Speedlite flashes

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi guys.

Please tell me all I need to know about speedlite flashes..

- They hook up to the hotshoe on top of the camera?
- Do they need batteries or other source of power?
- What do the different models mean (eg; 430EX, 580EX, 220EX)? There's a large difference in prices.. I assume it's the power of the flash output?
- What's a diffuser do and do I need one?
- Are there any brands I should look out for?
- Are there any places I can pick them up cheap, or should I look on ebay?

Thanks for your advice.

[RB (Andrew)]

I'm looking into the same thing too Mike.
I've got my eye on the 580EX.

The flash units fit on the hot shoe.
They need their own batteries.

I would recommend a diffuser, it softens and spreads the light giving a more natural feel. Don't need one straight away but it is good to have one eventually. Also you can make your own until you get the realy one.

The diffuser I like is the "Sto-Fen Omnibounce" available here in Australia from Film & Video Extras Pty Ltd 02-9618-3104. sales@fvextras.com
Not sure of the cost.

I'm told the 580EX is a good unit and has an LCD screen on the back giving you important info on the settings it's using. It might be overkill for our applications but it's in the higher end of flash units.

I asked about the 580EX yesterday at G&V imaging and Ned told me to go and see him personally.

I don't know about any other models Mike, maybe someone else can give a better suggestion.

[Octane (Humayun)]

Mike,

I've got a 420EX, and it is great.

I've got my eye, like, Andrew, on the 580EX, though.

Yep, they need their own batteries, in the form of AA cells, but they last quite a while. I've had mine in my 420EX since December, and they're going strong.

Regards,
H

[iceman (Mike)]

Thanks guys.

The 580EX is like $600! That's the price of a Tokina 12-24 or half the price of a Canon 17-40L.

I can't justify that much on a flash, especially when I mainly do landscapes where flash isn't required. I'm not doing much portrait work at this stage..

So i'm after something in the lower end that will do the job.

[iceman (Mike)]

H, why don't you go buy the 580 and i'll buy your 420 at mate's rates

[Striker (Tony)]

How about the 430 Mike.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/CANON-Speedli...QQcmdZViewItem

[iceman (Mike)]

Looks good, except for the $60+$20 postage!

I didn't realise speedlite's were so much.. I think my money is better spend on a good quality tripod or a new sharper lens for landscapes.. as my portrait work is limited atm.

You got a tripod to sell Tony? I can't believe you sold that 17-40L on me

[Striker (Tony)]

I only have a cheap Optex tripod mike...sorry mate....go for a better quality tripod then the one I have that never get's used.

[iceman (Mike)]

I've got an Optex as well