Approve the Cookies
This website uses cookies to improve your user experience. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies and our Privacy Policy.
OK
Forums  •   • New posts  •   • RTAT  •   • 'Best of'  •   • Gallery  •   • Gear
Guest
Forums  •   • New posts  •   • RTAT  •   • 'Best of'  •   • Gallery  •   • Gear
Register to forums    Log in

 
FORUMS Photo Sharing & Discussion Weddings & Other Family Events 
Thread started 01 Oct 2009 (Thursday) 18:54
Search threadPrev/next
sponsored links (only for non-logged)

Affordable Flash

 
Thorrulz
Goldmember
Avatar
3,818 posts
Gallery: 20 photos
Likes: 469
Joined Jan 2009
Location: The Land of the "Go Big Red!"
     
Oct 01, 2009 18:54 |  #1

I need some advice on a flash unit that can be used on both my 1D classic and xt. I do primarily indoor high school sports photography, which often a high power flash is forbidden at or at the very least frowned upon. Anyway a friend of the family would like to have me shoot her daughter's wedding. For the outdoor shot's during this time of year (October), I thought I may need fill in flash for some if not all the pic's depending of course on the conditions. I would prefer not to overspend on a flash I won't be using very often. So my question is what flash unit would most likely meet my needs for occasional use at a reasonable cost. New or used condition isn't a concern.
I apologize in advance if I haven't been specific enough but a wedding shoot is brand new to me.
BTW, affordable to me with the holidays coming is about $150.00 to $250.00 lol.


Flickr (external link)
D800 I Nikon 200 f2 VR 1 I Nikon 200 f2 ED AI-S I Nikon 135 f2 DC I Nikon 28-70 f/2.8 I Nikon 50 f/1.4G I Nikon 85 f/1.8G I Pentax 645D I SMC FA 645 75 F2.8 I SMC FA 645 45-85 F4.5 I SMC FA 645 200 F4
My sister, the professional baker and cake decorator once told me that my camera takes great pics. My reply was that I thought her oven baked great cakes.:lol:

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
form
"inadequately equipped"
Avatar
4,929 posts
Likes: 13
Joined Jan 2006
Location: Henderson, NV
     
Oct 01, 2009 18:58 |  #2

580EX I.


Las Vegas Wedding Photographer: http://www.joeyallenph​oto.com (external link)

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
mcluckie
I play with fire, run with scissors and skate on thin ice all at once!
Avatar
2,192 posts
Gallery: 109 photos
Best ofs: 2
Likes: 449
Joined Jul 2009
Location: Hong Kong, Ozarks, previously Chicago area
     
Oct 01, 2009 19:15 |  #3

I picked up a used 550EX in China. I rarely use on-camera flash, so it's fine for me. It was in your price range. Metz has got some nice units, but with the falling dollar everywhere, I don't think they're cheaper anymore.

Also the Vivitar 285 might be good. The classic 283 is still around, but I don't know the prices. (go for the 550)


multidisciplinary visual guy, professor of visual art, irresponsible and salty.
Leicas, Canons, Hasselblads
all and historic dingus

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
PMCphotography
Goldmember
Avatar
1,775 posts
Joined Sep 2009
Location: Tasmania, Australia.
     
Oct 02, 2009 00:32 as a reply to  @ mcluckie's post |  #4

I have a sunpak that is quite good and was relatively cheap. I use it now as a backup flash, or to let a an assistant use if they need to.


Twitter (external link)
Hobart Wedding Photography (external link)
I have some camera stuff. Here it is.

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
viet
Goldmember
1,019 posts
Joined Jul 2007
     
Oct 02, 2009 01:04 |  #5

Vivitar 285 HV, can be had for under $100 each, grab a couple if you want to do wedding.

On the other hand, if you can get a 580ex I for under $300, get it, you might need the high speed sync feather on it for an outdoor wedding.




  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
Thorrulz
THREAD ­ STARTER
Goldmember
Avatar
3,818 posts
Gallery: 20 photos
Likes: 469
Joined Jan 2009
Location: The Land of the "Go Big Red!"
     
Oct 02, 2009 17:20 as a reply to  @ viet's post |  #6

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I am doing some background checking to see which option might fit my budget and scenario best. I have about 3 weeks to purchase and practice so it's good I have anytime access to the church which I am sure I will need.


Flickr (external link)
D800 I Nikon 200 f2 VR 1 I Nikon 200 f2 ED AI-S I Nikon 135 f2 DC I Nikon 28-70 f/2.8 I Nikon 50 f/1.4G I Nikon 85 f/1.8G I Pentax 645D I SMC FA 645 75 F2.8 I SMC FA 645 45-85 F4.5 I SMC FA 645 200 F4
My sister, the professional baker and cake decorator once told me that my camera takes great pics. My reply was that I thought her oven baked great cakes.:lol:

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
tfizzle
Senior Member
785 posts
Joined Oct 2008
     
Oct 02, 2009 17:44 |  #7

lp120 from www.mpex.com (external link) are good. I have 2 and they have been good.




  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
tim
Light Bringer
Avatar
51,010 posts
Likes: 375
Joined Nov 2004
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
     
Oct 03, 2009 09:28 |  #8

If your concern is really fill a 430EX will be fine. Fill takes little power, unless you want to compete with the sun between 11 and 3.

If your concern is your ability I suggest a Metz unit, purely because pro gear will give you confidence, even if it's unfounded. If this really is your concern I suggest a 5DII, as all the cool kids use 'em. Match it with a 50L and you have a US$6000 pair of brass balls. With that combo, plus a 580EX II you have no excuses. If the photos suck it's down to you.

Good luck.


Professional wedding photographer, solution architect and general technical guy with multiple Amazon Web Services certifications.
Read all my FAQs (wedding, printing, lighting, books, etc)

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
onurrus
Senior Member
637 posts
Likes: 7
Joined Aug 2009
     
Oct 05, 2009 06:37 |  #9

I am using Yong Nuo YN-460 Flash and its quite good for the amount I paid, as a fill flash its succesful but out of ttl mode,




  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
ShotByTom
Goldmember
Avatar
3,050 posts
Gallery: 23 photos
Likes: 136
Joined Aug 2005
Location: Indianapolis
     
Oct 05, 2009 22:44 |  #10

There are two good options for you....buy a 580EX II, then sell it after the wedding, should be able to get a great return on it...or, even better, rent a 580 EX II.

OR...since the holidays are approaching, buy yourself an early gift and get the above mentioned "brass balls"!


Gear
Website (external link)

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
sponsored links (only for non-logged)

1,720 views & 0 likes for this thread, 9 members have posted to it.
Affordable Flash
FORUMS Photo Sharing & Discussion Weddings & Other Family Events 
AAA
x 1600
y 1600

Jump to forum...   •  Rules   •  Forums   •  New posts   •  RTAT   •  'Best of'   •  Gallery   •  Gear   •  Reviews   •  Member list   •  Polls   •  Image rules   •  Search   •  Password reset   •  Home

Not a member yet?
Register to forums
Registered members may log in to forums and access all the features: full search, image upload, follow forums, own gear list and ratings, likes, more forums, private messaging, thread follow, notifications, own gallery, all settings, view hosted photos, own reviews, see more and do more... and all is free. Don't be a stranger - register now and start posting!


COOKIES DISCLAIMER: This website uses cookies to improve your user experience. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies and to our privacy policy.
Privacy policy and cookie usage info.


POWERED BY AMASS forum software 2.58forum software
version 2.58 /
code and design
by Pekka Saarinen ©
for photography-on-the.net

Latest registered member is zachary24
1713 guests, 134 members online
Simultaneous users record so far is 15,144, that happened on Nov 22, 2018

Photography-on-the.net Digital Photography Forums is the website for photographers and all who love great photos, camera and post processing techniques, gear talk, discussion and sharing. Professionals, hobbyists, newbies and those who don't even own a camera -- all are welcome regardless of skill, favourite brand, gear, gender or age. Registering and usage is free.