What's a good flash setup?

[surfmonkey89]

I'm finally making the committment to learn how to use flash properly, and I'd like to know how to modify my setup in order for it to work best.

Right now I have a 550EX, which I bought when I bought my 10D, and a Vivitar 283, which my teacher made me buy because he wouldn't let me use a "dedicated" flash (grrr).

I'd really like to get the hang of the 550EX - is that the right way to go? Also, should I get the ST-E2 instead of getting a sync cord? I have a sync cord for the Vivitar, so I'm all set there, but the cords I've seen for Canon flashes are like two feet long, which isn't long enough imo.

Finally, I don't currently own an omni bounce - are those the best choice, or should I get one of those mini-lightboxes to put on the flash?

I realize this is pretty vague; just give me your best guess. I'll take all comers :)

Thanks in advance,
Paul

[scottbergerphoto]

Currently I am using 3 550EX's in a wireless ETTL setup using ratios (A:B):C.

The main flash(B) is off the camera on a lightstand, the fill flash(A) is on the hot shoe and the third flash(C) is my background light. I usually set it up as (1:3): 1 or 2 depending on how bright I want the background.

I am not a big fan of the Stoffen Omnibounce. It doesn't make the light source any larger it just weakens it. I use an umbrella for the main light.
Here are some examples of some pictures done like this:
http://www.pbase.com/scottbergerphoto/ayana_bailey

I went with an extra 550EX instead of the STE2. I can use the 550EX as a flash/master/slave, the STE2 can only be used as a transmitter.
Happy Holidays,
Scott:)

[surfmonkey89]

So if you have a flash on the hotshoe, what's your wireless story? It looks like the ST-E2 doesn't let you mount a flash on top of it, so what are you using?

Also, if I go to a multi-flash setup, should my next flash be the 580EX or would they not work well with the 550s for some reason?

thanks for the reply

paul

[CyberDyneSystems]

A 550EX will function as a wireless master with other 550EXs, or 420EX and 580EX flash units. (the 580EX can be used as a master as well, the 420 can only be used as slave)

I'm with Scott on this.. the cost of the ST-E2 is high.. and I feel the cash is better spent on a flash unit that will do the same thing as the ST-E2, and at the smae time function as a flash.

I'm not nearly as knowledgable on this as Scott,. but i have been "messing about" with a used 550EX and 420EX..

I use the 550EX on camera as the master wireless and as fill flash,.. while I use the 420ex for side or bounce lighting. I am THRILLED withthe results I am getting.. just from "toying" with these options. This set up is so simple to use.. it's like REAL plug and play.. it just works!

At some point i will get either another 550EX or a 580EX for a three light set-up.. but first I will want a lightweight portable stand and umbrella for the off camera flash.

[KennyG]

Flash photography was always one of the pro's black arts, not to be understood by mere mortals. Useless manuals and instruction books by flash manufacturers hasn't helped shed a lot of light on the subject either (hey, that's a pun). For most people it is a matter of trial and terror with no single right answer to the question.

I have always used a 550EX and a pair of 420EX's with good results. For the hell of it I bought the new version of the Sigma 500 DG Super the other day. It is almost a third of the cost of a 580EX here in the UK. It fully works with ETTL-II and as a master or slave in a Canon set up. I have decided to get another one and replace both of my 420EX's with the Sigmas. Oh dear me, never thought I'd hear myself say that. My tests so far are very positive, the extra output over my 420EX's and the consistency of the results score highly, as does the cost. The only downside is the lack of support for external power sources, but that isn't something I particularly need for the slaves. Worth considering if you are watching the costs.

[crazyfoo88]

I am in the same situation right now (trying to decide between the STE2 or the 420EX) as I already have the 580ex. Usually I only need one flash, but I need to use slave flash for most of my shots. IF there is a way to turn off the 580ex flash when I dont need to use it, but have the slave go off, is there a way?

Thanks!

Andrew C :D

[surfmonkey89]

Thanks for the detailed replies. I missed Scott's comment about using the 550 instead of the ST-E2 - that makes perfect sense!

I'll get a 420EX instead of the ST-E2 and start playing.

thanks again,
paul

[scottbergerphoto]

I am in the same situation right now (trying to decide between the STE2 or the 420EX) as I already have the 580ex. Usually I only need one flash, but I need to use slave flash for most of my shots. IF there is a way to turn off the 580ex flash when I dont need to use it, but have the slave go off, is there a way?

Thanks!

Andrew C :DYes. You can turn off the master flash via the control buttons and keep on the pulses to fire the slave. On a 550EX:
1. Press the SEL/SET button until the flash icon and the word ON start flashing.
2. Press the - button once and the flashing word changes to OFF.
3. Then press the SEL/SET button.
Regards,
Scott

[robertwgross]

Yes. You can turn off the master flash via the control buttons and keep on the pulses to fire the slave. On a 550EX:
1. Press the SEL button until the flash icon and the word ON start flashing.
2. Press the - button once and the flashing word changes to OFF.
3. Then press the Select button.
Regards,
Scott

On mine, the SEL button and the Select button are the same, marked SEL/SET.

---Bob Gross---

[scottbergerphoto]

As usual you are correct Bob. It is the SEL/SET button. I changed my post to avoid confusion.
Happy Holidays:)
Scott

[robertwgross]

Scott, the old pros can read your words and know what you are saying, even with a little ambiguity thrown in. The newbies, however, can get thrown off by one little word in a procedure. Keep up the good work.

---Bob Gross---

[crazyfoo88]

Yes. You can turn off the master flash via the control buttons and keep on the pulses to fire the slave. On a 550EX:
1. Press the SEL/SET button until the flash icon and the word ON start flashing.
2. Press the - button once and the flashing word changes to OFF.
3. Then press the SEL/SET button.
Regards,
Scott
that you very much, that just made my decision right there :D