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October, 2024

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Flash?

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scott-skis
Posts: 1161 - Karma: 141
ok so im thinkin about asking for a flash for christmas
a have never used flashes before and i dont want to spend too much but i want a fairly decent falsh
i shoot with a canon 40d.  oh and wat about some stuff to make it into an off camera flash? again i am a huge newb so help me out

thanks alot guys
Dec 5 2008 7:19PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

Watch the video then read the sections. I use Nikon SB's but lots of guys use Vivitar 285's. Save up for PocketWizards, don't bother with cheap triggers, trust me, use sync cables until you've saved up.
Dec 5 2008 9:53PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
...and here it is embedded:

Dec 5 2008 9:55PM
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scott-skis
Posts: 1161 - Karma: 141
thanks alot dude, but wat is a good flash for canon and not too expensive
Dec 5 2008 10:16PM
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mnjib
Posts: 5592 - Karma: 362
a used 550 ex
Dec 6 2008 12:13AM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
You're using it off camera. It doesn't matter. Nikon or Vivitar.
Dec 6 2008 3:29AM
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mnjib
Posts: 5592 - Karma: 362
unless he is buying wireless triggers(didnt notice if he said he is or not) getting 2 older canon speedlites and using the built in wireless trigger system would be nice.

If you get a canon flash make sure its in the EX series not the EZ. The EZ series are fine flashes but you will have to do everything manually which can be a pain.
Dec 6 2008 11:10AM
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scott-skis
Posts: 1161 - Karma: 141
ok so wat one should i get?
Dec 6 2008 5:28PM
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mnjib
Posts: 5592 - Karma: 362
if you are looking for cheap get a canon 420ex and if you really want off camera shooting get a pair of the cheap ebay triggers (they MUST be the v2) the 420 used will run around 90-150 dollars

Little bit more would be the 550ex it has more power output then the 420ex and can act as a wireless trigger for the 420ex. the 550ex will cost 130-200.

both of those are older and no longer made they have been replaced with the canon 580exII and the 430ex. both of those flash units will run at least 250 to 300 used.  A used 580ex costs about 300-350.

All are good flashes it just depends on what you are looking at spending.
Dec 6 2008 5:50PM
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scott-skis
Posts: 1161 - Karma: 141
thanks alot dude +k
ok so i found a 550ex for 250 on craigslist is that too much?
Dec 6 2008 7:00PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Don't waste your money on cheap eBay triggers! Seriously, they'll cause you so much stress. I ignored this advice and within a month I had sold them and bought PocketWizards. Get Nikon SB-24/26/28/80 or Vivitar 285's for about $80 apiece and save for PWs. If you can't afford PWs right away then get some big sync cables.
Dec 6 2008 7:22PM
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scott-skis
Posts: 1161 - Karma: 141
thanks man but i dont really understand some of that so links if u could
oh and i gave u 10/10
Dec 6 2008 7:25PM
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jwhyte
Posts: 596 - Karma: 21
the sb 900 is bigger than my D80
Dec 6 2008 7:43PM
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scott-skis
Posts: 1161 - Karma: 141
links anyone?
Dec 6 2008 9:34PM
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mnjib
Posts: 5592 - Karma: 362
average person doesnt want to spend 300 bones to fire a flash off camera.
Dec 7 2008 12:37AM
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scott-skis
Posts: 1161 - Karma: 141
so wat should i get then?
Dec 7 2008 7:27AM
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mnjib
Posts: 5592 - Karma: 362
http://www.alienbees.com/remotes.html

I have yet to read a bad review of these.
Dec 7 2008 1:21PM
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
Sync cables and Nikon SB-24, SB-26, SB-28 or SB-80.
Dec 7 2008 1:53PM
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Elife
Posts: 2829 - Karma: 44
yea, I have the 420ex, good flash, good value (not the cheapest thing but it brings the goods). As far as off camera work goes, I'd say just start with a shoe cord (it's a 3-5 ft cord that attaches the camera to the flash) then when you have the bones get a pocket wizard... it won't disappoint.
Dec 7 2008 3:38PM
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