Light Ratio

[Kamra 1]

Since I'm relatively new to digital and switching over from medium format film cams I need some assistance in understanding light ratios in ETTL mode. What I use to do was double light in manual and knew just where my lights should be placed. My key light was set at 100 watts bouncing off an umbrella and my fill light was over the camera set at half the power. This gave me a 1 to 1.3 key light so, if my camera and fill light were set at f8 and my key light gave me approximately f11, what ratio is that considered? I would really like to understand ratios so I can use my 580ex and 430ex's to their full capacity in ETTL. I appreciate all feedback. Thank you: Tony

[tim]

Hi Tony, welcome to the wedding forum :)

You of course could keep using your old lights, just be careful if their trigger voltage is over 6V it might damage the camera. I think it's 6V, I forget. A safe sync will prevent problems.

Using the Canon flash system from memory you need a 1:3 ratio. Luckily with digital camera you can set up your equipment at home and try it out for yourself, it costs nothing but time. Have fun with the testing :)

[Kamra 1]

Hi Tim: I posted this on small flash and studio lighting section and got the same answer from others. You all agree that 1:3 ratio is what I'm looking to set my 580 master for. If I understand correcrly the 480 slave will set itself. This is the refference point I was looking for. Thank you very much and thanks for the welcome note as well: Tony Tony

[Kamra 1]

Excuse the name mistake. That's only one Tony.

[howzitboy]

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

heres webpage to check voltage on your flashes. pretty useful to seeing if your flash is going to cook your new camera.

[Kamra 1]

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

heres webpage to check voltage on your flashes. pretty useful to seeing if your flash is going to cook your new camera.Thanks for the link. It looks interesting. Will look deeper as time allows: