Well, I'm considering purchasing a external flash for my Canon XTi and I'm wondering what others have to say. I've look through the reviews for the Speedlight 430 (?) and 580 and a couple other non-canon flashes.

I find the onboard flash to be very all or nothing. I find it difficult to get any sort of fill effect. I will often be shooting tattoo work at a tattoo studio, where the lighting isn't the greatest or consistent. In this situation I would likely want to use a diffuser to try and eliminate and harsh shadows.

I also tend to shoot at local bars for a friends band. The on-board flash tend to wash out any and all of the "ambiance" of the performance.

Will an external flash help out in these situations? I read they have various different adjustments and such but not having one to really play around with, I'm not sure if it would be worth purchasing one. Or would it be better invest in some other equipment.

What are your thoughts, comments, insights?

Thanks,

Hey Greg
I almost always use an external flash. I found, as you have, that the on-board flash is just too harsh. I bought a ProMaster 5750dx which I used on my Fuji S9000. I just got a Nikon D60 and hooked the 5750 to it and am very satisfied with the results.

It seems I have much more flexability with an external ... I especially like the ability to bounce the flash.

My opinion ... well worth the investment.

Thanks for your thoughts Dave. You've pretty much confirmed what my thoughts were.

The external flash will give you much better results. If you can spring for it, go with the new 580EXll. It has alot more power, much more controllable and also allows you to control other Canon speedlites with it in case you want to build a portable strobe system in the future.
Another must to go with the external flash is a good diffuser. There has been much discussion on diffusers and quite a few good ones out there.

Thanks for your comments Gary.

Me thinks I will be saving up for the 530 speedlight, and I have also checked out the diffuser threads also. I even picked up a diffuser for the on board flash, which helps in certain situations, but not all. Hence why I've been so strongly considering the external.

Again, thanks for your thoughts,

FWIW, $30 instant rebate on the 580exII and a $15 rebate on the 430ex starting 5/18/08

http://www.unwir3d.com/887171/finally-canon-announces-us-spring-rebates