Is a flash a must have?

I take outdoor pics for the most part. I am wondering if a flash is a must have. I do not want to spend a lot as I just do this as a hobby and even when I do take pics for people I do not charge.


Thanks!


was looking at this one?

http://www.amazon.com …liid=I3SP04QPLV​Z6EE&psc=1

You have a flash on your camera... how's it working for you on outside pics?

I do not use the on camera flash. I use natural light, but there are times I need some fill light

Your link leads to some chinchilla slippers...


A definite YES. I regretfully held off for a while before looking into and using on camera flash unit and then taking the flash off camera. Even outdoors, can make a world of difference. The ability to manipulate light rather than being a slave to what you are given, can make a world of difference to your image.

You can start pretty cheap, if you go third party. I do not have direct experience with this one, but the price is nice.

http://www.amazon.com/​dp/B00O9S2VSS?psc=1

You get ETT-L on a decently powered flash unit. You can put it on top of camera, wirelessly trigger the flash (i.e. put it on a bookcase), attach the C1 cord into the camera and use the units to trigger your camera (group photo with you in it) and two diffusers to change the quality of light. Lots of info on the net to teach you what ETT-L and how to start using it. You just have to take the first step.

In my opinion a flash is a critical tool if you are doing portraiture. There are times when natural light works great but those times are rare and the limitations natural light places on you are restrictive.

Flash is never necessary. But it does hugely expand the horizons of what you can do with your camera. Beware of G.A.S., though. Just my flash shelf consists of: 5 EX II flashes, set of stands and shoot-through and reflective umbrellas, 4 YN-622c, and a 622c-TX, a stack of white index cards and a pile of rubberbands.

oops I was slipper shopping at the same time . Posted the link with the flash

http://www.amazon.com …liid=I3SP04QPLV​Z6EE&psc=1

I use Canon flash units. I usually buy them used or refurbished to save a few dollars. The unit you linked to looks like it has all the necessary features for a good price. I also suggest getting a book or checking out some flash technique web-sites. It can be a bit overwhelming at first.

If you only plan to use it for outdoor portraiture fill light, Canon has the 270EX II, refurbed, on sale for about $90. The main advantage is the really small size compared to the big(ger) boys.

http://shop.usa.canon.​com …lite-270ex-ii-refurbished

mamaof2 wrote in post #17778536
oops I was slipper shopping at the same time . Posted the link with the flash

http://www.amazon.com …liid=I3SP04QPLV​Z6EE&psc=1

I think that flash is a good starting point. But to get where you want to be you will need a few other accessories. Having the flash on the camera isnt the best option, nor is having a bare flash. So a pair of wirless triggers, a stand, and a softnox or umbrella should be on your shopping list. The triggers are the pricey part. If you want to retain ettl flash I suggest the yn622c which will cost about the same as your flash. Any 8ft stand will work. Amazon carries a lot of umbrella style soft boxes like thishttp://www.amazon.com …keywords=Umbrel​la+softbox

Bassat wrote in post #17778544
I use Canon flash units. I usually buy them used or refurbished to save a few dollars. The unit you linked to looks like it has all the necessary features for a good price. I also suggest getting a book or checking out some flash technique web-sites. It can be a bit overwhelming at first.

If you only plan to use it for outdoor portraiture fill light, Canon has the 270EX II, refurbed, on sale for about $90. The main advantage is the really small size compared to the big(ger) boys.

http://shop.usa.canon.​com …lite-270ex-ii-refurbished

Thanks for the info and link..I will check it out!

Do not get the 270ex II, its underpowered and of limited use indoors, the other half of using a flash. Get a full featured full sized flash.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17778548
Do not get the 270ex II, its underpowered and of limited use indoors, the other half of using a flash. Get a full featured full sized flash.

what do you recommend?

The yn you linked to is fine. But that canon is a dead end. The 270exII is pretty much the same as the popup flash on your camers.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17778548
Do not get the 270ex II, its underpowered and of limited use indoors, the other half of using a flash. Get a full featured full sized flash.

As a dedicated 270 II user, I have to disagree. I have two of them and they can light anything you will want to do with direct flash, or a reflector card mounted on the angled head. The 270EX II is also of sufficient power to bounce off of walls and 8' ceilings indoors. The 270EX II is also excellent for portrait fill outdoors, where I primarily use direct flash. I also use them for macro work, because I am generally shooting group A only, at close range, where their diminutive stature is quite beneficial.

I'll be right back with some examples. Oh, sorry. I do completely agree with you that the 430 and 580 sizes do more than the 270, and pack a lot more punch. They also cost a lot more.

OK. It is hard to get decent examples around the house on a bright sunny day. Lots of window light is obviating the need for anything but a bit of fill.

But they dont cost more thsn the YN which is fine for non professional use,