Flash Recomendations for EOS350D

RobW

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16 Feb 2009 - 12:55 PM

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All, I am looking to get some flash recommendations for the Canon EOS350D.... requirements are

1) good for use with macro lens (100mm) and zoom lens (28-300mm)
2) can be used on or off shoe (guess all can be used off shoe with the extension cable thingy)
3) swivel and tile head
4) automatic as well as manual settings (ie to start with I would use it in full auto then loko to experiment)

Hae so far covered

Canon
Jessops
metz
Sunpak
Sigma

are there any others I might want to look at?

Happy to consider 2nd hand to get the flash that is good and at a decent proce. estimated budget is £100 (so 2nd hand is going to be a big incentive I guess - most flashes seem to be above my budget). The biggest use will be as extra light when taking macro & floral shots (check my profile for my type of work) so maybe a ring flash would be better - but dont think they offer the verstaility for what I want (but if I am worng please tell me)

Rob

Overread

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16 Feb 2009 - 1:31 PM

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I would say go for an official canon flash for your first one - some of the 3rd party options are either slightly substandard or might not work perfectly well with auto settings.

I would say (depening on budget) that a canon speedlite 580M2 or a 430 would be your best option. Combine that with a diffuser like a Lumiquest softbox or a stofen omnibounce and you will have a flash usefull for all occasions - from portrates to macro to groups.

edit missed the budget part of your post - I agree with Straw - look to the second hand market. Though saying that give me a moment there is an interesting idea for macro with a sunpack flash

Macro (idealy) wants a ringflash but ringflashes are limited to only macro and portrate work - outside of that they just don't have the power to throw the light further onto a subject. I use a 580M2 to for my macro work and its gives me plenty of light (and also works fo the wildlife as well)

RobW

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16 Feb 2009 - 1:36 PM

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and in terms of 2nd hand locations (internet is fine) - mifsuds? anywhere else?

Overread

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16 Feb 2009 - 1:59 PM

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Right here we go - this link here
link
shows you the basic idea of the setup. The linked setup shown is one which has a nikon small flash in it, used because of its small size - now canon don't have a similar flash (our small one is more raised up) so the sunpack RD2000 flash is a replacement for that in a canon setup. The other flashes like a 580 are just too heavy for the above position displayed and the ballheads tend to give out if there is the slightest jolt to the setup (which defeats its point as a handly handheld setup).
Of course you also need an offcamera flash cord, cheap ballhead and a screw to cut off to make the setup (you might also need to get the tripod collar as well since canon don't sell them with the lens) so its not a totally without addons setup - but it is an alternative macro flash setup

Coleslaw (e2 Member)

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23 Feb 2009 - 10:36 AM

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Canon 420EX here?

pcheywood

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23 Feb 2009 - 10:51 AM

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I have a good as brand new Sigma EF 500 DG Super if you're interested (pm me).

Paul.

RobW

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25 Feb 2009 - 12:42 PM

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Quote: You should be able to do flash compensation on camera?

very true..... still considering which way to go - may leave it for a bit .... flash would be mainly for fill-in on macro shots so maybe a weaker light may be ok....

RobW

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25 Feb 2009 - 12:56 PM

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Quote: Fill in for macro? maybe a reflector might do?

thats what i intend to try tonight on some new flowers......