Flash (aaahh, aaaah, he saved every one of us)

[tiny73]

OK people, currently looking for a flashgun for those situations where the built in flash isn't sufficient and was wondering how people decide on which model etc. Do people only take flashguns out for say weddings, parties etc lets say special occasions. If you were visiting a dark place for a day (an historical monument perhaps) would you take the flashgun and a full bag or would you rely on the flash unit on the body.

Thanks in advance for the insight.

 

[Meeten]

an external flash makes a considerable difference.
sugest that you hire / borrow one and see how much it changes your ability to shoot in low light.

also - you may get more info if you state what camera you currently use ...

 

[john-oh]

External flashes are the way to go, the extra power enables you to bounce off ceilings, use light boxes etc.

Very versatile, but, of course, loads more money ...:shrug:

 

[BandyQuill]

well worth every penny for an external flash, i use mine all the time if i can just so i can get the 'right' lighting where i want it... i tend to keep the flash with me as it fits in my big bag and at a squeeze it'll fit inside my small bag that the missus doesn't complain about...

 

[tiny73]

also - you may get more info if you state what camera you currently use ...

A fair point well made

Canon 40D with nifty fifty, Sigma 18-200mm and Canon 17-40L (new toy )

So to the next question does size really matter? For flashes that is? (that now sounds worse...). i.e. are there any "small" ish units that suffice (I'm not pro nor ever likely to be... hence a studio capable flash would be overkill)

cheers
Tim

 

[BandyQuill]

id go or the 430exii not too expensive in canon terms... around 200 ish...

 

[desantnik]

On camera flash is only good to about 11 feet and can't easily be bounced or difused which limits your use of it somewhat.

It will get you "photos", but if you require more than "photos" and actually want something more technically effecient, a proper flash unit is the way forward.

The 430EX II is a good bit of kit and probably the one to plonk for to start with... the 580 is better of course (mainly in the area of multi-flash setups) but more expensive.

If you wanted a cheap starter in this area though, why not talk to Flash In the Pan on here and get one of his HK specials... providing you go for the TTL version then you'll get a good leg up in this area for a small price.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

If you wanted a cheap starter in this area though, why not talk to Flash In the Pan on here and get one of his HK specials... providing you go for the TTL version then you'll get a good leg up in this area for a small price.