Do I need to buy a flash?

[ltilley]

My little sister is getting married on the beach at sunset. It's a small ceremony with practically NO budget and so she asked me to take the pictures.

I've done a few daytime weddings for friends and feel confident with daytime pics.

It's once the sun sets that I'm worried about. The reception is on the beach from 8:00-10:00 and so it will be dark.

I have a Elan IIe and a digital rebel, but no additional flashes.

I was thinking about getting the 550 EX Speedlight and would love your suggestions. I can't spend much more than that... $200-$300 range.

I warned my sister that the nighttime reception pics could be a total flop and she assured me that it was better than nothing... that they weren't even going to have a photographer until my mom suggested me.

THANKS!
Lisa

[ltilley]

I also see the 420 EX is much cheaper.... it says it has DTL..... is the 550 really that much better? THANKS!

[Stina]

Hi =)
If you have the Original Digital Rebel you might consider spending the extra money on the 550 if you don't have the hacked firmware. The 420 does not have flash exposure compesation it must be adjusted on camera the DRebel does not have that feature with out the hack. The 550 allow for FEC on the flash itself.

Stina

[Lionheart]

Definitely get the 550EX. I would recommend the 580 as well, but it is more expensive. I would recommend renting a quantum battery pack if one is available from the local pro shop. If you will be using the flash extensively for primary lighting after dark, even at high ISO settings, the flash capacitors take time to charge, even with fresh batteries. I have 2 quantum packs that I charge up the night before a wedding shoot, and I bring both, although I've rarely needed to use both, but the recycle times are much faster-usually a full capacitor charge in 1 second versus 5-10 seconds without the external pack. A couple of notes with external packs-you still need batteries in the flash itself to run the circuitry, and some flashes don't support an external battery pack. The 550 and 580 EX flashes have jacks for external batteries, but the I don't think the 420 does.

[ltilley]

Thats everyone. Yes, I have the original Rebel, so sounds like I'm going with the 550EX. I really appreciate the advice and will definately look into the quantum battery pack. See, the battery stuff I didn't know... that's why I love this board.

I really appreciate the advice and any tips are GREATLY appreciated.

Lisa

[another view]

Quantum batteries are great, it makes flash recycle time something you just don't have to think about anymore. I think you'll end up with best results using a little fill flash before the sun sets, too. That way you'll keep the color in the sky but still have your subjects stand out (without flash they'd be underexposed or the sky would be overexposed). Best thing to do would be to get the flash, go down to the beach at sunset and practice a couple of times.