600EX-RT for fill with sunlit background

I wanted to do some additional testing with my 600EX-RTs to find out just how well they will work for fill flash with the subject in shadow and the background sunlit. More or less a normal wedding day situation.

I also wanted to see what the impact of F stop would have on the background; a line of trees about 40 ft behind the subject. And I got the additional benefit of seeing how good the off center zone focus capabilities of the 5D3 will be capturing focus since I was the only subject available. (So bear with the self portrait examples. )

5D3 with 85mm F1.2L II on a tripod about 8 ft from subject. I set the AF to lowest right using the zone capability. That showed there were 4 AF segments active.

The camera was set to Av, ISO 50, -1 EV exposure compensation, metering is evaluative.

Flash was on a stand about 4 ft from subject camera left and looking down about 45* through a Westcott 32" collapsible umbrella. Flash was ETTL with HSS activated and no flash exposure compensation.

The focus at F1.4 isn't precise because of the hit or miss nature of a self portrait.

This is the result at F1.4, 1/3200;

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

Looking good. Im planning on doing something similar myself over the weekend utilising the st-e3 but so far it looks as if this is a winning set up, my pocket wizard flextt5s were sometimes a bit unpredictable especially when in HSS

Great testing David. From your testing do you think it's worth upgrading to the 600EX-RT?

kouasupra wrote in post #14446255
Great testing David. From your testing do you think it's worth upgrading to the 600EX-RT?

That's an interesting question.
I used PocketWizard ControlTL stuff with Nissin Di866 flashes for a couple of years and they work well.

I got the 600EX-RTs primarily because I was also planning to get a 5DIII.

There are definitely some nice features, and especially using the two together.

They really don't deliver more or better light than 580EXs or Di866s.

For me it was kind of a combination gear head and wanting to have the absolute minimum amount of equipment when I'm shooting alone.

Its really going to be a personal decision for everyone.

straight on or through an umbrella?

Mikey1 wrote in post #14446309
straight on or through an umbrella?

OP said through 32" Westcott umbrella

chris_holtmeier wrote in post #14446357
OP said through 32" Westcott umbrella

For sure. I have some test shots straight, the shadows are very sharp. Using the flash without softening the transitions would make for a much less pleasing result.

Here's the on-camera direct shot for reference. F1.2, 1/4000. It was about half a stop hot on the forehead as well.

Thought I might as well complete the explanation by showing a shot without flash.
This was pulled up 2/5 stops in lightroom to get the forehead to read the same as it does in the flash images. F1.2, ISO 50, 1/4000.

dmward wrote in post #14446302
That's an interesting question.
I used PocketWizard ControlTL stuff with Nissin Di866 flashes for a couple of years and they work well.

I got the 600EX-RTs primarily because I was also planning to get a 5DIII.

There are definitely some nice features, and especially using the two together.

They really don't deliver more or better light than 580EXs or Di866s.

For me it was kind of a combination gear head and wanting to have the absolute minimum amount of equipment when I'm shooting alone.

Its really going to be a personal decision for everyone.

I also have the pw mini/flex system with my 580ex ii. It works fine with my 5D3, but the 600ex compliments the 5D3 really well. I love the new features on the 600 and especially the larger lcd, but with the same power output. I don't know if it's worth the extra money.

Too much toys to buy, and yet so little money..LOL.

fantastic test

dmward wrote in post #14446302
That's an interesting question.
I used PocketWizard ControlTL stuff with Nissin Di866 flashes for a couple of years and they work well.

I got the 600EX-RTs primarily because I was also planning to get a 5DIII.

There are definitely some nice features, and especially using the two together.

Hi dmward, just wondering what advantages a 600EX-RT has with the 5D mkiii?

I am in the market for a 5D3, and also a new flash.

kobeson wrote in post #14472143
Hi dmward, just wondering what advantages a 600EX-RT has with the 5D mkiii?

I am in the market for a 5D3, and also a new flash.

Built-in radio triggering.

chris_holtmeier wrote in post #14472639
Built-in radio triggering.

But wouldn't a radio transmitter still be required? Or does the 5D3 not require one?!? Apologies for my amateurish questions

kobeson wrote in post #14475760
But wouldn't a radio transmitter still be required? Or does the 5D3 not require one?!? Apologies for my amateurish questions

In its own menu system, the 5D3 (and eventually the 1DX) supports the radio capabilities of the 600 and ST-E3.

The radio function will work on the 600EX-RT's with any Canon DSLR, but there are some functions that will only work with the 5D3 or newer cameras. I can't recall what it is off the top of my head, but the 600EX manual spells it out.