Questions on 2.8 lenses and flash

[eyeforfish]

Looking to buy a 2.8 lens in the future, but had questions regarding faster lenses and flash.

1) I understand faster, wide angle lenses can produce lens flare easier. Do they behave differently with flash than say an f4? Or is e-ttl the great equalizer for all types of lenses?

Guess I am wondering if you tend to get any hot points in your photos with a "slower" lens, will you get more with a faster lens or does it not make any difference since the metering takes care of it?

2) What about lens flare on a wide angle 2.8 using flash in a backlit outdoor situation? More of a problem?

Thanks from a newbie!

[gasrocks]

I'd say most flash pix I take are at f/8 or f/11 so the performance at f/2.8 isn't really an issue. Of course, use a hood to help control any flare.

[foty89]

Well, if your choice is between the flash and the lens, go for the lens. That being said, if you then use the lens with the built in flash, you will still end up with the same short comings of the built in flash in terms of less than perfect performance with it and any lens. No matter what lens you have, there will come a time when you will need to use a flash. So besides buying the best glass you can afford that fits your needs, you should also buy a decent flashgun to go along with it for those times when you need it. Now, that being said, if your choice is between glass and a flash, get the glass. The on board flash can be useful, if limited.

[foty89]

If you question is whether the flash will cover the entire area of the lens with an ultra wide angle lens, such as the Canon 10-22, or the Sigma 10-20, you will need to use a flash diffuser to cover the whole shot, some flashes have a flip down diffuser, or you can buy an attachment to do that, such as a Sto-Fen that will both soften the flash light and widen the coverage.

[krazziecliff]

The built in flash definitely comes handy in situations where u just forgot to take ur flashgun. Faster lenses definitely help..so if u have to choose between a flashgun and faster lens...get the lens first..the flash can wait