Flashgun reccomendations

Wizmatt · #1 (**permalink**) 05-11-2010, 07:29 PM

Hello all,

Christmas is comming and one thing on my list is a flashgun. I would like some advise on flashguns in general, brands that are good/bad.

It would be used mostly for macro probably with a diffuser. I have discounted macro set as they are a bit too expensive and on other threads people have shown good results with this setup.

Thanks in advance.

Geoff F · #2 (**permalink**) 05-11-2010, 08:24 PM

You have forgotten the most important bit - which camera?

I purchased the Canon 580 Speedlite earlier this year and find it works well for macro although this model isn't exactly 'budget priced'. But I have developed my own system for exposure. OK, I suspect many other people are doing the same.

Use manual camera setting; decide on a suitable shutter speed (to prevent wind rock problems or subject movement); then pick the best aperture for depth of field; a suitable ISO to prevent excessive noise (say Iso 100/200) then adjust the flash compensation to give good results.

Once you get the hang of it, you can set almost perfect exposure everytime. And by reducing the flash output I don't bother with a difuser.

The only downside that I have found is that now I have a decent flash I keep getting asked to do non wildlife photography! Like this, for example, which I found to be something of a struggle http://www.pbase.com/crustacean/regatta_fashion_show

nightshade · #3 (**permalink**) 06-11-2010, 10:04 AM

Nikon it would be the SB600 or SB800 I use mine (SB600) for Macro with a diffuser and reflector off a Manfrotto twin arm flash bracket

BillyPilgrim · #4 (**permalink**) 06-11-2010, 11:14 AM

I use a Sunpak PZ42x on my Canon DSLR and I've been very pleased with it so far.

I found this article a very good read. Its Canon related but I'm sure the same principles would apply to other brands.

Flash Photography with Canon EOS Cameras - Part I.

Wizmatt · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-2010, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff F

You have forgotten the most important bit - which camera?

Whoops! It's a Canon 450d.

Thanks for all the responses so far.

DivingDave1980 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-11-2010, 09:06 AM

For a super budget flash I don't think you can go much wrong with the Nissin Di622 which has a similar power output as the Canon 430 Ex although I have found it has two main issues:

1) The red AF assist light doesn't seem to be exactly lined up with the focus points, but it does still work - especially at longer focus distances.

2) It has a plastic mount which is very delicate when you balance your camera with flash on the setee arm and watch it fall off (in slow motion)

. I found though that a bit of super glue helped to fix it as long as you don't glue the contact pins so when you mount it on the camera they stay recessed

(a little bit of nail varnish remover I found helped here). Anyway it's still going strong.

I've used it with a reversed lens which I got fairly good results, see the following thread:

Reversed lens Macro

I usually use it with an off camera shoe cord now, but I don't get results as good as the second set in the above thread...

The flash is fairly cheap (for a flash) - around £100 I think and I think it works very well. At least for a novice like me!

I use a Canon 400D by the way.

Hope this helps.

Dave.

Wizmatt · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-2010, 04:55 PM

Thanks for the info Dave, you got some good shots with that setup.

Wizmatt · #8 (**permalink**) 15-12-2010, 02:00 PM

Okay, I think I've decided on a Canon exII Speedlite. I would be looking to use it with a stofen diffuser idealy on a flash bracket. Does anyone have any suggestions for a flash bracket that would work if the camera is mounted on a tripod, and that would be easy to move around?

tristanba · #9 (**permalink**) 15-12-2010, 03:54 PM

I use the 430EX (mainly for macro) mounted on a very simple homemade bracket which holds the flash at right angles above the lens. This provides very nice lighting and is much cheaper than a Canon ringflash or twinflash and it can be tripod mounted if necessary (rarely, in my opinion). I have also just bought a much smaller and less powerful Sunpak RD2000 which seems to work well and is very light.

Wizmatt · #10 (**permalink**) 15-12-2010, 09:21 PM

I've been considering the Wimberley single arm macro flash bracket, as it looks like it would give me the versatility to move the flash around and I could use it for telephoto work as well.

Although it is a bit pricey. Does anyone know of a cheaper bracket that would do the same sort of thing? Or has anyone got the Wimberley bracket and can give some advice?

Many thanks.