Flash Photography: Where do I start?!

Stuff

Stuff

Stuff

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Sup guys,

Never used anything apart from the onboard camera, but would love to venture into using a dedicated flash and wireless triggers for portraits!

I think it's fair to say: Where the flip do I start?!

I've been looking at these triggers to start with; cheap and cheerful, but will they be alright for starting out?

Also, regarding the actual flash... I really have no idea what the difference between all the of the Canon EX range is, and whether I actually should get a Canon flash or go for a cheaper one?

Any information/link/tutorials welcomed!

Thanks :D
 
like anything, set a budget and get the best you can afford

for triggers i would suggest the RF-602 YONGNUO..

i wouldnt bother with a book.. just get the flash, read up on some forums and tutorials, especially POTN , they have a massive thread all about flash

and practice, practice and , er, practice some more
 
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Have a look at the Yongnuo RF 602 triggers, I got a transmitter and 3 receivers for less than the price of the one you quoted. This website I've also found quite useful: http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/

As for a flash, I went with a 430 EX II and this has been fine for my needs so far. Just using this on camera and bouncing the flash makes a massive difference. I picked up some older 430 EX flashes cheap, and also some stands and umbrellas which I've yet to really use!

Edit: obviously replying to this on a mobile phone whilst having a drink is too slow! :D
 
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Paul11 said:
i wouldnt bother with a book..
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The trouble is it's nice to have all the reference material to hand rather than searching multiple sources. That book I reference goes through all the equipment and is bang upto date for 2010. It goes through the pro's and cons of all the equipment for canons.

I recommended it so many times on TP that some of the more experienced flash users on the forum bought it to see what all the fuss was about and now highly recommend it themselves :)
 
well i stand to be corrected, and i guess if i bought the book i would probally like it too

i was just saying that there is so much material out there on the interweb that you dont need to go buying a book that 5 mins searching couldnt find you the same information

having said that, some people like books instead of reading of the computer and if so, then go for it
 
Paul11 said:
well i stand to be corrected, and i guess if i bought the book i would probally like it too....
Click to expand...

:)

I understand your point as well, I'm one of those that prefers a book to reading webpages. Next time your in a bookstore in town have a quick look for it. I'd be interested to hear if you liked the look of it :)
 
I have the RF602 kit and it's absolutely amazing and still on the batteries that came with it from a year or so ago. The range is outstanding.

I very much recommend them and the wireless aspect works fine cross brand too as I used the Nikon SB800 along with the Canon 430EX and used the D300 to trigger them.

Purchase > Practice > P.....Smile :)
 
Derek W said:
can you elaborate a bit. guess its me showing my lack of flash knowledge here :confused:
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I don't know the models, but basically you don't need a flash with ETTL etc when used remotely on a RF602 trigger. You can save money by just getting a manually controlled flash. I.e. you set power/zoom etc manually.
 
bang on.

The 465 is an ettl and manual flash, so if you want you can stick it in the hotshoe and its auto. The 460II is pure manual, but nearly twice as power - and cheaper! Another benefit of the 460II is that can also be trigger optically inside and in the dark... no good in sunlight.

I would also get two triggers and three recievers, its nice to have RF triggering as well as the flashed.
 
Adam W said:
bang on.

The 465 is an ettl and manual flash, so if you want you can stick it in the hotshoe and its auto. The 460II is pure manual, but nearly twice as power - and cheaper! Another benefit of the 460II is that can also be trigger optically inside and in the dark... no good in sunlight.

I would also get two triggers and three recievers, its nice to have RF triggering as well as the flashed.
Click to expand...

i was planning in getting the single trigger and double receiver pack to go along with the flashes so i had the option of firing two off the camera. is that not possible with the flashes i want then?
 
yep, put the trigger in the hotshoe and a reciever on each. What you cant do with that is have one on camera and one off, you need two channels for that. Its a fine start having 1 tx and 2 rx, but i have since regretted not buying another rx and tx.

Its much fun!
 
ok so theoretical question now.

If i get my canon 5d2 and put the trigger on the hotshoe I can attach a receiver to each of the 465s so that when i shoot, both are triggered and the subject matter will be lit?
 
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