Does Rebel XT Need External Flash @ DL?

[mabas9395]

I've had my XT for about two months now and will be taking it with me to DL the end of April. I plan on getting an external flash (probably the 430EX) some time this year anyway. So I'm debating with myself to get it now before we go or to wait and get it later.

For those of you with the XT (or similar) camera, did you ever use or wish you had something better than the on board flash? I have the fast and cheap 50mm f/1.8 which has been good for low light conditions in the past, but I'm worried that wide open, the narrow dof will blur out too much of the background.

Please let me know what you think.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

The sweet spot for most lens is about 1 stop above the largest opening. Therefore in your case something around f/2.8 to f/4 will be bedst for that lens.

If you want to get an external flash, might as well get Sigma 500 DG Super. It has a similar guide number to the Canon 580 EX for almost half the price. If you're using any flash (internal or external), the main thing is that if you take a pic vertically, you'l see a shadow cast on the right side of the object. The only way to get rid of this is by using a bracket so the flash is always above the camera. Or you can use gary-fong diffuser and you don't need to worry (as much) about the side shadow.

 

[WillCAD]

I have gotten excellent results out of both my 35mm Rebel G and my Digital Rebel using a Canon Speedlight 220EX.

The 220EX is one of the basic Speedlights; it doesn't have flash compensation controls on it, it doesn't soom, the head doesn't tilt, and it doesn't come with a diffuser, but it is made for cameras like the Digital Rebel. It talks to the camera perfectly, and it has an IR focus assist light that will allow the camera to lock in the focus even in near-dark conditions.

I carry my 220EX around WDW with me constantly, and use it any time I want to illuminate something at night, or need fill-in during strong sunlight to eliminate shadows. It fits in my pocket, but plugs into the camera's hot shoe in a second. It runs on 4 AA batteries (use rechargables for quicker recycle time).

Of course, there are plenty of times when I only need a little bit of fill-in flash, and the pop-up flash on the camera works fine.

 

[ndelaware]

I've had my XT for about two months now and will be taking it with me to DL the end of April. I plan on getting an external flash (probably the 430EX) some time this year anyway. So I'm debating with myself to get it now before we go or to wait and get it later.

For those of you with the XT (or similar) camera, did you ever use or wish you had something better than the on board flash? I have the fast and cheap 50mm f/1.8 which has been good for low light conditions in the past, but I'm worried that wide open, the narrow dof will blur out too much of the background.

Please let me know what you think.

Get it now!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

but don't forget the tilt AND swivel head with (at least) built in diffuser. Life is not just Disney and you will need those features for somewhere down the road.

 

[ndelaware]

Kelly, whenever I am considering a new lens or even a new camera, if I have a Disney trip planned, I will buy before the Disney trip. It is the only time I can take pictures all day long for a week if I want to. If I am going to buy it anyway I figure I might as well have it with me in WDW. Between camcorders and cameras I have been reading manuals for new cameras on the trip down to Disney three times in the last few years. I almost always have something new camera-wise for a Disney trip. Hmmm, I heading back down Thursday I think I better make a run to the camera shop, LOL.