PDA

View Full Version : Flash Advice for 40D

MikeW
05-13-2008, 11:46 AM
I am not a big indoors shooter but may have a wedding shoot coming up soon. I know that I cannot make it by with the flash on the camera. Any advice from Bob-E, David and the other canon folks?

Looks like flashes are costly so let me know what I can get by with.. I may not use it very often so a $1000 flash is out of the question.

Thanks,
Mike
Bob-E
05-13-2008, 07:08 PM
Canon 430ex
Verne
05-14-2008, 02:59 PM
The 430ex is great. I've got one and use it alot more than I thought I would. Has not failed me yet.

Verne
MikeW
05-14-2008, 03:09 PM
430ex it is then ...

Thanks guys :cheers:
Syzle
05-30-2008, 04:39 AM
Could always pick up a Sunpak 383 or Vivitar 285HV for less than $100 and a set of cactus radio triggers, I know dialing in manual seems like a pain but its not that bad when you get used to it, and being able to position a flash remotely at a wedding is unbelievably helpful!
Tungsten
05-30-2008, 09:42 AM
Mike if you can spring for the 580EX go for it. It is a flash unit that you will absolutely grow into rather than out of. I have never regretted my 580EX. Ever.

Also, a flash diffuser of some sort is an absolute must for wedding photos and it wouldn't hurt to eventually pick up some slave flash units (430's would be fine) that you could position strategically around the venue for additional fill.

If you really want to be fancy, see about renting pro flash gear from someone like Durys in downtown Nashville.

Finally, you can ask northtnguy here how much a good flash would help at a wedding. He shot my wedding back in March and the lighting in our venue was horrible. The only thing that saved some of his shots was his 580EX and diffuser.
Syzle
05-30-2008, 07:51 PM
A 580EX is a good idea. Its more pricey, but you can be very versatile with it, even use it as fill flash outdoors in a well lit setting.

IMO, indoors a 430EX can usually get the job done, but if you can swing the 580EX... go for it! The one time you really need that extra power you'll regret it.

Also, the new 580EX has some extra features if used with a 40D as well, I forget what exactly they are.

I'd cheap out on slave flashes though, Wein peanuts on any old $80 Vivitar, Sunpak, etc will get the job done just as well as a Canon flash if you're using them as slaves. Radio triggers are a good investment, too.