Flash question

I am not sure if this thread has been started or not (didn't see it, but then again my detective skills aren't exactly top notch), so I thought I'd ask anyways. I apologize if it has been asked b4. My questions are:

1. What flash do you prefer the most for weddings? 580? 550? 430?

2. What type of diffuser do you most commonly use, if any? dome? soft? etc.

3. And does anyone commonly use an L bracket, or just strictly completely off camera?

Still somewhat new to the forums and photography, so any advice and input is greatly appreciated and will help in my purchasing decisions!

1. I have a 580ex and 580ex2 that I use in wireless ettl2 with ratios - wish I had radio poppers, but I gotta deal with line of sight for now.

2. I have a gary fong, use it rarely now that I made my own 'a better bounce card' with foam from walmart for 33 cents.

3. I bought an L bracket when I first got into photography thinking it's 'what the pros use', i find that it just weighs me down and keeps me from being as agile as i can be. It doesnt even help that much, it makes the shadows go toward the floor instead of directly behind the head.. you can accomplish better with off camera lighting.


These questions are too vague, be more specific with what you want to know.

1.. 430 cause it's all I got. right now
2.. None, bounce it. I do want to order and try a demb flipit.
3.. None mostly on camera bounced

This would have been better posted in the Small Flash and Lighting forum as this is a wedding picture sharing forum. A mod will most likely move it shortly. Lots of great info in that forum.

Greg

1. for on camera any one of those you listed will work just fine. Although the 580 would be the best choice because it has the most power for off camera & the newest technology.
2. I use the better bounce foamy card more thany anything, plus you can pull it down when outside or for direct flash. all for $.33!
3. I use to use a bracket, but after using it for a couple years I finally realized that Its not needed for most circumstances. If you can bounce there is no need for the extra weight! Plus when using a bracket you must really watch out for you TTl cable & have a back up! Over time they wear out & it seams that these type of things only happen when th bride is coming down the ile!!!

on camera, Metz 58AF-1c with Quantum Turbo and Sto-Fen
off camera, a couple of 580 EX II's

On camera my Quantum T5D-R. I use the 580 EX II as my backup.

Normans for my off camera lighting setups, triggered by pocketwizards.

Thanks guys! Sorry about misacategorizing the thread at first.... I just was wondering what tricks worked best for weddings specifically. My bad. Anyways, love the tips! Keep 'em coming! Very helpful I just upgraded to the 580ex and am looking forward to using it (it's hasn't gotten here yet). Glad to know others love it too. I looked up the "better bounce card" and am in the process of watching the dude give his tutorial on how to make it. Thanks for the tip, guys... KEEP 'EM COMING! Very helpful to a lowly noobie

i use my metz 60ct-4 cuz that puppy is powerful and recycles fast! never miss a shot waiting for battery to recharge. i can bounce of the highest roofs w/no problems and i can shoot my car shot at f11 lol.

I use 580, on a bracket with stofen. It works for me.