Do I Need A Flash Unit

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Rich
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Not exactly a novice and have been taking pics for years with film and digital, but realised recently that I have never owned a separate flash unit

What advantages do they give, not a portrait type person and probably would have needed one by now if I was.
Most of my shots are taken outside or in well lit buildings, so do I need one or will the pop up suffice

Bought a book off the classifieds (Speedlite Field Guide) to see what's what, but would like to know more before I splashed out a few hundred quid

Thanks for your indulgence and actually feel a bit daft having to ask

Cheers
Rich
 
If you have been taking photos for years and you haven't missed it then I don't think you need it. lol
To be honest it could be a waste of money if you find that the pop up flash does what you need it to do. You will only be paying for more power, the more you pay the more you get.
 
It depends on the sort of work you do.

I have one good flash unit for my canon (a 580 mk1) dont use it very often but when I need it its class.

Used in the pits at motorcycle racing events in the summer where contrast with the sun would otherwise be unmanageabe.

If you want a decent flash unit, I suggest you do what I do and buy 2nd hand from a reputable source

Best Regards

:thumbs:
 
Most of mine is portraits and I would be lost without it! I guess though if you have not missed having one or thought you needed one before now you probably dont!
 
Haven't missed having one and yes it does seem crazy wondering if I need one then

The motorcycle pits example is the sort of thing i had in mind, perhaps i should have asked when could it enhance your normal photography. Good advice about buying secondhand too thanks, can't see it getting used that often

There again might find it appeals and really get into it, can see it might be handy to freeze action too

Thanks again for reading my ramblings
Rich
 
Using flash is addictive.. I was a "natural light" photographer until I tried it. Fill light for portraits, off-camera for still life, etc. The Strobist blog (and group on Flickr) linked to above is well worth a read.

You can save yourself a few pounds by starting with something like a YN-468 from Ebay, it will give you TTL on your 40D.. works a treat on mine.
 
Using a decent off-camera flash gun (or three) is a fantastically creative asset. You won't know that because you've never tried ;)

Good flash technique will improve your existing output a great deal, and will also open up an entire new world of picture taking opportunity.

Just get one, learn how to use it (there's A LOT you can do) and you'll wonder how you ever managed without :thumbs:
 
Well I took your advice and went for it.

Had some back pay this month and found what I thought was a good price on a new Canon 430EX II from a UK shop (£179.99 delivered)

Worst that can happen is I lose a few quid selling it again and got a feeling it might prove an interesting experiment

Thanks for the replies
Rich
 
"Worst that can happen..." :eek: That's one way of looking at it I guess, but give it a go. With flash, things don't just happen by themselves, you have to create the picture. Which inevitably makes it more difficult, but also much more rewarding :thumbs:

PS you've got some nice scenery near you, it's well nice down by the river :)
 
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