10D built-in flash causes a shadow when I use my 16-35 lens

[ContessaPhoto]

When I use my built-in flash on my 10D a half circle shadow appears in the lower part of the picture. I believe I need to get a mountable flash so the light fires a little higher up from my lens? What kind is best for the 10D? A Speedlite? Thank you! :D

[Scottes]

It depends on what you want to do and how much you want to spend. A 420 EX will do wonders, and the considerably more expensive 550 EX will allow for a lot of manual control. But there are other options, like Sigma and Metz (though I'm not positive that the last two support E-TTL).

What would you like to do with flash, and how much are you willing to spend?

[CyberDyneSystems]

Yes,. this is a hazard of all built in flashes used with longer lenses. (or wider lens hoods)

As for external flashes.. the units to consider are Canon's 420EX and 550EX and the latest 580EX speedlites. These are probably your best bet.

Sigma also makes a pretty good alternative.

And then there are the Metz units.

[Jon]

Yes, you do. The Speedlite EX series would be what to go with. The 550EX would be the best choice, as it's being replaced by the 580EX, so may be available at a discount. If you can afford it, the 550 and 580 are certainly the most feature-rich both as stand-alone units and as the start of a multi-flash system. Next would be the 420 - you'll sacrifice some features and some range as compared to the 550/580, but save a fairly substantial amount.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Hah.. three three three posts in ONE! (all at 8:48 ) :lol: :lol:

[Scottes]

Hmmm... 3 posts within seconds. At least we all basically agreed.

[ContessaPhoto]

I get so many posts, so quickly and really good advice! I have a Metz handle mount flash which I use right now with my 35mm Canon 1N, and it renders beautiful light. I'd like something lighter, and if I could get a Metz or a Sigma flash for cheaper than the Canon Speedlites I will. I just saw the 550Ex on B&H for $299.00 and I can afford that.

[Perfect_10]

Grab the 550ex .. it'll do wonders. I suffered with the dark shadow with my 17-40L when using the built-in flash.

[Andy_T]

Did you try out your Metz flash on your 10D?
The Canon adapter should work, or not?

!!!!Of course, check the trigger voltage first!!!!

Best regards,
Andy

[CyberDyneSystems]

I think a new Metz is more expensive than a 420ex or even the 550ex...

But the Sigma is about the same price of a 420EX with the output of a 550ex.

Your looking for a Sigma 500 DG "Super" or some such thing... they are a bit confusing (the Sigma 500 mdels) as there are about three I think... and only one will give you ETTL on a Canon digital.

[ContessaPhoto]

For some reason my Metz did not work with my 10D. I do a lot of party shots, so the Canon Speedlite wouldn't be too heavy for me, and it would just make for an easier time shooting in crowded places. If my Metz did work, I would deal with it and use it anyway, because it is wonderful.

[yenoram]

Are you shooting with the lens hood on? My D60 pop-up flash also causes shadows with my 28-70 2.8L, however, it doesn't cause shadows when the hood is removed so removing the hood may help in a pinch

[Perfect_10]

Are you shooting with the lens hood on? My D60 pop-up flash also causes shadows with my 28-70 2.8L, however, it doesn't cause shadows when the hood is removed so removing the hood may help in a pinch

If you're asking me that question .. then the answer is no .. I get a shadow without the lenshood with my 17-40

[MarkH]

My built in flash + 28-135 + lenshood gives the shadow at wider angles, but is OK if I remove the lenshood. Obviously the 17-40 and 16-35 will have a problem even without a lenshood due to the wider angle.

My 550EX + 28-135 + Lenshood shows no problem at 28mm and the 550EX would undoubtably work well with the 16-35 or 17-40 at widest angle. There is a large difference in the height of the flash from the camera!

I got the 550EX over the 420EX for the manual controls and the first proper use I put it to required the manual controls. Get the 550EX, it isn't expensive (compared to nice lenses anyway).