External flashes

[LaurieG]

Thank you all you responded to last weeks post regarding my dead S5 and what to replace it with. I REALLY wanted to SX1 but just can swing it right now.

I ordered the SX10 and am looking for suggestions as to what external flash you would put with it, for someone who has never used an external flash but always wanted to learn! Guess I need something that is idiot proof!!!

Any and all input would be greatly appreciated
Thanks a bunch

 

[LaurieG]

I am looking at the Speedlite 270ex or a promaster 2500EDF. Any thoughts?

 

[pnutmnm]

I too am looking into a flash for my SX10. I would like feedback on this as well as the 430ex II.

 

[Jamian]

I'm planning a WDW trip and I'm thinking of renting a fast prime to use on the dark rides. For those of you that have successfully shot Pirates, Spaceship Earth, etc., what is a good focal length to use? I'm trying to decide between a 35 f1.4, 50 f1.2, and an 85 f1.2. Also, keep in mind I'm shooting a Canon 40D that has a 1.6 FOV crop. Any advice is appreciated.

Cheers

 

[VVFF]

I'm planning a WDW trip and I'm thinking of renting a fast prime to use on the dark rides. For those of you that have successfully shot Pirates, Spaceship Earth, etc., what is a good focal length to use? I'm trying to decide between a 35 f1.4, 50 f1.2, and an 85 f1.2. Also, keep in mind I'm shooting a Canon 40D that has a 1.6 FOV crop. Any advice is appreciated.

Cheers

F1.2! Very nice...but very pricey.

The 85mm will be too long most of the time on a crop and has a higher susceptibility to camera shake. The choice will be between the 35mm and 50mm. Both will work but will capture different scenes. The 35mm would be better for capturing an entire scene on pirates, the 50mm would be better for capturing one or two animatronics. You gotta decide between those two.

 

[zackiedawg]

I started with a cheap 50mm F1.7 which worked well enough, but I must say I was much happier moving to a 30mm F1.4 as it gave me much more leeway to compose shots in tight spaces (1.5x crop on mine).

 

[KarenAylwood]

I just went to Disney for the first time with my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and loved it. I thought it was a great length for most dark rides and for Spectro. There were a few times I wished I had a bit more room with it, and VERY few times I wish I was closer. I remember thinking while I was shooting "wow, I'm glad I didn't get the 50mm I was originally looking at!"

The 35mm would also be better for people shots indoors. When I used my friend's 50mm at home I found it was just a tad too long in some instances. I took my 30mm to a wedding and wished I had something longer, but once I cropped the images, I was really happy with the results.

So... my long winded answer is the 35mm

 

[Jamian]

Okay, 35 f1.4L it is then. Thanks everyone.

 

[LaurieG]

I went ahead and got the 270ex will keep you posted.

I was also considering the 430exII but was worried that it would be two big and bulky for me. I LOVE all of the features of the 430, not that I know how to use them...but it sounds good

 

[creativeamanda]

I have two cameras--a Nikon N50 35mm camera and a Nikon D60. When we bought the N50 in 1998, we also bought a Sunpak auto 355AF flash. The shoe for the flash on the N50 appears to be identical to the D60. But I cannot find anywhere that tells me whether I can use the Sunpak flash with my D60.

The flash has not been used much, and obviously, if this flash which works great still is compatible with the D60, I certainly don't want to spend another $70-$80, especially with how little I actually use the flash. What would prevent me from being able to use the flash with my D60, especially for some simple at home photos? Would there be a problem with voltage, for instance, that would damage my newer camera? Or since the shoes are identical, can I use the older flash?

TIA!

 

[mabas9395]

Do not do anything until you are 100% sure if they are compatible. Because, yes, there can be a problem with the voltage and you could fry your camera.

 

[creativeamanda]

LOL, that's why I asked. I didn't think it would be a great idea to destroy a $900 investment to save $70. I found a different Sunpak that is 100% compatible for $69. I may just go ahead and order it so I don't take dh's flash from his 35mm, anyway. (Which, BTW, is still an awesome camera)

 

[sdshutterbug]

I would love to see some pictures around WDW or really anywhere taken with an external flash, because I was thinking one might come in handy on my next Disney trip. If you could share what flash you used that would also be helpful! If I get one it will be a really tiny basic one, because I don't want to add a ton of bulk to my load.

 

[pjacobi]

If I get one it will be a really tiny basic one, because I don't want to add a ton of bulk to my load.

Don't waste money on a tiny external flash. It will be no better than on-camera built-in flash.

Make sure get a big flash with swivel head to bounce off the ceiling. That will eliminate most cases of red-eye.

You will look like a photopass or wedding photographer, but that is what you need to get good inside photos of princesses and fairies.


-Paul

 

[sdshutterbug]

A small one really won't be at least somewhat better than onboard flash? The Sunpak RD2000 swivels vertically so I can bounce it off the ceiling. I was also going to get a sync cord to get it off the camera too. I was planning on using it with a fast prime for family and character shots. If it's really big bulky one that I need I would rather just bump up the ISO and/or use my on camera flash when needed, since I'm always looking to travel as light as possible and I don't have a big budget for a really nice flash.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

My primary external flash is a Canon 580 EX II. Here are some shots with it.

I may have used an extra 580 on this one, but I can't recall for sure.

 

[Silent1CB]

I'm learning what a difference an external flash can make & its now on my wishlist. I have a Canon SX10. My S3 doesn't have a hot shoe.

My friend has the Canon S5 and uses a Canon 430 EX.

For the SX10, I saw a website that recommended the Canon 270EX, Canon 430 EX II, or Sunpak RD2000 (budget option). That's as far as my research has taken me so far however.

 

[pnutmnm]

I too am looking for a flash for my SX10. I was leaning towards the 270EX. I never heard of the Sunpak. I like the price of that! Here is the package for the 270 that I am looking at: http://www.adorama.com/CA270EXUKB.html

 

[boBQuincy]

Even the smaller external flashes like Canon's tiny EX220 or 270 have more than twice the power of the internal flash. The flash tube sits up higher, helping to reduce red-eye and helping to eliminate shadows from lens hoods.

The quick recycle time is great for meet & greets, I used a 220EX for photos with the fairies and had no problems with power or range.

Flash can be used for creative effects too, these were taken with a 220EX, 2nd curtain, aperture priority:

 

[LaurieG]

I have the 270 for my SX10 as soon as I learn to use it I am sure that I am going to love it. (the camera AND the flash!!) I looked at the 430 but it was to big and bulky for me