between those two, I'd suggest the Sigma. It has the same features as the 550EX and is about the same price as the 420EX. I have the 420EX and find it to be limiting, particularly the lack of manual control.
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08/18/2005 11:35:16 AM · #4 |
| It's not just between those twom, it's just those two seem to give me the most bang for the buck. Open to suggestions. |
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08/18/2005 11:43:04 AM · #5 |
You might also consider Promaster flash units. They are not as well built as the CAnon or Sigma units, but the ones I have used work quite well. Their highest end model has two flashtubes in the same units. If you are using bounce flash, you point the main head to bounce and the second, smaller tube just provides the catchlight in the eyes that bounced flash sometimes can't.
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08/18/2005 11:43:41 AM · #6 |
Check out Promaster, specifically the 7500 DX. Price comparable to both you mentioned with functionality similar to the 550EX.
Look here:
7500 DX |
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08/18/2005 01:12:43 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
If it's between those two, I'd suggest the Sigma. It has the same features as the 550EX and is about the same price as the 420EX. I have the 420EX and find it to be limiting, particularly the lack of manual control. |
I'm in the same boat here. If you are a Canon only type, you can wait for the 430EX, which is coming out to replace the 420EX. If you want the 420EX, then waiting will probably lower the price as it's replacement will be announced in about a week from now.
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08/18/2005 01:16:31 PM · #8 |
Some of the promaster units don't work with certain canon dSLR bodies. Make 100% sure befure you go that route.
Fill flash is part camera function, part flash function. Use A or T mode and FEC (all on the camera) and you will get fill with any eTTL capable flash.
As for macro - they make specific flash units for that (ringlights). The hot shoe flashes are not the best choice. Might be OK for a 300mm macro lens, but a 60mm macro will be soo close to the subject that you will get shadows from the lens as well as other issues at being soooo close. An option would be use a PC cord (they make hot shoe to PC cord adapters for $10) and use the flash off camera - but then you will have to shoot in manual mode with the flash in manual mode as well - so for that get the sigma.
With the sigma get teh Super 2 NOT the ST model.
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08/18/2005 02:04:25 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Some of the promaster units don't work with certain canon dSLR bodies. Make 100% sure befure you go that route.
Fill flash is part camera function, part flash function. Use A or T mode and FEC (all on the camera) and you will get fill with any eTTL capable flash.
As for macro - they make specific flash units for that (ringlights). The hot shoe flashes are not the best choice. Might be OK for a 300mm macro lens, but a 60mm macro will be soo close to the subject that you will get shadows from the lens as well as other issues at being soooo close. An option would be use a PC cord (they make hot shoe to PC cord adapters for $10) and use the flash off camera - but then you will have to shoot in manual mode with the flash in manual mode as well - so for that get the sigma.
With the sigma get teh Super 2 NOT the ST model. |
I haven't heard any complaints about the latest Promaster modules not being compatible with Canon DSLR's. I don't think the provide E-TTL II, but they do work with E-TTL. Still, you should check it out.
As far as using a cord to get the flash off-camera, if you use the Canon Off-Camera cord, you will have ALL of the E-TTL and other automatic features that you do with the flash on camera, no need to shoot in manual unless you want to. A ringlight IS better for macro, but unless you shoot a lot of macros, it's probably not worth the high price because it's pretty much useless for anything else (aside for some limited use in portraiture).
Message edited by author 2005-08-18 14:06:53.
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08/18/2005 02:24:28 PM · #10 |
Thanks for all the help. I don;t really shoot too much macro yet, but I am starting to get into it. I would prefer not to buy a ring light only because I wanted something a little more versatile.
I think right now I am leaning towards the Simga, but I am definitely going to take a closer look at the Promaster.
Thanks again. |
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