OCF with the 7D

I've been using the 7D with the off camera flash facility (using the pop-up flash) quite successfully indoors with an umbrella. However, this afternoon, when I went to try it outdoors in bright sunshine, it didn't want to work. Is this because the daylight kills the light from the pop-up flash? Have you any other ideas as to why it wouldn't work? Thanks gurus.

Roy Mathers wrote in post #12108520
Is this because the daylight kills the light from the pop-up flash?

Yes.. It's like using a flashlight during the day. If you look right at the flashlight, you *might* be able to tell it was on, otherwise you wouldn't see the light coming from it. Same thing with any optical method of triggering flashes (regardless of manufacturer). If it's bright out, the flash/signal can be lost.This is why most people opt for radio triggers for outdoor work.

I've used it outdoors, but you need to be sure you have direct line of sight, and know that the distance is greatly reduced. Not perfect at all, but can work.

I tend to use a long ETTL cable (~$50) for a master 580exII and then slave a 430exII with the wireless RF triggering - a much more reliable solution than the popup master flash on the 7D - but still no replacement for radio triggers (manual or ETTL versions)

Thanks for your replies guys.

Taping a sunscreen, made of black cardboard, above the slave's receiver window can improve the situation, if sun otherwise is shining directly on to the receiver.

Roy Mathers wrote in post #12108520
I've been using the 7D with the off camera flash facility (using the pop-up flash) quite successfully indoors with an umbrella. However, this afternoon, when I went to try it outdoors in bright sunshine, it didn't want to work. Is this because the daylight kills the light from the pop-up flash? Have you any other ideas as to why it wouldn't work? Thanks gurus.

Dude, wait.... "England" and "bright sunshine"?

apersson850 wrote in post #12112587
Taping a sunscreen, made of black cardboard, above the slave's receiver window can improve the situation, if sun otherwise is shining directly on to the receiver.

Thanks Anders, I'll try it.

dave63 wrote in post #12113578
Dude, wait.... "England" and "bright sunshine"?

We have a lot of it. Another misapprehension you Americans have

Winter rain in the UK

I spent a winter in the UK and it rained only once...

However, it began in November and ended in April...

considering you live in San Diego, I'm surprised that you know what rain is!

(yes I'm bitter)

Roy Mathers wrote in post #12114835
Thanks Anders, I'll try it.

We have a lot of it. Another misapprehension you Americans have

I spent 6 weeks there. The week I was in London, I had one day of sunshine. In July.