Flash help

[ofcorsa]

I am a hobby photographer and I enjoy taking photos of friend family

I really struggle with low light with my 400D,the on camera flash is useless.

I have been using a cheap flashgun but there is no way to control the power of the flash so its probably time I spent some cash.



Is an example of the kind of photos I take

Ideally I would like a flashgun I can use off camera as well

[andy-xr]

When you say you've been using a cheap flashgun, what do you mean exactly? Does it have control over the power/intensity or is it just all or nothing?

Edited by andy-xr on Saturday 19th June 12:17

[minky monkey]

Have you tried using the flash compensation on the 400D?

[minky monkey]

Getting the flash off the camera's pretty straight forward, either use wireless triggers, or a lead to get it off the hotshoe.

[ofcorsa]

andy-xr said:

When you say you've been using a cheap flashgun, what do you mean exactly? Does it have control over the power/intensity or is it just all or nothing?

Edited by andy-xr on Saturday 19th June 12:17

No control what so ever Cheap chinese ebay thing. works ok to bounce of ceilings etc but no fine control.

I'll have a look at the flash compensation it wasnt something I was aware of.

[andy-xr]

Whats that Canon one called, 430EX?? I think it has SU-4 on it so could be triggered from the on camera flash or via an IR trigger. probably better that the Canonheads call this one though

[ofcorsa]

does that have AF assist? The on camera flash strobes horribly when hunting for focus

[LongQ]

ofcorsa said:

does that have AF assist? The on camera flash strobes horribly when hunting for focus

Unless I've misunderstood you that IS AF assist.

The on camera flash has very limited range, as you would expect, but can be used quite well for fill flash in daylight portraits - especially with the flash compensation feature. PLus of course, as with all flash work, distance matters as a means of 'adjusting' the power or lack of power. Obviously adjusting distance is somewhat easier with off camera flash when framing a shot. You don't necessarily have to move the flash far when taking informal portraits. Arm's length may be enough if the location is suitable and the subject is reasonably well positioned in relations to background and things that may (or may not) reflect light.

[ofcorsa]

Sorry yes I was thinking some of the Canon flashguns have IR focus assist?

[JJM]

A couple of interesting reviews.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-4...
 
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/eosfaq/ex_spe...
 
I am currently in a similar situation with my 450d and will invest in the 580ex ii in the next month or so.

The 580 certainly seems to be the the one to go for as it can easily be used with umbrellas or softboxes due to it's huge power.

[ofcorsa]

I've been looking athe 550EX seems a cheaper option that the 580 and can still be used as a master and still has E-TTL as far as i can see

[ofcorsa]

After posting this I have really dug into the strobist blog started using my flash compensation and also got more out my weird cheap flash gun.

I found the strobist blog brilliant

[RobDickinson]

I'm looking at a Nissin Di866, power of a 580, wireless ettl and less than a 430ex

[muppetdave]

RobDickinson said:

I'm looking at a Nissin Di866, power of a 580, wireless ettl and less than a 430ex

Rob, will that work as a master do you know? If you get one I'll be interested to hear how it goes.

[RobDickinson]

Yes it works as master, was hoping to get one soon but just booked Uk flights so I dont know now.