How much has an external flash changed your photography?

[NateNLogansDad]

So, I've been looking at the Nikon SB-600 for the longest time but really just wanted to get used to the equipment that I have already (Nikon D5000, Sigma 18-250, Nikon 35mm 1.8.) I'm still learning but there are some times where I just didn't have the light to pull off the picture I had in mind. (Wedding reception was way too dark, and outdoor pics in the woods I should have used a fill flash)

I have it in the back of my mind that a flash is going to improve things so much for me and will dramatically enhance my pictures. As long as I use a diffuser or bounce the flash, it should be hard to tell if you are really using one, correct?

Up till this point, I've just made what I have work but I can't get out of my head. How much has having a flash helped you? Any comparison pictures?

Thank you in advance!
-Rob

[Gianna'sPapa]

It has been a major game changer for me. First, I want to stress I'm not a professional photograper nor do I profess to be a highly experienced amateur.

For myself, I didn't use a flash for a long time because I was very unhappy with the results. Finally, I broke down and bought one and I still was not happy. After some research, study and practice, I learned what I was doing wrong and my flash photography has gotten considerably better allowing for shots I would have never gotten in the past. I had to learn the combination of settings for my camera to allow for better images (i.e, ISO 400, Flash EV +1), when to bounce flash, when to use diffuser, etc., etc. What I'm talking about is not studio lighting using external flashes and other lighting, but things like sports photography and on-the-go type shooting with the flash mounted on the camera. Fill flash is another area that I have been working on and that is progressing. For me, it has been an entire new area of photography learning. I don't have any comparison shots, but here are a few from this weekend that I would have struggled to obtain without the flash.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5043/5378822604_828a42959f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/45097427@N02/5378822604/)
Boys Basketball 1_22_11 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/45097427@N02/5378822604/) by Gianna'sPapa (http://www.flickr.com/people/45097427@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5378639856_a84baa6973_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/45097427@N02/5378639856/)
Get the Rebound! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/45097427@N02/5378639856/) by Gianna'sPapa (http://www.flickr.com/people/45097427@N02/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5129/5378219619_152eec0d92_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/45097427@N02/5378219619/)
Boys Basketball (2) 1_22_11 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/45097427@N02/5378219619/) by Gianna'sPapa (http://www.flickr.com/people/45097427@N02/), on Flickr

I have since gotten another external flash (a more advanced one), one for each our DSLR's. I use the Sigma EF 530 series, I have the ST and the Super. I have been pleased with both of these flashes as they allowed me to learn a ton at a reasonable expense.

[SarahJN]

I have the SB-600 and I love it! I have a more than 4 year old Nikon D50 and the grain with anything above ISO 200 annoys me so I really need extra light. I take a lot of pictures of my girls in our house, which is fairly dark (esp. in the winter) and the Speedlight made a HUGE difference.

[NateNLogansDad]

I heard rumors that the SB600 is being discontinued, anybody else hear that?

I'm going to start looking at the Sigma flashes also. I know it's only ~$200 for the SB600 but any $$$ I can save makes it easier to justify :thumbsup2

[JoeDif]

I heard rumors that the SB600 is being discontinued, anybody else hear that?

I'm going to start looking at the Sigma flashes also. I know it's only ~$200 for the SB600 but any $$$ I can save makes it easier to justify :thumbsup2


I thought I saw something about Nikon releasing the SB700 so it is possible the 600 is being discontinued. You can most likely still find them around though

[PhotographyDR]

One thing to keep in mind when using flash is that it will improve your photographs but not by just attaching the flash an using a diffuser and they wow. It does take some know how still. I am still learning and I have to say it is a lot of fun. I am by no means an expert but I have written a little on the subject.

http://www.wdwphotography.com/flash-in-the-park/

I would recommend a Nikon (or whatever your camera mfg is). The flashes work best when paired up with the body mfg. While any flash will work your learning curve will be better with one that matched your body mfg. The i-TTL on Nikon does do a great job and measuring the amount of light and giving the proper setting to take the shot. Much better than trying to do it manually. You will eventually need to learn it but the results will be better while you are going through that phase. The third party flashes do not use this mode. I have the SB600 and it has been a great flash. I might be upgrading and getting a second one (probably a 700 or 900) but feel the 600 has done a great job. Even if they discontinue it, it is still a great flash. The only short comings of the 600 will be the limit of the flash distance. It only goes up to around 85mm in Auto. You can manually bump it up a little for longer focal lengths but might have to do some experimenting. Still for what you will probably use it for it is a great starting flash. Besides if you upgrade later you can always will use this flash as a second fill or back light. I will be using mine that way.

[NateNLogansDad]

I'm going back and forth because I'd rather stay with the Nikon line but I also don't always like paying for a name.

The Sigma Super says that it supports ITTL which is a plus, reaches out further which will be great for the kids sports, and costs $40 less.

I'm having a hard time finding a direct comparison but need to do a little more research first.

Side note, my wife wanted something that costs a few $$$ and I've been putting this off. I never told her that I just got a few $$ as a safety bonus a few weeks ago. Looks like we will both be happy soon:thumbsup2

[Gianna'sPapa]

One thing to keep in mind when using flash is that it will improve your photographs but not by just attaching the flash an using a diffuser and they wow. It does take some know how still. I am still learning and I have to say it is a lot of fun. I am by no means an expert but I have written a little on the subject.

http://www.wdwphotography.com/flash-in-the-park/

I would recommend a Nikon (or whatever your camera mfg is). The flashes work best when paired up with the body mfg. While any flash will work your learning curve will be better with one that matched your body mfg. The i-TTL on Nikon does do a great job and measuring the amount of light and giving the proper setting to take the shot. Much better than trying to do it manually. You will eventually need to learn it but the results will be better while you are going through that phase. The third party flashes do not use this mode. I have the SB600 and it has been a great flash. I might be upgrading and getting a second one (probably a 700 or 900) but feel the 600 has done a great job. Even if they discontinue it, it is still a great flash. The only short comings of the 600 will be the limit of the flash distance. It only goes up to around 85mm in Auto. You can manually bump it up a little for longer focal lengths but might have to do some experimenting. Still for what you will probably use it for it is a great starting flash. Besides if you upgrade later you can always will use this flash as a second fill or back light. I will be using mine that way.

I'm confused by the statement that the "third party flashes do not use this mode". My Sigma's both use P-TTL metering for my Pentax. I use the flash's controls to fine tune it to the exposure that I personally like. It would take better images than without the flash if I did nothing. Am I missing something?

[bob100]

I'm confused by the statement that the "third party flashes do not use this mode". My Sigma's both use P-TTL metering for my Pentax. I use the flash's controls to fine tune it to the exposure that I personally like. It would take better images than without the flash if I did nothing. Am I missing something?

I'm also confused by the remarks, The "third party" flashes I have used work fine in ETTL mode, e.g. the Yongnuo YN465 and Yongnuo YN468

[NateNLogansDad]

Well, if you guys are confused, how do you think I feel:lmao:

Kind of like a guy who wants to go from shooting with his cell phone to using a SLR. :rotfl2:

I.E. Totally clueless :confused3

[Gianna'sPapa]

Well, if you guys are confused, how do you think I feel:lmao:

Kind of like a guy who wants to go from shooting with his cell phone to using a SLR. :rotfl2:

I.E. Totally clueless :confused3

When your researching the flashes you will need to compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. The only way I found that made sense was to compare the guide numbers. That is a number expressed in feet/meters at ISO 100 at a focal length. In simplistic terms, that means, using ISO 100 at 53 meters/174 feet @ 105mm you should be able to obtain a properly exposed image. My 530's guide # is 53 hence 530. The newly released 610's guide # is 61 indicating a longer reach/stronger flash. I hope that helps. Of course my flash has a plastic mount whereas some others have a metal mount. That may make a difference to a pro, but not to me. It works just fine.

[NateNLogansDad]

That helps me tremendously :worship:

Right now I'm still trying to figure our what an apple looks like!

I know I can't really go wrong with a Nikon SB600 or greater but if it's possible to get more bang for my buck I'm all for it. ;)

[NLD]

For those of you who use third-party flashes with Nikon...

Do the third-parties still have the same capabilities in terms of communicating with the pop-up in commander mode when using wireless, off-camera flash?

[NateNLogansDad]

Two more things, with the Sigma do you find that accessories are just as easy to find as for a Nikon unit? (diffusiors, boxes, etc)

Also, do any of these flashes have an A/C adapter to run off of or charge the batteries with?

[MICKEY88]

I use 2 sigma flashes and they are totally compatible with my Sony A700s

[Gianna'sPapa]

Two more things, with the Sigma do you find that accessories are just as easy to find as for a Nikon unit? (diffusiors, boxes, etc)

Also, do any of these flashes have an A/C adapter to run off of or charge the batteries with?

I have only purchased the Sto-Fen Omnibounce and that was readily available. Also I checked my owners manual and it states that with the alkaline batteries you should get about 220 flashes and with the rechargeables about 100.

The Sigma does not have an A/C adaptor.

[Gianna'sPapa]

For those of you who use third-party flashes with Nikon...

Do the third-parties still have the same capabilities in terms of communicating with the pop-up in commander mode when using wireless, off-camera flash?

I checked the Sigma write-up for their Super model and yes its states the Nikon version has wireless TTL. The ST model does not. I use the wireless for my Pentax.

[NateNLogansDad]

I'm thinking by the end of the week I'll be playing with my new flash :goodvibes

[NLD]

I checked the Sigma write-up for their Super model and yes its states the Nikon version has wireless TTL. The ST model does not. I use the wireless for my Pentax.

Thank you! :goodvibes

[Shutterbug]

I got a canon 430EX II last month, I tried it out some here and there but really didnt use it until this past week at the autoshow in Detroit. It was really hard for me to get good shots of the car models.

Using the exact same settings and focal length and FE settings in one shot it would be exposed properly but in the next shot look totally underexposed :confused3

[Gianna'sPapa]

I got a canon 430EX II last month, I tried it out some here and there but really didnt use it until this past week at the autoshow in Detroit. It was really hard for me to get good shots of the car models.

Using the exact same settings and focal length and FE settings in one shot it would be exposed properly but in the next shot look totally underexposed :confused3

I'm not an expert, but the differing lighting conditions and metering could be causing a problem. You may have to adjust the flash EV which is different than the Camera EV.

[Shutterbug]

I'm not an expert, but the differing lighting conditions and metering could be causing a problem. You may have to adjust the flash EV which is different than the Camera EV.

I shot in manual to capture the ambient light, but I am thinking as bright as some of the lights were in some areas, maybe I should have shot in Av mode and used the flash to fill in the models faces.
Looking at some of the faces of the models, the faces look almost overexposed but the eyes are still very dark like they didnt get enough light.

[Gianna'sPapa]

I shot in manual to capture the ambient light, but I am thinking as bright as some of the lights were in some areas, maybe I should have shot in Av mode and used the flash to fill in the models faces.
Looking at some of the faces of the models, the faces look almost overexposed but the eyes are still very dark like they didnt get enough light.

That's probably how I would have shot it using fill flash for the shadows.

[NateNLogansDad]

I shot in manual to capture the ambient light, but I am thinking as bright as some of the lights were in some areas, maybe I should have shot in Av mode and used the flash to fill in the models faces.
Looking at some of the faces of the models, the faces look almost overexposed but the eyes are still very dark like they didnt get enough light.

Do you have any examples to post?

(Not that I'd be of any help, but I'm just curious)

[NateNLogansDad]

Can someone answer a (probably really stupid) question for me. I keep reading stuff like "165/ft. for ISO 100 at 105mm telephoto lenses" but what happens if you zoom out to 250mm at say 130 feet? Or 150mm at 200 feet?

I feel like I'm on the verge of that AH HA moment but I just can't grasp it.

[NateNLogansDad]

When your researching the flashes you will need to compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. The only way I found that made sense was to compare the guide numbers. That is a number expressed in feet/meters at ISO 100 at a focal length. In simplistic terms, that means, using ISO 100 at 53 meters/174 feet @ 105mm you should be able to obtain a properly exposed image. My 530's guide # is 53 hence 530. The newly released 610's guide # is 61 indicating a longer reach/stronger flash. I hope that helps. Of course my flash has a plastic mount whereas some others have a metal mount. That may make a difference to a pro, but not to me. It works just fine.


As an edit to my post right above this.......will you just not get a properly exposed picture if you go beyond that reach or will it just not work?

If the answer is the former, say you bumped up the ISO on your camera, would that make up for the distance?

[NateNLogansDad]

Last question of the night is more directed over to Giana's Papa I think.

If I went with the Sigma, There is about a $10 difference in

EF610 DG ST ($165)
EF530 DG Super ($175)

Which would you go for and why?

I have a Nikon D5000 which doesn't have the flash commander built in.

[Gianna'sPapa]

The 610 DG ST is their upgrade of the basic flash (formerly 530 DG ST). It does not have a rear LCD and has less controls/options. For example, if you want to adjust flash EV, it has to be done through your camera flash menu whereas the Super is done on the flash. I'm not sure of the Nikon terminology of flash commander. If that is wireless flash, the ST does not have it whereas the Super (both the 530 and newer 610) have it along with modeling flash and pulse flash amongst other options.

Basically what it comes down to is the Super is their top of the line with the 530 being the last generation. The newest is the 610 (both ST and Super). The only difference that I can see between the 530 and 610 series is the guide number. The 610 is a more powerful flash. I have the 530 and am more than pleased with its range. Those pics that I showed earlier were taken about 10-15 feet from mid-court and the players were under the basket. The shots were taken from a distance greater than half court.

I own both an ST and a Super. I like the options on the Super better, but both work well.

Terry

[Gianna'sPapa]

As an edit to my post right above this.......will you just not get a properly exposed picture if you go beyond that reach or will it just not work?

If the answer is the former, say you bumped up the ISO on your camera, would that make up for the distance?

Sorry, I didn't see this one. You can bump up ISO, flash EV. One of those earlier shots was taken at 128mm and came out fine. If you get one a little underexposed, its always easy in PP to bump it up. I always err on the side of underexposed than over. Fortunately, one of my camera's (Pentax K10D) quirks is that it likes to underexpose!:rotfl2:

[NateNLogansDad]

Right now I'm leaning more toward the 530 super but it's 3am and I'm at work so I'm going to sleep on it for now. I think in the am I'll need to make the call. I really appreciate all the info, and if anybody else would like to chime in on the 11th hr, I'm all ears :o)

[MICKEY88]

I shoot with 2 500 Supers, I would recomend going with the super, whichever model number, for the ability to shoot wireless

[NateNLogansDad]

I shoot with 2 500 Supers, I would recomend going with the super, whichever model number, for the ability to shoot wireless

Let's pretend for a second that I'm totally clueless :laughing:

To shoot wireless, your camera needs to have that ability, correct?

The flash won't fire from seeing just any other flash going off will it? i.e. say you had the Super sitting on a table ready to go and took a picture with a disposable camera. Would the flash from the disposable trigger the Super to go off?

[JoeDif]

Let's pretend for a second that I'm totally clueless :laughing:

To shoot wireless, your camera needs to have that ability, correct?

I'm not very familiar with Nikon flash technology but i think the following is true:

1) your camera needs built in wireless capability or

2) you can use flash triggers but in many cases you lose TTL function and have to use manual flash and of course more $$ for the triggers


The flash won't fire from seeing just any other flash going off will it? i.e. say you had the Super sitting on a table ready to go and took a picture with a disposable camera. Would the flash from the disposable trigger the Super to go off?

If the Super is set to Slave mode then that could happen.



Not sure if this helps any

[Revan]

I'm looking at getting a book that was recommended on Scott Kelby's Photofocus podcast. Speedliter's Handbook - by Syl Arena. I shoot Canon - but I believe the book has a lot of good information for anyone interested in flash photography.

[MICKEY88]

Let's pretend for a second that I'm totally clueless :laughing:

To shoot wireless, your camera needs to have that ability, correct?
correct, if your current camera doesn't have it, I'd still get the super flash so if and when you upgrade you have the capability
The flash won't fire from seeing just any other flash going off will it? i.e. say you had the Super sitting on a table ready to go and took a picture with a disposable camera. Would the flash from the disposable trigger the Super to go off?

no it would not, and I don't think the supers have a slave mode,
with mine I simply put one on my camera , switch flash mode to wireless with the camera menu, and the flash switches to wireless, I remove the flash, slide the other one on, and it switches to wireless, I can then take it off and use them both off camera

[Gianna'sPapa]

Because it uses the signal of the built-in flash, yes it is possible for another flash to activate it. That is why the flash has channels that are selected and paired to the camera. If you run into this situation, all you would need to do is change to a different channel.

Again, I wish some of the Nikon shooters would jump in here because I'm speaking from a Pentax perspective. I have full TTL capability with this system whether it is on or off the camera. I can also switch to manual if that is needed.

I just found the online owners manual for the 530 series for the Nikon from the UK website:

http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/pdfs/EF-530_Sup_Manual_NIK.pdf

Here is the compatiblity chart for the 610 series from the US site.

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/Compatibility_Table_EF-610_DG_ST

I just spoke with Sigma customer service and they stated there is no difference in the operation and parts of the 610 to the 530, other than it is a more powerful flash. They also stated once in a great while there will be an issue of over/under exposure with a camera, but that is easily fixed with a firmware update. They state that whatever capability an OEM flash has, is incorporated into the Sigma flash and it should operate exactly like the OEM.

Sorry and thanks Mickey88 for jumping in. We were writing about the same time!

[10dedfish]

What an informative topic this has turned out to be, and I will definetly be looking into the scott kelby podcast! :thumbsup2

[MICKEY88]

just a little fyi on how I ended up using sigma flashes,
I had a minolta 7D and a minota 5600 flash,
I wanted a second flash simply as a backup, and to experiment with off camera flash , so I bought the sigma 500 dg super,,
I quickly learned that it was every bit as good as the minolta flash, then my 5600 died on me, it was sent for repair, and I was told parts were no longer available, and given a Sony number to call, since they had bought out Minolta and were handling customer service..,
I was told that if I could email them a copy of my receipt they would prorate a refund. I was pleasantly surprised since the unit was out of warranty.
once I received the check I decided to buy a second sigma since I was happy with their performance and the price was such that I only had to spend $20 on top of the refund check from Sony

[NateNLogansDad]

So, less than 1 minute ago my order was placed with B&H for the 530 Pro and a diffuser :cool1:

Adorama had it for $175 and B&H price matched it :thumbsup2

[Gianna'sPapa]

What an informative topic this has turned out to be, and I will definetly be looking into the scott kelby podcast! :thumbsup2

I agree. I'm not the most experienced photographer in the world. When I decided to go the route of an external flash, it introduced me to another world. As one PP stated, its not just about slapping one on and shooting. I tried that and struggled until I did a little research and a lot of practice. Digital helps because of the instant feedback. When we were shooting film, we didn't get the results for a week and by that time we forgot how we shot it! I honestly believe if folks took more time to learn flash photography it wouldn't be as disparaged as it seems to be. It definitely deserves a spot in our tool box as an option. It also has a raised a modest interest in the lighting involved in studio work. I'm not able to move that way yet, but I'm thinking about it.

[MICKEY88]

I honestly believe if folks took more time to learn flash photography it wouldn't be as disparaged as it seems to be.

the key to that is using flash as fill, not as main light source It definitely deserves a spot in our tool box as an option. It also has a raised a modest interest in the lighting involved in studio work. I'm not able to move that way yet, but I'm thinking about it.:thumbsup2

[NateNLogansDad]

So, before I left for work tonight I showed my wife a picture of my new toy. She in turn informed me that I'm not allowed to sit next to her with that big thing on top of my camera! Wth? :rotfl2:
She keeps asking me why I need....maybe i should get her to read Understanding Exposure:lmao:

[JoeDif]

So, before I left for work tonight I showed my wife a picture of my new toy. She in turn informed me that I'm not allowed to sit next to her with that big thing on top of my camera! Wth? :rotfl2:
She keeps asking me why I need....maybe i should get her to read Understanding Exposure:lmao:

:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

[NateNLogansDad]

Deleted-somehow I double posted an hour later

[Groucho]

It's a little late for this thread, but I would not buy a third party flash... there have been too many times where there are incompatabilities with newer bodies and they need to be sent in to Sigma/Metz/whoever to get updated. The DSLR builders have little reason to care too much whether or not the third-party stuff works properly, and much of the third-party stuff is reverse-engineered so is not guaranteed to work as reliably.

Now, if you're using Cactus triggers or some other thing and just care about getting basic lighting, then obviously it doesn't matter... but if you're after your custom TTL and off-camera, I would be inclined to dig a little deeper and get the real thing just to save potential future problems... even if that means going for a used one. (And I'm someone who is generally perfectly content to go third-party for any number of things.)

To get back to the original question... most of the time, the flash does little for me because I don't use it very much. In fact, I didn't put mine on my camera a single time on my last WDW trip. There were a couple times where it might have been nice to have (for fill flash, usually) but not enough to throw it in the bag in the morning. However, I did use it a lot at the wedding I shot recently, especially for special effects like rear curtain flash while rotating the camera (giving a nice swirly look to the lights with sharp images of the people) and for off-camera stuff. The ability to have the onboard flash used only to trigger the remote and get full P-TTL (or whatever your brand calls it) is a lot of fun - I probably shoot that was as much or more than having it mounted directly on the hotshoe. Of course, I'm usually handholding it off to one side so I have to operate the camera with one hand, but that's the way it goes unless I grow a third arm (unlikely) or put the flash on a tripod (almost as unlikely since I'm rarely shooting static objects.)

I do have a few Disney shots in the back of my head that will require a second person to hold the flash aways away from me but I'm going to keep those quiet until I see if they'll turn out succesfully or not. ;)

[handicap18]

I'm a little late too, but like Groucho, I would not go with a 3rd party especially using Nikon's system. I've had my SB-600 for close to 5 years and absolutely love it. I originally used it with the Nikon D50. Eventually I upgraded to the the D300. With the D300 I can wirelessly trigger the SB-600 just using the popup flash. The D5000 doesn't have this feature, but what happens when you upgrade? Or say you really get into flash and do portraits or other type of off camera shooting? 3rd party flashes will not work in Nikon's Creative Lighting System.

I currently have 2 SB-600's and am thinking about getting more. I can wirelessly trigger up to 5 Nikon flashes using my camera's popup. The SB-600 can only be used as a slave, but should you get a SB-700 or SB-900 you can use those as a master or slave. I'm considering getting the SB-900 so that I can attach a battery pack to it. I've done a few volunteer and pay events that I need the flash to be ready instantly and many times rapid fire.

I only mention all this because 5+ years ago I was using 1 flash for candids only. Since then I have learned a lot and moved my photography along quite a bit. With the Nikon system it was a very seamless transition and very easy to grow with. Had I bought a 3rd party flash instead of the SB-600 I certainly wouldn't be doing the kind of portrait shoots I do today. That or I would have had to spend a lot more money on other equipment.

[bob100]

It's a little late for this thread, but I would not buy a third party flash

I would definitely buy third party flashes. I've been using Yongnuo flashes for several years with no problems.
Sure you can buy the expensive Nikon or Canon "geniuine" flashes but you can also get ETTL, full manual controls, built-in diffuser, white card, optical slave, etc. for $60 !!
amazingly, the light from those flashes seem just like the genuine Canon and Nikon light!

[Gianna'sPapa]

Here's my take and only mine on this topic. I am not a professional making my living off of photography. There is no income paying for my equipment and I don't have unlimited funds to purchase equipment. Therefore, I prioritize and research all my photographic purchases to obtain the best equipment within a budget to do what I want to do. When I look at flashes and see a third party that admittedly has been reverse engineered, not necessarily a bad thing, to match all the capabilities of the OEM at a price considerably less, then I have to seriously consider that purchase. When I compare the Sigma EF 530 DG Super to the Pentax AF-540, it meets or exceeds the OEM in functions at a price $196 cheaper, I'm sorry I have to go with the Sigma. Its not like Sigma is a fly-by-night company. They just happen to be the largest maker of third party photography equipment in the world. When I had a problem with one of my lenses in an emergency situation, they paid for the shipping on a Monday and I received the repaired lens back on Thursday. That is a total turnaround of four days! That was impressive. If I was a pro and funding, even the ability to write if off on my taxes would help, was not an issue, sure I may go OEM, but sadly that is not the case. So for me its whatever will get the job done in my situation at the cheapest expense. This may be heresy to some, but oh well.

Everyone have a great photography day.:)

[bob100]

Here's my take and only mine on this topic. I am not a professional making my living off of photography. There is no income paying for my equipment and I don't have unlimited funds to purchase equipment. Therefore, I prioritize and research all my photographic purchases to obtain the best equipment within a budget to do what I want to do. When I look at flashes and see a third party that admittedly has been reverse engineered, not necessarily a bad thing, to match all the capabilities of the OEM at a price considerably less, then I have to seriously consider that purchase. When I compare the Sigma EF 530 DG Super to the Pentax AF-540, it meets or exceeds the OEM in functions at a price $196 cheaper, I'm sorry I have to go with the Sigma. Its not like Sigma is a fly-by-night company. They just happen to be the largest maker of third party photography equipment in the world. When I had a problem with one of my lenses in an emergency situation, they paid for the shipping on a Monday and I received the repaired lens back on Thursday. That is a total turnaround of four days! That was impressive. If I was a pro and funding, even the ability to write if off on my taxes would help, was not an issue, sure I may go OEM, but sadly that is not the case. So for me its whatever will get the job done in my situation at the cheapest expense. This may be heresy to some, but oh well.

Everyone have a great photography day.:)

right, it could be heresy or helping the Chinese economy but the prices for Nikon and Canon flashes seem crazy- Nikon SB-800 $800 Canon 580exII $450
If a professional needs all the bells and whistles it might make sense but a cheap ETTL flash with manual controls for $60 - that's my ticket! Works for me. I've added a wireless flash trigger for $25, a shoot thru umbrella and lightstand for $30.
Yeah, I'm a big spender

[emcclay]

I use Bower external flashes and diffuser systems for my Canon. Lighting is a huge part of photography, and sometimes makes all the difference. The pop-up flash on DSLR's are really the worst things ever.

[DVC Mike]

Ahem.

I still don't have an external flash. I've yet to get into flash photography - most likely because I don't have an external flash!

I have my eye on the Nikon SB-700, however.