Flash questions

[Beltaine]

So I want to get a flash for my Rebel XT. The built-in just isn't cutting it.

Questions:

1. Do I really need an E-TTL flash? Can I get by with a regular TTL flash? What's the difference?

2. I am annoyed by the constant flickering of the built-in flash's AF assist in low-light. It's distracting to people and makes shots in low-light a big hassle. Will a new flash eliminate this?

3. Budget constraints are going to kill me here. I'm looking at something in the price range of a 420EX. I also see Sigma has a EF 500 DG in ST and Super that are within my budget. Again these all boast E-TTL. Are there other flashes in that budget range that are comparable?

4. Found the answer. EX series speedlites factor in the digital focal length ratio. I'm assuming since the Sigma has a "DG" label it also factors the ratio in as well.

[Ronnoco]

1. E-TTL is the Canon version of TTL, so it probably is necessary.

3. I have the Sigma EF500 Super which I like very much, but I am not using it on a Canon.
The only caveat with non-camera manufacturers flash units is that they are not fully
compatible with all camera models, even if they are listed as "Canon versions".

4. The zoom range is most important at the wide angle end and most go to 17mm with a
built in diffuser.

Ronnoco

[SmartWombat]

I see Ronnoco has covered most of it, I can fill in the gap.

2. the Canon 580EX I've got has a red autofocus lamp that projects stripes of light.
Far less intrusive than strobing the flash to light up the subject.

I've not used any other flash than the 580EX with my 20D, so I can't give you much more assistance, sorry..

[J!m]

E-TTL is Evaluative Through The Lens. light output of the flash is adjusted, the reflector is 'zoomed' based on the lens in place, existing light and which focus spots have acheived focus (and the flash is assuming these spots correspond to your desired subject). The new flash units are really amazing.

I suggest you stick with the Canon branded flash units (for a Canon) to get the best results for the money. Check the used market too- many who buy these high-end flash heads never utilize them to their potential and they collect dust until they are sold on eBay.

best of luck!

[flowremix]

BUMP!!!

When shotting in the dark and autofocus with a hot shoe flash, will it illuminate the place to get the focus like the built in flash? ( i have a 20D)

I'm really considering of getting a 580ex. When havin a hot shoe flash, will it kill the battery a whole lot where i need to get a vertical battery grip.

[paulnj]

Hotshoe mounted flashes run on their own batteries(AA usually) and the 580EX has a red focus beam that it emits to get the camera a focus point.

[splash]

Hi I'm new to this forum; I have a canon AE1 and was wondering what you guys think would be the most versatile flash for it. I like to take nature pics and sometimes night pics. I was looking at the speedlight 199A and then I also read about the vivitar, but I'm not sure what would be best out of all the brands out there. I like to use manual mode the most when I take pics. I'd appreciate suggestions.

[paulnj]

If you use manual flash, why not just get a vivitar 285? I have seen them sell for $10 used at flea markets plenty of times.

[sonic]

I am using a 580 (canon system) and want to up the ante with a slave system as well. Do any of you have any favorite set-ups/systems you like I am shooting street action ?scenes at night and will most likely have the slave on a pod 20ft away from the subject at most.

[splash]

The main thing that makes me so questionable on the vivitar is that I read the lighting it provides isn't all that great and that the best it does is a low gray lighting; the person said it lacked power. Can any of you argue that? I want a desent flash that can work day and night and that you can perhaps create cool lighting effects in some cases.

[paulnj]

That I can't answer, but I know alot of people used that flash and loved it .

[paulnj]

Another flash you might consider is the sunpak 383

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation