Flash the next thing to buy?

I have a few cheaper lenses and wondering if off camera flash is the next thing to buy?

I have a friend that said a Canon 430 EX II is the flash to buy.

FYI I have a T4i

I enjoy macro and taking pics of my kids. I am also interested in landscape and birds.

Thanks!

The 430exII is a great flash to start with. Its a full featured flash that works well on and off your camera. If uou are serious about off camera flash, consider getting ETTL radio triggers like the YN622c.

what he ^ said

mama, i came across this the other day that might interest you for your macro work https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1375422

I would get the Yongnuo 600 EX RT and YN-E3 RT radio trigger.
For the price of the 430EX 2 you will have an ability to also use off-camera radio controlled flash.

And then you're going to want a softbox / umbrella setup too.

It's a vicious addiction. I just purchased my off-camera flash setup and I want more already.

Thank you all who have posted and for the links. I will check everything out.

Yes I have a loooong list of what to buy. Just need to figure out what to buy first. This is just a hobby so do not want to go to crazy. (I am one of the cheapest people you will ever meet when it comes to buying for me self )

Here's my take on the 430: Great flash that I have myself. Nevertheless, if you can afford and don't mind carrying around then get the larger one. You never can have enough oomph in a flash, especially if you want to bounce it.

I am guessing you are talking the 580 EX II ? I have not checked prices on any of these yet. I really would like to stay around $200ish (used is fine)

Sorry for being blonde here ..but what is the Trigger for?

If you want to use the flash off camera then you need a trigger. Depending on the camera, you can use the built in trigger (e.g. my 60D works as a wireless trigger for the 430) or then you get a separate trigger that you mount on the camera and have the flash somewhere else.

Oh ok gotcha.

When would you use an off camera flash?

Like I said this is just a hobby and I enjoy marco/ taking pics of my kids things like that.

Mamo. Welcome to the world of flash. To answer your question: with macro, many times you will be very very close to your subject. So close that the lense may actually cast a shadow from the flash and you subject will not be illuminated. Plus with general flash photography moving the flash off camera to the side generally produces a much more pleasing image. I would suggest that you read Syl Arena's book on flash photography. It's and easy read and very, very informative.

Great I will check that book out..thanks for your help!

mamaof2 wrote in post #17373655
When would you use an off camera flash?

this is a long series, read it all, maybe 5 times. links to the next installment are at the bottom of each post.

http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com/2006/03/lightin​g-101.html

Off to read now

Thanks!