Flash setup

[owen_clarke]

Hi people i have a 550ex speedlite along with my 300d and am

considering buying either another flash either a 420ex or 550ex to

use off camera as a flash to light up my backgrounds when i do

portraits. My question is would the 420 be adequate for this job as

it is a bit cheaper than the 550ex and it wont be mt main flash.

Opinions greatly appreciated thank.

[jon_austin]

It would work fine UNLESS its output isn't sufficiently powerful for your needs.

[michael_peters1]

I *hear* the Sigma is a wonderful slave to a 550 EX - and is extremely affordable. The Sigma I am referring to I think is the Sigma EF-500 ST-DG - but check, it might be the slightly more expensive version of that flash that works as a slave.

 

Note the *hear* - I do not have experience with it - just have heard some good things about the sigma unit. It was recommended to me more than once as an alternative to the 420ex as a flash for my system.

[owen_clarke]

One other question. In a wireless setup does either slave flash 420/550 have to be in a direct line of sight to the master flash for it 2 fire?

[eosdoc]

I *hear* that it does not, but then it might not work every shot

if there is not sufficient reflected light reaching the slave's

sensor.

<P>

I also hear that the 420EX would be inadequate for a background

light. That's because E-TTL is designed for reflective flash

metering. Background don't move, so are best lit with fixed

(manual) power lighting at a constant flash-to-background distance.

And the 420EX does not offer (easy) manual power control.

<P>

Perhaps it might be useful to consult a referee? Did you try

eosdoc?<BR>

 <a href=

http://eosdoc.com/manuals.asp?q=ETTLDx

>http://eosdoc.com/manuals.asp?q=ETTLDx</a><BR>

 <a href=

http://eosdoc.com/manuals.asp?q=ETTLRx

>http://eosdoc.com/manuals.asp?q=ETTLRx</a>

[catchlight]

Owen, since the technology is infrared, the two flashes should be in line-of-sight of each other, although indoors I sometimes get bounces that will trigger the slave.<p>

 

BTW, <a href="http://www.filmlessphotos.ca/">this tutorial on multiple-flash photography</a> by John Lehmann, a great PJ with the Toronto Globe and Mail, might be of interest to you.

[ben_rubinstein___mancheste]

NOT THE 'ST'! the super is the one you want.