Accessories for a new 580EXII user

mtimber wrote in post #13127763
I am not a big fan of the "built in" line of site triggers in the Canon cameras.

Radio triggers are much better in many ways.

agreed. I have the 7D and used it a few times and it was nto great.

When you guys are saying it wasn't great, was it that it didn't work consistently when you tried to take a shot? Most of what I'm using this for will be in my home studio, so I can arrange things however I need to get the best shots.

Ten Ounce wrote in post #13128676
When you guys are saying it wasn't great, was it that it didn't work consistently when you tried to take a shot? Most of what I'm using this for will be in my home studio, so I can arrange things however I need to get the best shots.

Here's my experience with the 7D and the 580EX II / Cheeta QBox.

The flash body has to be facing the camera. Each time I moved around the least little bit, I had to reposition the light stand or the flash itself which can be a pain if the bracket doesn't allow it. After a few minutes I gave up and broke out the pocket wizards. Haven't tried the built in wireless since.
Note: This was in my living room.

bobbyz wrote in post #13126663
Here are some of the modifiers besides umbrellas already mentioned:

1. for $60-$80 range, photek softliter. I like the 46" one with silver insert, but there is 60" also.
2. $100-$120 range, QBox24" with grid
3. $300 - Kacey beauty dish with dual speedlite bracket

I totally agree with bobbyz. The bracket for the Kacey dish is extra though. All three will allow you to shoot in a confined area and have spill control.

Ten Ounce wrote in post #13128676
When you guys are saying it wasn't great, was it that it didn't work consistently when you tried to take a shot? Most of what I'm using this for will be in my home studio, so I can arrange things however I need to get the best shots.

Because they are infrared the transmitter on the camera and the reciever on the flash has to be in "line of sight".

Now, you might get away that in a room where you can bounce the light around.

But get in a larger area with obstructions and you will start to lose connection, which means misfired flashes.

So radio triggers are much better.

As long as no one else is using your frequency during your shoot of course...

Its like using a remote control for your telly.

Go in another room and it will not work because it needs "line of sight".

But put a wireless router in one room and your laptop in another and you still have a signal because it uses radio signals that can travel through solid objects (though a few thick walls will soon slow you down).

This is my understanding.

Csae wrote in post #13127845
Cool, let me know how far and how "cheap" you go without rechargeables, without a swivel (Duct tape the umbrella much?) and how long you last on the build in wireless trigger.

I've been without rechargables for two years now, never said I didn't have a swivel, and never said I don't have a set of wireless triggers. You're arguing against a point I'm not making. You've never actually challenged my claim, just your own fabricated one. Read what I write and attempt to actually understand it before you go on a rant against yourself.

Csae wrote in post #13127845
I won't continue to debate with you, its obvious you're defending your point no matter how poor it is t'ill the end.

I'll step out as well, as long as you keep ignoring my claims and interjecting straw men arguments .

TheBurningCrown wrote in post #13124995
An on-flash diffuser is going to be a waste. Save your money.

You only need to spend ~$30 on a stand and an umbrella.

Then please make a proper claim so that i can agree with you, because that was your post, and my question is : "And do what with them?"

Sorry my souper isn't ready yet so.....

mtimber wrote in post #13128959
Because they are infrared the transmitter on the camera and the reciever on the flash has to be in "line of sight".

Now, you might get away that in a room where you can bounce the light around.

But get in a larger area with obstructions and you will start to lose connection, which means misfired flashes.

So radio triggers are much better.

As long as no one else is using your frequency during your shoot of course...

i had difficulties using the built in transmitter outdoors and it also forces you to put the off camera flash where you dont always want it to be. Also if the recieving end happens to be in direct sunlight it will never trigger. I have had near 100% luck with it indoors even with the flash completely behind my back. As long as the indoor area you are in is relatively compact and you dont intend to shoot outdoors you probably dont need a radio trigger.

Csae wrote in post #13129594
Then please make a proper claim so that i can agree with you, because that was your post, and my question is : "And do what with them?

Please make a proper argument before you attempt to critique my posts.

breaks open a bag of popcorn*

Ten Ounce wrote in post #13125029
Why is the on-flash diffuser a waste? I always thought they worked great for taking portraits.

http://russellspixelpi​x.blogspot.com …no-need-to-spend-big.html

Learn how light works and why your flash head rotates before looking for a diffuser.

A bounce card is a useful tool. The flip it or big flip it are popular.

http://www.dembflashpr​oducts.com/

c2thew wrote in post #13130719
breaks open a bag of popcorn*

*douses lightly with butter*