What flash would you recommend for niteclub photos?

[BigHaus]

Hello! My canon EOS serves me well. Lately I've been taking more and more photos in nightclubs. While the camera can provide multiple frames per second, my existing flash takes a few seconds to recycle, during which time I lose valuable shots of people dancing.

Was interested to hear what flash you'd recommend that has a quick recycle time. While I'm looking for a canon EOS compatible flash, the flash needn't be manufactured by canon.

Any/all suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[Halina]

I have a lot of success with the Metz 54 MZ-3 in auto mode. This flash is safe to use with any digital camera.

[oldlincoln]

If you wish to use a dedicated (or other) flash the recycle speed is dependent on the battery type used. For internal batteries alkaline are the slowest and freshly charged NiMH or NiCd will be the fastest. The tight budget should probably go with the smallest Canon flash that has the needed features and power with NiMH batteries. If you are flush, a Canon 550EX and a Quantum external pack is peachy. Metz and Sunpak make some nice grip stye flashes that use external power, but the dedicated functionality may not be all you hoped for.

[BigHaus]

Thanks for the speedy response. Coupla additional questions:

Whats the distinction between NiMH vs. NiCD?

[oldlincoln]

The NiMH have about twice the power density of NiCd or alkiline and don't develop internal shorts (memory) like NiCd to any notable degree. They are moderatly priced and have a long life. The high capacity (1800 or 2000 maH vs. 850 maH) is more than enough to make them a no-brainer for internal power on photoflashes.

[BigHaus]

ANd what say you about ring flashes? What specific purpose were these designed for?

[robertwgross]

It might be helpful if you tell us which Canon EOS camera you are using. Also, which existing flash are you using?

If I have to flash a once-in-a-lifetime event for a dozen shots, then I use lithium primary batteries in my 550EX flash. However, that does not occur often, so for occasional use, I keep alkaline primary batteries in it. If I need to use it more often (with cost at issue) then I use NiMH rechargeable batteries in it.

I was using two big Quantum flashes yesterday with their big battery packs. For a wedding, that works, but it is a lot to lug around. Now I have a quarter-inch notch worn into my left shoulder.

---Bob Gross---

[robertwgross]

A ring flash is mostly for close-up macro work. Since it surrounds the lens, there should be no shadow from any direction onto a close-up subject.

---Bob Gross---

[oldlincoln]

Ring flash is mostly used for macro photography (real close focus), but they can produce some nice candid portrait effects when used with another flash to providing area lighting. They are much less powerful than shoe or grip mount flash, but this is not usually a consideration for macro. Be prepared to lay out serious money for a good auto ringflash. The Canon MR-14EX TTL Ring Lite is around $450 (street).

[BigHaus]

oldlincoln, you've got lots o' knowledge. Would love to see some of your flix. Have you a webpage?

[oldlincoln]

I don't have a webpage. Mostly, I only have time to dink around on the web on weekend afternoons.