What do you like to carry for fill flash?

I'm wondering what power flashgun people like to carry in their general gear bags: the bag you grab when you're heading out the door to photograph a bit of "this" and a bit of "that."

I have (Canon) 90, 430, and 600 flashguns. The 600s are a bit heavy. I'd rather not add one to my "on the go" bag. The 430 is okay, but still a bit more weight then is ideal. The little 90 is very small and portable, but I suspect it doesn't have enough oomph for bright and sunny days outside. It has been cloudy today, so I couldn't test them. My on-the-go lens is my 24-70.

I wound up doing an impromptu portrait session yesterday, late in the morning, and the sun was brutal. I would have given my eyeteeth for a flashgun.

Which size flash should I make sure I have in my bag at all times?

my 2 Metz 60CT-4's ..

Been in my bags for over 35 years .. started out with the ole Metz 402 lol!

Tomi Hawk wrote in post #18000277
my 2 Metz 60CT-4's ..

Been in my bags for over 35 years .. started out with the ole Metz 402 lol!

Wow. My 600 would be the equivalent as far as guide number goes.

580EXII

The 430EXII is in my camera bag so it goes everywhere, and since it's my only ETTL flash I'll use it for run-n-gun on-camera flash stuff. I also have two YN-560II's in my light-duty Speedlight bag.

But I try my ding-dang-doodliest to not compete with direct sun. Different time of day, or find a shady area (ideally without a blown-out background).

430EX is mine. even on quite sunny days is useful

I'll pack the 430 into the bag, and hopefully that works out okay.

nathancarter wrote in post #18000925
But I try my ding-dang-doodliest to not compete with direct sun. Different time of day, or find a shady area (ideally without a blown-out background).

Yea. This was a very impromptu and spontaneous thing. I was teaching my seven-year-old son how to do long exposures using an ND fader on his EOS M at a little waterfall in a city park. It then morphed into a portrait session.

Despite seemingly wanting to have photos of himself taken, he refused to move into the shade. Every shady spot I suggested we use was turned down due to bugs. First it was termites in the trees, then is was bees in the flowers, then mosquitos, then ants . . . .

Finally he sat down on a bench in a bright and sunny spot and declared that it was where he would have his photo taken. I complained about the sun and the shadows. He complained that I hadn't brought a flashgun. Then he got angry with me because I still haven't given him a flashgun. Just for good measure, he also used that as an opportunity to express his dissatisfaction in not yet having a circular polarizer.

So, I tried. The photos suck. Unfortunately, he doesn't see this as a lesson that mom sometimes knows best. He sees this as proof that his photography instructor is an unprepared idiot.

Heya,

I generally always take two things. 1) Light meter, 2) Yongnuo 560 III + TX-560. But, I put a lot more emphasis on lighting than I do various lenses in my "go out" bag. I even take that with my EOS-M. Being able to plop out my 560III on a surface, meter where subjects are or will be, and adjust power remotely, without ever actuating the camera shutter to get the exposure current, saves me time and gets it right in one swift move.

If I were to replace it, it would be a Yongnuo 685, to get all features, and built in wifi, and I'd take the TX-622 instead. Otherwise, same purpose. ETTL bounce would be the main reason (it would replace my 565EXII that I use for this purpose), and the gain of HSS (for the few times I may think I need it, which would end up being often enough here in Florida).

+++++++++++++++

Example, spontaneous visit to Grandma's house. Doors and stuff are open, lots of Florida sun light. Having a flash helps blend it all together. Meter makes it fast, no chimping. Remote power control and off camera light is just glorious for making it not a chore so the spontaneous fun stays fun.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/CfQM​eo

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/E87U​26

I use a 580EXII...

Road Dog wrote in post #18007006
I use a 580EXII...

Another one for the 580.

#2 son and I are just about to head out the door to play with fill flash, so I'll bring the 430 and the 600. I was just going to bring the 430, but with your exceptionally well timed post I'll take the 600 as well.

270EX II or 600EX-rt

580EXII

A 600ex-rt + ST-E3-RT is always in my camera bag or car, with a sto-fen diffusor. Outdoors for fill flash on a subject whose back is to the sun, you can't overpower the sun, but at full power with HSS it's usable for fill. That's about the only time I will use a flash on camera, and only if there is no place to set the flash down off camera (and no one to hold it).

For indoor impromptu indoor shoots, like family gatherings, I love being able to stick a flash literally anywhere in a room to bounce it, and not have the weight of it on the camera body. I'll place a sto-fen'd 600ex or two beside or behind existing lamps in the room, so that the resulting photos look as if they are just ambient light shots, and no one is being popped right in the face with a flash. The difference between a room with two 100W equivalent lamps and two bounced 600ex-rt at full power is the difference between having to shoot at f/2.8 ISO 3200 and being able to use f/4 or f/5.6 at ISO 100. It's a huge win for image quality, with none of the drawbacks of photos that look like flash photos.

I have 270 EX II always in my bag, it's very light.

I have a 270 EX-II that I'll take with me when I don't feel like carrying a lot of stuff or don't plan on needing a flash.

I have a pair of 580 EXII's and Pocket Wizards for when I know I'll need it.