Canon Off-Shoe Cord

[keith_bogut]

<p>I'm a lighting newbie. I ordered a Vivitar FCCAN Flash Cord for Canon cameras, hoping to avoid the (outrageous) expense of the Canon brand. It didn't work. I'm returning it, and now have to decide what to do. <br>

Do I try the next knockoff brand or shell out the bucks for the Canon? It's basically a 2 foot extension cord so $75 bucks seems a tad steep. There must be one of the generic companies that produce good quality stuff, I just need to hear which one.<br>

The wisdom of your experience would be valued.</p>

 

[ellis_vener_photography]

Try http://www.ocfgear.com

 

( Please acknowledge that there is no small measure of irony in someone complaining about the high price of a Canon

branded cable when the cheap one they bought was DOA.)

[pbalko]

<p>OCF Gear is good. You might also try <a href="http://flashzebra.com/ttlcords/ettlcords/index.shtml">Flash Zebra</a>.</p>

[keith_bogut]

Oh, I can see the irony alright, but I'm not alone in thinking that OEM take advantage of their customers from time to time. The alternative

you provided me charges half what Canon does (and I thank you for your recommendation). I really don't mind paying for higher priced

gear, in fact, I think that overall, quality is cheap. But there are just some times when you feel like your being taken advantage of.

[craig_shearman1]

<p>I've used the Vivitar Nikon cable without any problem.<br /><br />What are you trying to do with your flash? If you are using it on TTL you need the TTL cable. If you are using it on manual or simple auto aperture, all you need is an ordinary cheap PC cord.</p>

[richsimmons]

<p>I'm using a Zeikos ZE-OCSCN with a Vivitar DF-583 flash with my Nikon d5100. Works just fine. Cable's like $12. Very thick sheathing and locks down really well. Supports TTL and PC.</p>

[keith_bogut]

<p>Craig,<br>

Like I said, I'm a newbie to flash lighting, and it's not that I have a plan as much as all the reading I've done suggests that getting the flash off the camera is advisable. I will be using TTL, but also want to get comfortable with manual control. I think my most likely use of my new 430ex II will be for portraits, using a stand, umbrella, and the wireless control of my 7D. That said, I think I'd use the cord to handhold the flash for fill, and may eventually buy a bracket. I also like to photograph flowers, and I can see using the off-shoe cord to hold the flash at a greater angle to my subject, maybe using gels, for more dramatic lighting options in the garden.</p>

[craig_shearman1]

<p>If you haven't already, read the Lighting 101 section at <a href="http://www.strobist.com">www.strobist.com</a>. It everything you'll ever need to know about using a shoemount flash off-camera.</p>

[keith_bogut]

Thanks Craig, I have been reading the strobit, in fact, that's where I got my list of equipment to buy. He makes it all sound so easy.

[ljwest]

<p>KEH has the <a href="http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Flash-Accessories/1/sku-CE239990955910?r=FE">Canon OCF-3 cord</a> in a couple different conditions for far less than list price.</p>