 Mike Turner |
Flashes I want to buy a new flash for my camera. Currently, I have a speedlite 220. I am strongly considering the Speedlite 550 which is approx. $300. I have never bought anything other than Canon accessories, so I am a bit unexperienced in buying other vendor's accessories. Are there equivalent lenses by other vendors that will work identically and cost less? Also, I am going to be shooting a wedding and I was wondering if it would be beneficial to have a bouncer for the flash and/or an accessory that I believe is called a handle mount(It attaches to the bottom of the camera and allows you to manipulate the flash a bit more)? If so, should I get these things together or should I learn to use one before purchasing the other?
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Bill McFadden |
To shoot a wedding, I would recommend either the EOS-540 or EOS-550. Many photographers on this site also recommend using a bracket. A bracket allows you to place flash above the camera. I personally do not like this solution since I need one hand to shoot the picture, one hand to work the zoom and one hand to hold the equipment. You may consider using a Lumiquest or similar manufactor's bounce device on your flash. Lumiquest makes a PRO-MAX 80/20 that some professional photographers use for candid photos. It costs about $15.00. This device attachs to the top of the flash and directs light both up and forward. (if you use the 80/20 model.)
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Andy |
One suggestion about the flash. Since you did not mention about your camera, if your camera does not support E-TTL, rear-curtain sync, high speed sync or you have no intention to use the 550EX as a master unit to control other flashes, the 550EX would be an overkill then. The 420EX would be a better choice and cheaper. Some earlier models of EOS camera do not support the features I mentioned above.
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Bill McFadden |
Andy asked all of the questions that I should have but did not think about on the question of the flash issue. It would help to know what type of camera you will use, the nature of the location, number of guests, etc. I still believe choosing an EOS-540 is a better selection than a EOS-420, if you do not want radio control. The EOS 420 is a newer flash and has the E-TTL feature. However, sometimes you need more power from your flash. You can get more power for the dollars by selecting a used or even new EOS-540. (see www.photo.net site for discussion on the potential problems with the Canon wireless system)
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