Silly Question* (*may contain Nikon!)

[Paul Tinworth]

Hi guys,

I'm very much a fan of natural light, but I'm beginning to think that I'll need a flashgun for next academic year, as I'm taking over as my university newspapers lead photographer. I'd ideally like a 430EX, but it's a little out of my price range (for the time being, anyway), and I don't think I'd be using it to its full capability. I'd rather have a smaller, weaker flash that'll just about do the job and use the remaining money to save for glass.

So, here's the silly question: do Nikon flashes work with EOS DSLRs at all? I've been looking at the SB-400, and it looks pretty lightweight, simple to use, and might be just powerful enough. I'm guessing the only time I'll need a flash is for fill-flash and indoor portraiture.

I've never used a flashgun before (don't hurt me! :o), so I don't understand guide numbers and all that malarkey. If you have any alternative ideas, please feel free to make a suggestion!

Thanks in advance. :)

[Raphael V]

Yes they work.

But you have to shoot with Manual mode, and the TTL will not work.

Alternatively, take a look at the Sigma Super 500 DG ST, it will work with your camera as a ETTL dedicated unit.

[Zilly]

i have a BNIB mets cl 45-1 for sale

that altho its full manual is dead easy to work with and I learnt with one

just a different option for you

[convergent]

You don't want to go with a Nikon flash... I am pretty sure it will only work on manual which would be a much more difficult way to get started. There are other Canon choices... some older models... and also look at brands like Sigma and Sunpack that have flash guns that will work with Canon as intended.

Here is a little guide I wrote up on the different Canon EOS flashguns.

http://www.northeastfoto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5697

[Richard_Miami]

Yes they work.

But you have to shoot with Manual mode, and the TTL will not work.

Alternatively, take a look at the Sigma Super 500 DG ST, it will work with your camera as a ETTL dedicated unit.


I agree, I am learning flash as well..and the Sigma Super 500 DG was my choice due to price and features. You can pick it up around $200 US... not sure in the UK.. and it has more features than I know how to use. Once I have it mastered, I may think of a Canon flash or something else, but for now it does everything I want it to and gives me room to grow.

[Curtis N]

Nikon flashes are not compatible with Canon's E-TTL system. You might make it work in manual mode, but if you want to go that route there are better options.

If you can't afford a 430EX, your most logical choices would be:
1) Sigma EF-500 DG ST - A powerful, versatile E-TTL flash. Limited manual control options and no off-camera capability (not even with a PC cord), but at least you'll have the versatility of E-TTL for indoors or outdoors, with an AF assist light. Possibly the best "bang for the buck" flash out there, around $150.

2) Sunpak 383 - An old-fashioned automatic flash with a bounce/swivel head, three auto settings and adjustable manual control. But you have to set your aperture and ISO to match the flash so it requires more thinking and fidgeting. With its sync socket it's great for off-camera use but has no AF assist light. More difficult to use for outdoor fill. Around $80.

3) Vivitar 285HV - similar to Sunpak 383 except the head zooms but does not swivel. Around $90.

Honestly, some people go overboard on flash units and buy the top-of-the-line model and never use most of its capability. But I don't think the 430EX is overkill. It's a good, basic unit that will serve you well for years. A good flash can help improve your shots more than any lens. Going cheap on flash so you can spend more on glass is not something I would recommend.

[Paul Tinworth]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! :D

I generally like Sigma products, but I've heard that both the 500 DG flashguns don't exactly have a solid build. I'm not too bothered about off-camera capabilities at present; I'd just like something a little more powerful than the on-board flash which is able to bounce and swivel. I'll keep an open mind, though.

I'd like something fairly idiot-proof, so out goes the Sunpak 383 an the Vivitar (I'd like to be able to bounce/swivel)!

Does anyone have any opinions on the Sunpak PF30X, by any chance?

[René Damkot]

AFAIK at least the older Nikon flashes (SB24), have an 'Auto' setting that can be used. As does the Metz 45CL1...

[Zilly]

never been a fan of sunpack flashes my self just never seam able to get on with them but thats just my humble thoughts

[Curtis N]

Does anyone have any opinions on the Sunpak PF30X, by any chance?Compared to the Sigma ST model, the Sunpak PF30X has:
Lower guide number (30m vs. 50m)
No zooming head
No swivel head
Slower recycle time
Takes 2 batteries instead of 4
$40 cheaper (US pricing)

I wouldn't let the "build quality" of any of these units be a factor. If you want Canon or Metz build quality, you have to pay Canon or Metz prices, and you've already established they're beyond your budget. Mechanically, they all work fine.

[Paul Tinworth]

You've got a sharp eye, Curtis; I didn't see any of that. :o

Looks like it's a decision between saving for the 430EX or a Sigma now.

Thanks for everyone's input! :D

[Lightstream]

I shoot events and you very much want E-TTL when you are doing so. There is a time to fiddle for max quality, events usually will not let you do that. There is a reason why PJs shoot run-and-gun style, relying on automation to help them get the shot. All the best composition, artistic framing and whatnot goes out the door when you miss that key moment that is gone in the blink of an eye before you can even reach for the shutter button.

I second Curtis' recommendation of a flash. I have shot many, many events and only recently just 'arrived'. I shot in some of the worst possible light one could ask for (1/5 sec ISO 1600 f/4) with a slow f/5.6 zoom (just to show myself it could be done). Proper use of the flash will allow you to blend ambient and flash light for incredible results at incredibly low shutter speeds in horribly dim light at some evening events.

Some of the photogs shooting alongside me are college/uni folks who are on entry level 350Ds with kit lenses, but their mastery of the equipment and their talent shows. Almost makes me feel bad to break out the 5D and 24-105. ;)

You can get stunning results with the 350D/18-55 together with a flash. Flash is a tremendously simple device to use (just point and shoot with ETTL) but tremendously difficult to master. Most people give up and go back to 'available light only'. I've made that excuse before - because I was too afraid of the flash! So I know what it's like to say it. But I also appreciate the challenge because it is like trying to control two separate exposure devices simultaneously, one of whose effects you CANNOT see through the viewfinder and must visualize in your mind.

That having been said, I suggest the 430EX. Many go straight to the 580EX but I have never felt the need even in the worst of conditions. Don't be overwhelmed - feel free to shoot in full auto, but do take the time to learn and master it. Many of the flash secrets are the ones that are not immediately obvious.

Also, search POTN for the Emergency Bounce Card (EBC). Far from 'emergency', I routinely used the EBC because I didn't need to rubber band anything to my flash. It's cheap, cheerful, and easily obtained.. it should be a staple in any 430EX user's arsenal. My bag has half a dozen in case I need to use or share them with fellow photogs. I recently switched to the Joe Demb Flipit and I love it, but the EBC is still a staple in the bag just in case I forget the flipit. Of all the diffusers I have ever used, I prefer the old school bounce card in all of its various incarnations (index card, folded paper, rubber banded to the flash, EBC or Flipit - in order of technological sophistication :D)