Flash unit for Canon Rebel XT - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

07/05/2006 10:46:15 PM · #1

I really can't afford it, but I kind of need to get a flash for my Canon Rebel. I checked out some previous discussions in the forums regarding flash units, but I thought since it's been a few months, there may be some different views.

My choices are the Canon 430EX, and the Sigma EF 500 DG (Super or regular). I can't afford the Canon 580EX so that's out of the question. From reading the previous threads, some were saying that the 430 isn't powerful enough for weddings. Is this true? I'm also looking to invest in the Lightsphere II since so many people have sworn by it, and I've seen some of the shots taken with it and don't know if I can do without it. Is it compatible with my flash choices?

I'm hoping to be using the flash for weddings (I'm shooting one in a few weeks), some portraits and pretty much any time I need some mucho lighting from a flash. I'm looking for something that's fairly economical ($300+ is kinda pushing it for me, but these are about the minimum units I want to use) yet powerful enough to shoot pretty much anything that I'll need it for. Any personal advice or links to sites that'll have the information I need would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Canon EOS-60D

07/05/2006 10:48:59 PM · #2

I have the Sigma EF 500 DG Super and LOOOOOVE it. It's perfect for me, pricewise and featurewise. I used it in a wedding and got excellent results. I use Duracell rechargeables in it and have gotten incredibly long power from them. Good luck with whatever you choose, but the Sigma gets my vote. :)

07/05/2006 10:57:08 PM · #3

I have the Sigma EF-500 DG ST. I picked it up at B&H used for $90. I've used it for weddingd, portraits and even for fill-flash on the beach. Nice flash, simple controls, definitely worth the money.

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

07/05/2006 11:01:34 PM · #4

Originally posted by laurielblack:

I noticed in the Lightsphere thread that you now have one. Which model fits the Sigma?

Canon EOS-60D

07/05/2006 11:06:29 PM · #5

It is the P3 that fits my Sigma flash. :)

07/05/2006 11:09:38 PM · #6

Or C3 if you'd like the clouded version :-)

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

07/05/2006 11:12:04 PM · #7

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Or C3 if you'd like the clouded version :-)

I'm still not sure on the difference between the regular or clouded versions. I'd like something for more generic shooting, but still good for portraits and weddings. I thought the regular one would be good, but I'm not too sure which one to get. Any suggestions?

Canon EOS-60D

07/05/2006 11:13:47 PM · #8

The clear version is great for portrait and wedding work...it seems to really warm up the skin tones and soften the light in a very flattering way (especially for women, who like to look soft and radiant). I haven't used the clouded one so I have no idea how it compares. I just know I like mine a lot. :)

07/05/2006 11:14:14 PM · #9

Go with the clear. The cloudy is better close-up, but for general purpose the clear is more versatile.

rex

Canon PowerShot SD780

07/05/2006 11:14:39 PM · #10

The difference between the two:

Click

I also own a 430EX flash and I think it works great. I can try to take some sample shotsa for you tomorrow. Just tell me what you wish to see the difference in.

Nikon MF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8

07/05/2006 11:24:29 PM · #11

Just noticed in a previous thread about the Lightsphere that they didn't have a dome. Does the Lightsphere not come with the dome?

Cheerz

Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro

07/05/2006 11:25:35 PM · #12

I'll probrably get blasted here for saying this....

If you're shooting on a budget, a trick I used from "Old School" is to go manual...

Here's what I meant..

The old canon "420EZ" and "550EZ" for the SLR bodies are really powerful.

The problem is.. it doesn't TTL

The beauty of it is... the world is dumping them for the newer versions.. "the EX" seris...

What this means is that... You'll be able to get a second-hand unit (550ez which is the equal of 540ex) for less than USD150...

The rationle is that.. in wedding photography.. the distance between the subject and you stays pretty much the same... there may be a couple of "long ranged" shots you may wish to take .. but generally, you're pretty safe with 1 or 2 different settings. You can preview your shots and compensate accordingly..

It's a little troublesome but for the $$.. I'll live with it.. afterall.. I got 2 420ez and a 550ez for less than USD220. I've blew a 420ez after like 4 yrs of usage (on my end) and it doesn't break my heart..

Hope this helps.. :)

Cheers
Eric

Prof_Fate

07/05/2006 11:57:39 PM · #13

Originally posted by Cheerz:

The rationle is that.. in wedding photography.. the distance between the subject and you stays pretty much the same... there may be a couple of "long ranged" shots you may wish to take .. but generally, you're pretty safe with 1 or 2 different settings. You can preview your shots and compensate accordingly..

I disagree. Getting ready shots in a small room, portraits of one, 2 and groups. And add in Zoom and does the ez model zoom on the newer EX compatible bodies? if not that'll be another issue.

Yes you can possibly compensate, but some shots are not do-overs - you miss the moment and you've missed it. too dark, blown out, vignetted...too many ways to miss the shot.

Get the sigma EF500DG super. the ST might work, but the Super has a few more features that you might find quite useful later (the LCD screen, wireless master, adustable manual power, etc.)
Check //www.fredmiranda.com buy and sell forum. i got a 500 super there with an omnibounce, shipping included (and box, carry puch, instructns, etc) for $170 about a month ago to use mainly as a backup. it works well.

Cheerz

Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro

Nikon MF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8

07/06/2006 02:10:54 AM · #14

I agree with you on losing the moment when it not on the right setting..

The suggestion's for a cheap alt.. :)

I guess.. the method is old school as I picked this up from an old photographer who's been shooting manual all his life and he's sledom missed a shot as he's probrably very experienced...

He didn't have the luxuary of ttl flashes and lenses than.. :)

Cheers..
Eric

07/06/2006 02:13:33 AM · #15

I "grew up" shooting manual (no Auto anything). It definitely teaches you how to use your camera and when not to trust your camera's (or flash's) selected settings.