Thinking on going off camera

[telles75]

I have been reading a lot about the benefits of shooting off camera, but the following question have been spining in my head lately:

Will I really get better results by using my only flash off-camera instead of just bouncing it from walls or ceiling?

The theory of using off-flash seems convincing but most of the set-ups involve using more than 1 flash. So using a single flash is there really a big improvement on going off camera? I really doubt it but hey I am a newbie :(

So I came to my own conclusions that if I want to explore the off camera I am better off starting with at least 2 flashes. I currently have a 430EX, so i am exploring the following 3 options:

1) Buying a 580EX II and use it on-camera as master and then use my 430EX on a stand or tripod and use it as a slave. (Cost: $385 for the 580EX)

2) Buying a 430 EX and an EBay Trigger with 2 receivers then I have the flexibility of using both flashes off camera instead of having 1 mounted on. (Cost $265 + $65 = $330)

3) Buying 2 Sunpak 383 and an EBay Trigger with 3 receivers then have a 3 flash setup all off camera. (Cost $190 + $85 = $275)

Right now my preferences are in the same order I listed them, even if it goes from more expensive to least expensive, just bacause the 580EX might be usefulk as my main flash when I can only use 1 on flash camera (because having 2 430EX would not be that exciting either).

Which one would you guys recommend assuming the $$ are not an issue and why?

Thanks for your feedback.

[jm_usmc]

Have you checked out the strobist site?http://www.strobist.com

[telles75]

Yes I did check that website. As a matter of fact it was that website the one that got me interested in the idea of multi-flash setting and off camera flash use. Still any suggestions for my options?

[Curtis N]

Sunpak 383 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/52799-REG/Sunpak_0383_383_Super_Auto_Flash.html) $80
15 foot PC cord (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/52945-REG/Sunpak_1794_PC_Male_to_PC.html) $10
Optical slave (http://flashzebra.com/opticalslaves/0050.shtml) $10

The creative possibilities with manual flash - Priceless.

[namasste]

Sunpak 383 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/52799-REG/Sunpak_0383_383_Super_Auto_Flash.html) $80
15 foot PC cord (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/52945-REG/Sunpak_1794_PC_Male_to_PC.html) $10
Optical slave (http://flashzebra.com/opticalslaves/0050.shtml) $10

The creative possibilities with manual flash - Priceless.

I'm with Curtis here. Get the Sunpak or even the Vivitar 285HV that I use. If you are willing to do a fairly easy mod to the ebay triggers, you should get decent results from them in a controlled setting like a studio. Another option would be to go to the Sigma 500 or 530 Super and fire them optically using your 430 on camera. Cost would be roughly $190-220 for the flash gun.

[telles75]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions guys. I ended up buying a 580EX II from a friend last nite since I could not refuse the price ($300) . I hope I can get some experience with this Master-Slave combination (580/430) and then I will see how that works out.

[Time Thief]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions guys. I ended up buying a 580EX II from a friend last nite since I could not refuse the price ($300) . I hope I can get some experience with this Master-Slave combination (580/430) and then I will see how that works out.
Go to the last sticky on the small flash main page. and go down to the ETTL wireless flash tutorial by PacAce. There are three lessons, quick reads and worth every second of your time. Wonderful reading that will help you greatly in your quest for off camera lighting success.

[e r y k]

telles75 - i first started with the 430 and an offshoe cord, then i added a 580ex to the game.

just the combo with the cord + 430 off camera brings endless possiblities.

however i just bought a vivitar 285 and the cactus system to use all 3 flashes off camera , mostly to photograph cars in my situation.
if im on the go and i need to shoot a model with just strobes, the 580ex / 430ex and offshoe cord is more than enough, plus i get ETTL with this setup.

[telles75]

Go to the last sticky on the small flash main page. and go down to the ETTL wireless flash tutorial by PacAce. There are three lessons, quick reads and worth every second of your time. Wonderful reading that will help you greatly in your quest for off camera lighting success.

Thanks a lot for the info TimeThief! I will certainly check this tutorial.



telles75 - i first started with the 430 and an offshoe cord, then i added a 580ex to the game.

just the combo with the cord + 430 off camera brings endless possiblities.

however i just bought a vivitar 285 and the cactus system to use all 3 flashes off camera , mostly to photograph cars in my situation.
if im on the go and i need to shoot a model with just strobes, the 580ex / 430ex and offshoe cord is more than enough, plus i get ETTL with this setup.

So I guess you use the dedicated ETTL offshoe cord to connnect the 580EX to the camera and then use the 580EX as master to control the 430EX via infrared? In this set-up I imagine you keep the ETTL on both flashes, correct?

[e r y k]

So I guess you use the dedicated ETTL offshoe cord to connnect the 580EX to the camera and then use the 580EX as master to control the 430EX via infrared? In this set-up I imagine you keep the ETTL on both flashes, correct?

yes :) you got that right. both flashes retain ettl, which is pretty useful if you dont wanna waste time adjusting flashes manually (im not that great at it yet)

not to mention, with the ebay triggers you are limited to shutter speeds to 1/125 - 1/200 depending on how your triggers are.

with just the canon 580ex slaving the 430ex u get ettl and High speed sync :)