Please set me straight about fill flash...

Ok, I know this must have been asked millions of times, but I'll ask it again anyway. In order to shoot small aperture numbers--1.4, 2.8, etc.--outside, HSS needs to be on. Is this right? Help!!!

first of all, 1.4, 2.8 are large apertures

Second of all HSS (High speed sync) needs to be on when shooting with shutter speeds above 1/200th second. So depending on the light, it may not be needed when shooting 2.8. But if it's middle of the dya, bright and sunny, probably so!
Hope this helps ya!

Andy said it all.

Good luck.

Thanks, Andy! So, should I just leave HSS on all the time since it'll only kick in when needed?

JennB wrote in post #3062288
Thanks, Andy! So, should I just leave HSS on all the time since it'll only kick in when needed?

If it is possible I would, but I know with my flash, I have to set it back to HSS after every shot, what pain, but I'm using aSigma flash which maybe different.

JennB wrote in post #3062288
So, should I just leave HSS on all the time since it'll only kick in when needed?

There are two ways to approach outdoor fill flash, depending on your priorities.

This threaddiscusses your options.

More info about high speed sync in this thread.

Curtis N wrote in post #3062352
There are two ways to approach outdoor fill flash, depending on your priorities.

This threaddiscusses your options.

More info about high speed sync in this thread.

Curtis, I checked out that second link, and WOW! Full of knowledge again! All those electric classes were of uses when reading your tables!

Well this should answer the OP's Q for sure! I cna also see why you had your previous title "the measurebator!"

Well put!

Curtis N wrote in post #3062352
There are two ways to approach outdoor fill flash, depending on your priorities.

This threaddiscusses your options.

More info about high speed sync in this thread.

Thanks, Curtis! I knew you'd be in here giving me some great links/tips.

JennB wrote in post #3062176
Ok, I know this must have been asked millions of times, but I'll ask it again anyway. In order to shoot small aperture numbers--1.4, 2.8, etc.--outside, HSS needs to be on. Is this right? Help!!!

I don't understand how the question relates to the subject exactly. Can you explain more of what you are trying to do... don't get the connection between HSS and fill flash.

convergent wrote in post #3068562
I don't understand how the question relates to the subject exactly. Can you explain more of what you are trying to do... don't get the connection between HSS and fill flash.

High speed sync is useful for outdoor fill if you specifically want to use a wide aperture outdoors (generally to blur the background). A fast shutter speed is required for proper ambient exposure with wide apertures in relatively bright environments. The only way to use flash with fast shutter speeds (faster than flash sync speed) is to use high speed sync.

HSS is generally not necessary indoors, where the lower light levels make it possible to use wide apertures at slower shutter speeds without overexposing the ambient light.

I understand stand your first paragraph... not sure the second paragraph came out the way you intended. But the original poster didn't explain what he was trying to do and the subject and other info presented aren't directly tied together. I'm just saying I'd like to hear a little more about what his goal is to offer comment.