Can anyone recommend a good book or website

To help me learn my 580ex? I have had it for some time but never learned how to use it. Thanks.

http://www.butkus.org …n_flashes/canon​_flash.htm

Thanks

B&H has a couple of DVD's that may be helpful to you. I used to have one of the Blue Crane ones and it was ok for a beginner. Honestly you can learn more by reading your manual, trying things and asking questions here. If you are just using the single Speedlite mounted on your camera (not off-camera or using multiple strobes) then it's pretty easy to learn the basics.

Here's something to get you started:

E-TTL II (your flash exposure metering that occurs when a pre-flash is emitted just before capturing the image) meters to get the subject exposure correct while (if in Av or Tv) your camera will use the light meter to get the background/ambient exposure correct. You'll find that it's much easier to use your Speedlite for indoor shots if you put your camera in MANUAL mode (M).

Try this: Set your camera to M, the shutter-speed to 1/100s, ISO 200 and f/5.6 and then take some shots. If you want more ambient light (less "cave effect") then bump up your ISO to 400 or pick a lower f-stop number.

Now if you don't like how harsh the light is using direct flash then bounce off a white ceiling or a white wall (not a colored ceiling or wall).


Here's a link to a Nikon publication that you may find helpful to show the kinds of thing your flash is capable of. The terminology may be different, but the Nikon and Canon flash systems work pretty much the same and can do the same things.

http://www.nikonusa.co​m/pdf/SB800_techniques​.pdf

And here's a Canon on-line "Speedlite Tips" series:

http://www.learn.usa.c​anon.com …ite_tip_pt1_art​icle.shtml

and

http://cpn.canon-europe.com …e_most_from_spe​edlites.do

Lighting for Digital Photography by Syl Arena is a great book on how to use a flash. He uses 580's and 600's to do the book.

ebjo wrote in post #15441497
Lighting for Digital Photography by Syl Arena is a great book on how to use a flash. He uses 580's and 600's to do the book.

^^^^^^^^
this..should be in every canon shooters bathroom

ebjo wrote in post #15441497
Lighting for Digital Photography by Syl Arena is a great book on how to use a flash. He uses 580's and 600's to do the book.

I just ordered this to go with my Speedliters Handbook, highly recommended as well!

328iGuy wrote in post #15441642
... Speedliters Handbook, highly recommended as well!

The problem after reading Speedliter's Handbook is you may wish to order another 580 or 430 and go off-camera. Then add light stands, modifiers, gels, etc. You can end up spending much more than just the price of the book.

You definitely don't want to watch this:

http://www.youtube.com …byuHJ9uBns&feat​ure=relmfu

This is a long but good read:

http://photonotes.org/​articles/eos-flash/

make sure to read part II was well.

Thanks for the help!

Bob_A wrote in post #15440305
B&H has a couple of DVD's that may be helpful to you. I used to have one of the Blue Crane ones and it was ok for a beginner. Honestly you can learn more by reading your manual, trying things and asking questions here. If you are just using the single Speedlite mounted on your camera (not off-camera or using multiple strobes) then it's pretty easy to learn the basics.

Here's something to get you started:

E-TTL II (your flash exposure metering that occurs when a pre-flash is emitted just before capturing the image) meters to get the subject exposure correct while (if in Av or Tv) your camera will use the light meter to get the background/ambient exposure correct. You'll find that it's much easier to use your Speedlite for indoor shots if you put your camera in MANUAL mode (M).

Try this: Set your camera to M, the shutter-speed to 1/100s, ISO 200 and f/5.6 and then take some shots. If you want more ambient light (less "cave effect") then bump up your ISO to 400 or pick a lower f-stop number.

Now if you don't like how harsh the light is using direct flash then bounce off a white ceiling or a white wall (not a colored ceiling or wall).


Here's a link to a Nikon publication that you may find helpful to show the kinds of thing your flash is capable of. The terminology may be different, but the Nikon and Canon flash systems work pretty much the same and can do the same things.

http://www.nikonusa.co​m/pdf/SB800_techniques​.pdf

And here's a Canon on-line "Speedlite Tips" series:

http://www.learn.usa.c​anon.com …ite_tip_pt1_art​icle.shtml

and

http://cpn.canon-europe.com …e_most_from_spe​edlites.do

Thanks to everyone for the help. I'm going to read the manual (which I didn't have so thanks for the link) and I'm ordering the book today that was suggested.

The Speedliter's Handbook is a MUST! I will show Syl this thread...

ian_socool wrote in post #15588298
The Speedliter's Handbook is a MUST! I will show Syl this thread...

The Speedliter's Handbook - Syl Arena is good