430EX - max shutter speed??

[Geoff_UK]

Hi,

I'm considering a 430ex and I'm wondering what the max shutter speed is that I'll be able to use with a 350??

Does the max speed remain at 200/sec as is is with the onboard flash, or could I go higher??

I want to use it to shoot indoor swimming and I need a shutter speed around 400/sec to freeze the action.

Is this possible ??

Cheers

Geoff

[René Damkot]

IIRC you can use High Speed sync with a 430EX.
However, HSS flash won't freeze action like a 'normal' flash does (allthough the 1/400s shuttertime will go a long way), and flash range is less then with normal flash.
If you use the 430 as main light it will freeze the action, but you'll get ugly lighting. Why not use availiable light and high ISO? (then the flash can be used as fill on HSS)

[Geoff_UK]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply - I usually do manage to use available light and 800iso and get good pictures, however - I was at a pool today and the available light was truly awful, there's no way I would have got any shots.

I'm thinking of the 430ex anyway and I was curious to know if it would help when all else fails regarding available light.

Cheers

Geoff

[Curtis N]

I believe that all of the EX series Speedlites are capable of high speed sync with type A cameras (the 350D is type A).

[BradT0517]

Ok I read this and I possibly would like one for night High School Football but no one has posted any deffinate answers.

[Curtis N]

Brad,
You could try maybe 1/400 with high speed sync. The problem is that your kit lens' max. aperture of 5.6 will really limit the range. Use the distance scale on the back of the flash unit as a guide, setting your ISO as high as necessary. You may need to just try to shoot the action on your side of the field and not bother when it's too far away.

Night sports with a f/5.6 lens is pretty tough, no matter how you slice it.

[BradT0517]

Brad,
You could try maybe 1/400 with high speed sync. The problem is that your kit lens' max. aperture of 5.6 will really limit the range. Use the distance scale on the back of the flash unit as a guide, setting your ISO as high as necessary. You may need to just try to shoot the action on your side of the field and not bother when it's too far away.

Night sports with a f/5.6 lens is pretty tough, no matter how you slice it.

No I dont have the flash yet i plan on getting lenses first then a flash

[Geoff_UK]

I see plenty of swimming shots on hese forums and most of you guys have the luxury of shooting outdoors in perfect weather !!

The pool I was as yesterday had a dark blue roof and yellow sodium style lights and the weather was dark due to heavy rain. !!

I usually use my 70/200 f4 for swimming shots (budget wouldn't stretch to f2.8) and when the lights good I get a good amount of keepers.

I guess I'm just seeking some guidance on the possibility of using 400/sec @ f4 with the 430 adding some extra illumination to the scenen to rescue the shot ??

Once again, I appreciate the time taken to reade and reply to my question.

Geoff

[chris clements]

The 430 (or the 580 for that matter) will NO WAY cover a swimming pool or football field in high speed mode - you'll have to live with using your camera at highest ISO and widest aperture without a flash.
High speed synch will give you decent daylight fill for a small/close portrait group, but that's about its limit.

[Geoff_UK]

Thanks for the replies - I think I will get the 430ex anyway, but I unserstand that it will probably stay at home when I go to a swimming gala !!

Cheers

Geoff