Lighting using 550EX flashes?

[acrephoto]

I was wondering what the quality is like when using a few Canon 550Ex flashes (fill light, hair light, main light, etc.) with umbrellas for studio shots? Does anyone here have this setup? I'm trying to decide on what to buy and what ever advice can be offered would be great. The lighting would be used for in studio shots aswell as on location (weddings, etc.). I am currently shooting with a 300D and a 440EX flash.

[acrephoto]

sorry I meant I am currently using a 420ex flash.

[Morden]

I don't have much - just one 550, one 420 and an ST E2 transmitter - but with careful placement and a couple of brollies I get nice results on portraits.

[G3]

I use various combinations of 2 550EX and 3 420EX flashes. They will do pretty much anything you need to do in a studio setting.

[Vegas Poboy]

I have one 550 & 420 it does ok but looking at the long term $$ to be spent I'll just go for a set of Studio Strobes. Right know looking @ Alien Bees its close to the same cost as two 550's and the transmitter.

[acrephoto]

anyone have any sample portraits taken with this setup? please share.

[outoffocus]

G3,

What umbrella/stand/connector set up do you have?

thanks


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http://www.THEBIGPICTURE.ws/

[acrephoto]

any samples?

[acrephoto]

samples? anyone?

[slin100]

John Lehmann uses 550EXs. Check out his website (www.filmlessphotos.ca) for some samples.

[robertwgross]

samples? anyone?

Why are you so desperate for samples? Please explain.

I have hundreds of wedding shots with this equipment.

---Bob Gross---

[acrephoto]

I want to see samples because I am on the verge of buying a lighting setup and I want to see what can be produced with the 550ex's. If it can't meet the grade then I guess I will be going with studio strobes.

[Longwatcher]

I want to see samples because I am on the verge of buying a lighting setup and I want to see what can be produced with the 550ex's. If it can't meet the grade then I guess I will be going with studio strobes.

The 550EXs will produce good pictures after you have had some practice with them, however they are mostly useful if you are planning on traveling light or need a quicker setup. Otherwise the cost of studio strobes may cost you less in the long run as either you need to expend many batteries* or you need an expensive battery pack, which will run you with the 550EX more then an studio strobe.

My opinion is the 550EXs are for travelling light or when roving about (say at a wedding reception). Studio strobes are for fixed settings when you have the time to set them up. I have a pair of 550EXs and now a 4 light studio strobe setup (AB) and both serve their purpose. Both will provide good lighting after some practise, but serve different uses.

Just my opinion,


[*-rechargeables work, but you have to switch them out frequently (unless they have gotten way better recently)]
[I do not consider myself very good at lighting, so feel free to ignore my advice completely, but the principle should hold correct, which is why I have both 550EX and AB lights. I got the 550EX first though, because they were more flexable]

[slin100]

I want to see samples because I am on the verge of buying a lighting setup and I want to see what can be produced with the 550ex's. If it can't meet the grade then I guess I will be going with studio strobes.
I think the biggest problem you may run into with using the 550EX will be the working aperatures that you can achieve. Shooting with an umbrella will cost you 1 to 2 stops of light. That may force you to expose at f/2.8 or f/4, for example, versus f/5.6 or f/8 with a studio strobe. So, the reduced DOF will be something you want to consider.

Another thing to consider is that a 550EX is a pretty expensive flash. A similarly priced Alien Bees unit puts out far more light. Therefore, I wouldn't buy a 550EX just to use it as a studio flash. On the other hand, if you already have a 550EX or are planning to buy one for portable use, then it might make sense to double it as a studio flash.

[Jim Larson]

I want to see samples because I am on the verge of buying a lighting setup and I want to see what can be produced with the 550ex's. If it can't meet the grade then I guess I will be going with studio strobes.

I think you need to talk to your local camera shop. Canon stuff is nice, but it is meant to be used on a Hot Shoe and E-TTL. I have heard many people talk about the alien bees. Heck, I am not so sure you can't get away with 120 watt bulbs for studio work. . .. if you set them up right.