Flash question... | FerrariChat

Flash question...

Discussion in 'Creative Arts' started by Carsleuth, Jan 23, 2009.

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  1. Carsleuth

    Carsleuth F1 Rookie

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    Dan C.
    I recently purchased a 580EX II for my Canon Rebel XTi. This is my first external flash. I absolutely love the thing. It's opened me up to a whole new world of creativity.... leading me to my question. I bought a 39" (1m) long extension cord for it via a recommendation from my friend. It's pretty short for some of the shots I want to do. So my question is...


    Do you have any recommendations for longer cord? My friend told me also that there are also wireless flash extensions. I think this is what I would prefer.


    Any comments or personal experiences?

    Thanks,
    Dan
     
    Carsleuth, Jan 23, 2009
    #1
  2. Gemm

    Gemm Formula 3

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    As far as I can remember, Canon doesn't make a longer cord, so many people just make it themselves. I'm sure you can find a tutorial online. Personally, I use a Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2. It's wireless and does make life a lot easier than the corded option.
     
    Gemm, Jan 25, 2009
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  3. beast

    beast F1 World Champ

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    An external flash defiantly gives you more flexibility in lighting your subject. One of the most popular options for wireless flash control is a Pocket Wizard. http://www.pocketwizard.com/products/transmitter_receiver/plus%20ii/

    I am not sure on Canon bodies but i know on Nikon bodies you can use the built in flash to trigger an external flash using infrared and with there Creative Lighting system you can have several external flashes controlled by a main flash and setting others as slaves with different intensity's and flash angles to light the subject.

    http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/NIKONCLS/NIKONCLSA.HTM
     
    beast, Jan 25, 2009
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  4. Carsleuth

    Carsleuth F1 Rookie

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    Are you happy with it? What camera/flash do you use?
     
    Carsleuth, Jan 27, 2009
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  5. Gemm

    Gemm Formula 3

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    Yes, very happy. It's really handy. You can also auto focus in pitch dark with this. :D

    I use 1D MarkII and 550EX.

    As mentioned before, I think it is possible to trigger the external flash via on-camera flash but I'm not sure if it's possible to completely disable the on-camera flash? In my case, I have no choice as my camera doesn't have an on-camera flash.
     
    Gemm, Jan 27, 2009
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  6. HobbsTC

    HobbsTC Formula 3 Silver Subscribed

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    I use the Ebay flash triggers for all of my (professional) work and they have never let me down. PocketWizards are the gold standard, however they are very expensive. The Ebay ones are chinese, but work perfectly and only cost about $35.

    Here's the link.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-4-Channel-Wireless-Radio-Trigger-Slave-Strobe-Flash_W0QQitemZ290290326730QQihZ019QQcategoryZ79008QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

    BTW, I'm selling a 580exII thats only been used a couple of times if anyone is interested. Just PM me.
     
    HobbsTC, Jan 28, 2009
    #6

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