Canon Speedlite 420EX

[zakmckracken]

Hi

Someone offered me a flash Canon Speedlite 420EX for $200 CAD.
I am kinda new to flash photography, I always used the built-in flash
of the camera, and to be honest indoor pictures are not my favourite.

The offer "expires" soon, and I am not sure if I need this. Can you guys
please tell me if this is useful in other situations than indoor ? What other
features does it have compared to other generic flashes ?

I would take the time to do a proper research on the net, but I dont have
enough time, plus I'd rather get the info from "real" users.

Thank you for your time 8)


BTW I have a Canon Powershot G5.

[Biko]

I like it and use it a lot especially bounce fill in flash using white cards.
Pic below was using method - his helmet would have darkened his eyes without the flash.

http://www.boomspeed.com/biko/Biko_1940_04_029.jpg

It gives you a whole lot more options to try out, and experiment with. I recommend it if you can afford it. It can be hard to control at times as it is not on an SLR and has some issues around that.

[s00pcan]

You bounced it outside using a white card?

[darrylr]

$200 CAD is a very good price. They are over $300 + taxes at the camera shops new.

I think it would be a very good investment. I use mine a lot.

-Darryl

[Sgouz]

I bought one 2 weeks ago for $280CAD from B&H including shipping. It's a great flash. For $200 you can't go wrong.

[stoneylonesome]

not sure where you're located but at B&H photo they have the 420 listed at
420EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 138'/42 m at 105mm)

Price : $ 179.95
Mfr. Mail-In Rebate: $ 15.00
Price After Rebate: $ 164.95

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=22&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O= SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=canon+420EX++flash&imag e.x=12&image.y=9

[darrylr]

I don't believe the rebate applies to people in Canada. I bought mine from B&H as well about a year ago for the same price ($180 US or around $280 Cdn including everything).

-Darryl

[uberG]

Yeah, it's a great flash. I got one about a month ago and have gotten a ton of use from it already. It's a hi quality piece and I have done some great shots (indoors) that really have taken me by surprise.

Cost was as stated above (from B&H) and I just got my $15 rebate from Canon a day ago. Rebate does not apply to those in the GWN.

[John_T]

Ditto all of the above, plus it is something you will keep for a long time and carry forward to your next camera. I always have one in my camera bag. You never know when it will come in handy in lowlight, backlight, fill or macro situations indoors and outdoors.

Sooner or later you will end up buying one anyhow, so why not this one?

[Sgouz]

not sure where you're located but at B&H photo they have the 420 listed at
420EX Speedlite TTL Shoe-Mount Flash (Guide No. 138'/42 m at 105mm)

Price : $ 179.95
Mfr. Mail-In Rebate: $ 15.00
Price After Rebate: $ 164.95

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=22&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O= SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=canon+420EX++flash&imag e.x=12&image.y=9

I paid $179.95 USD. It came to $280CAD. The rebate is not valid in Canada unfortunately. I think it was well worth what I paid even without the rebate.

/Steve

[Biko]

You bounced it outside using a white card?

Yeh I have a piece of velcro stuck to the top of flash and I make plastic bounce cards out of white sheets of plastic from modellers shops.

[Tim A]

I paid $380 CDN for mine. Well worth the money, especially so for only $200. I had a bead on a $200 one from Toronto but it fell through when the flash wouldn't work for the seller. Snap it up man!

[rsnadel]

Quick follow-up to original question:

I, too, own a 420EX. I'm wondering how many of you do use some kind of diffuser vs. keeping the front of the speedlite uncovered. My pictures tend to be harsh when the flash is pointing directly on the subject, and when I try to bounce, it tends to create a shot that does not have even lighting. I realize some of the problem is human (i.e. "me")...but is there a concensus about how to maximize the benefits of this flash?

[John_T]

Personally, I almost always have a Stofen OmniBounce on mine for the very reason of harshness, particularly when aimed directly toward the subject. Some people have made a diffuser out of everything from a Kleenex draped over the top to white plastic picnic plates clammed together with a rubber band. Just make sure you don't use anything that will affect the WB too much.

In any case, if you use the flash naked, better direct it to bouce off the ceiling or some other light colored surface than directed toward your subject, unless it is more distant where you don't have much choice.