gerry_szarek Posted November 12, 2003 Share Posted November 12, 2003 I need a flash, the pop up one just doesn't cut it. Ideally it needs to run on my 10D and maybe a canon Rebel, if it doesn't run on the Rebel oh well. What I want/need, fill in flash in bright sun that can be controlled from FULL Power to 1/16 or so, high speed sync ability, and the ability to easily adjust all this stuff without having to go to the camera menu's if I can? The flash needs to be 100% compatable with the 10D. Needs to cover my 17-40 zoom at the 17 end (on the 10d) without getting cut off by the lens! I did do a web search, and found basiclly nothing. I have found individual reviews on the seperate flashes, but not against each other. Thanks,Gerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kit_chong Posted November 12, 2003 Share Posted November 12, 2003 Your best option will be the 550EX. It's 100% compatible and has a 17mm wideangle adapter. You also have full manual control on it and I don't think the 420EX does. I use a Stofen on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yakim_peled1 Posted November 12, 2003 Share Posted November 12, 2003 <P> <i> that can be controlled from FULL Power to 1/16 or so</i> </P> <P> You are talking about manual control and the 420EX doesn't have it. So, it's 550EX vs. the <a href="http://photonotes.org/reviews/sigma-ef-500-super/">Sigma 500 super</a>. The 550</P> <P> <i> The flash needs to be 100% compatable with the 10D</i> </P> <P> The Sigma will fire AF assist only for the central AF point so it goes away too. You are left with the 550EX which is, by the way, the best flash to the EOS system. </P> <P> Happy shooting , <br> Yakim. </P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maureen_m Posted November 12, 2003 Share Posted November 12, 2003 <i>Needs to cover my 17-40 zoom at the 17 end (on the 10d) without getting cut off by the lens</i><p>Shouldn't be an issue as any of the above mentioned suitable hotshoe flashes will be high enough not to cast a lens shadow into the frame; and for actual flash coverage, even my 420EX (as Yakim pointed out, this has no manual flash) <i>without a wide angle adapter</i> covers the frame of my 10D with a 17-40 at 17. Don't forget you'll only see about 27mm worth of coverage with a 17mm on the 10D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brett_bainbridge Posted November 12, 2003 Share Posted November 12, 2003 Maureen is correct, though I would caution you that should you ever upgrade to a film camera, a 1Ds, or any digital with a <1.6x crop factor (such as the often-rumored EOS 3D with a 1.3X factor), you'll no longer be able to count upon the 420EX granting you adequate wide-angle coverage for your 17-40L. Tread carefully! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitmstr Posted November 12, 2003 Share Posted November 12, 2003 Get the 550EX, it is worth every penny and then some. It is made to work with EOS cameras and you will not outgrow it easily. It will work as a MASTER in a multi-flash system and it is incredibly flexible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whayne_padden Posted November 12, 2003 Share Posted November 12, 2003 The 550 EX is only about $280, and that's pretty good for a fully featured , powerful flash that includes LCD screen. Nothing else comes close. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike laporte Posted November 13, 2003 Share Posted November 13, 2003 Yup I have both the 550EX and the 420EX and love them both, but the 550 is definately the way to go!!! It does everything you want and more!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerry_szarek Posted November 13, 2003 Author Share Posted November 13, 2003 Thanks for the info, the 550EX looks like the winner. Gerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografz Posted November 15, 2003 Share Posted November 15, 2003 Not so fast Gerry. Go to the camera store and put both flashes on the 10D and see what you think then. The 550 is larger than the 420 and tends to unbalance the 10D pretty badly. It will positively dwarf the digital Rebel (like a Metz 54Mz on a Leica M, which is a ridiculous combo IMO). Take care not to defeat one of the main features of the 10D...size and balance. For the use you described, the 420 is more than adequate. and still can be used as a slave should you get a bigger Canon later along with a 550EX for it. Control of the 420 flash output on the 10D is a no-brainer. It's done with the far right, top button while you rotate the main back wheel. You do not have to resort to the menu. It's just as fast (maybe faster) than adjusting the 550EX from the flash itself. The 10D flash control affords a 2 stop adjustment either way, which when in conjunction with the cameras automatic fill flash function, is more than enough to do the job. As far as coverage, you should get a Stofen diffuser anyway to cut the harsh highlights you've complained about in the past. With it in place most angles will be covered (I've covered a 14mm on a D-30 using a Stofen with just a bit of vignetting). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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