Flash Recommendation

[acrephoto]

I am going to be shooting a bodybuilding/Fitness show next month and I'm looking for suggestions for a good flash for my 20D. I currently have a 420EX but I don't like the fact that I cannot adjust any power settings and I don't think it will be powerful enough for the show. I'm looking for input from people who shoot these types of shows to see what they use. Thanks guys.

[acrephoto]

Anybody?

[czeglin]

I don't shoot those types of shows, but you can't go wrong with a 580EX II :D
How far away will you be? What lens are you planning to use? Inside or outside? If inside, how is the lighting? I'm assuming impossibly high ceilings? Are you going for fill light or main light?

[MT Stringer]

Here's a thought...what type of lighting will they have? I think the stage will be lit and spotlights used to highlight whoever the subject might be.

Depending on where you will be positioned, you may not need flash at all.
Check out the beauty pageant (http://mtstringer.smugmug.com/Events/Miss-Highlands-Beauty-Pagent/9858677_7JnUG#670632131_ZCqJm) my granddaughter ( #8 ) was in. I shot it from my seat in the tenth row of a junior high auditorium with a 1D and 135L f/2.0. Plenty of light on the stage.

Hope this helps.
Mike

[10megapixel]

If cash is not a problem = 580EX
Budget = 550EX

[acrephoto]

The show will be indoors. The auditorium will be quite dark with spotlights illuminating the competitors on stage. I shot the show last year and just used available light and the results were good. But there was another photographer there that shot with flash and his shots had that something special that set them apart from mine. I'll be sitting pretty much anywhere I want (more than likely front row) and I'll be shooting my 20D with Sigma 24-70 f2.8 and I'll have my 420EX on me.

[Johnny V]

I've shot a number of BB contests. I'd recommend don't use flash as most of the time the stage lighting is set to accentuate the physique. Once flash is added on camera axis it will fill in the shadows of the muscles. Best bet is to use a mono pod and up the ISO.

[acrephoto]

Thank you very much for your input.