I don't need flash. I can use fast glass and high ISO.

I do have a big backpack.

it seems like a pretty extreme example...i mean you could've put up a picture of someone in a soft ambient light with just a fast lens...and then a picture of the same spot with the flash pointed straight at the subject blowing it out making it look like a p&s took it...

but yes in that situation the fast lens looks like crap...but there are other situations...

DreDaze,

There is no doubt that when flash is used the wrong way, or at the wrong time, it can make good lighting worse.

Flash is a tool. A craftsman knows how and when to use each tool in his toolbox. A craftsman will:
1) Own the appropriate tools
2) Know how and when to use each tool
3) Keep all of his tools at his disposal
4) Use the right tool, in the right way, at the right time.

The point of this thread is that if you try to use a hammer to drive a screw, the result will be ugly.

Thanks, Curtis. While I hate having to use flash, indoor occasions with high wood beam ceilings just require good old flash.

Maureen Souza wrote in post #8657442
Thanks, Curtis. While I hate having to use flash, indoor occasions with high wood beam ceilings just require good old flash.

Damn, Maureen! You're lookin' good in that avatar!

i carried a "dead-weight" 580ex around for a couple years and could count the shots from it on one hand...
then Curtis comes out all full of wisdom as usual. well i'm here in Singapore and bored to tears so go out this evening and pick up a 430EXII and fire off more shots in one night that would make my 580 jealous... and
well Curtis as more often than not has hit the nail smack on the head,
flash shots have their place and i've been one of those with my head stuck in the sand with what i thought was enough primes to negate the need for flash...
WRONG

cheers Curtis for more spoondoolies down the gurgler....
money well spent!