manual controls

[Curtis N]

Originally Posted by ichuan

Ok thanks thats a big help, however im still a little confused as to the zoom aspect.

Since this thread is about manual vs. E-TTL flash control, I would point out that changing the zoom setting of the flash changes the guide number. If you're using E-TTL, the camera system will automatically compensate for this when you change the zoom setting.

But if you set the flash power manually to what you want, then change the zoom setting, it will change the exposure. Zooming longer will give you a narrower and brighter beam of light (and vice-versa).

[Titus213]

Originally Posted by ichuan

Ok after my last question about whether to use ETTL or manual I have been well advised to learn the manual settings on my 580ex and 430ex flash units.

The problem I now have is that ive been reading tips on how to set the power of the flash but they are talking about F stops. Excuse me for being thick but my camera has F stops and the flash has ratio settings.

What are they talking about the lens or the flash?

The flash has power settings expressed as a fraction of full power. As already mentioned, ratios deal with light balance between multiple sources and are not related directly to power settings. I would suggest you learn the manual settings on the flash units also but not at the expense of the ETTL capability. Knowing what is happening is always preferable to letting the technology blindly handle it but forsaking the technology is not necessarily a good thing either IMO. You paid a high price for the technology in those units, use it. But if and when it fails knowing how it did its thing is a good thing because you can duplicate it.

That said, you've gotten great advice from folks who know their stuff.

And if you don't want to use that technology send it on to me and I will replace it with comparable power manual units - free of charge.