350D Flash Photography

[Nick k]

Has anyone any advice on a flash unit that would work well with a 350D and 400f5.6 lens? Just thinking of those fast approaching dull winter days.........

[nigelblake]

Canon 550EX of 580EX, more costly than the independent makes but fully integrated with the exposure system of the camera.
http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/eos20d/580EX/index.html

[Nick k]

Thanks Nigel,
I've looked at the details of that model. It certainly looks very suitable. Just as an aside and when you have a moment to reply, do you use flash much & would you advise using 'fill-in' flash as an assist in poor light?
Many thanks

[macshark]

If you don't want to pay as much as a 580EX costs, the 430EX also works OK. It does have shorter range, but it recharges faster than the 580EX.

You can use a fresnel lens to reduce the width of the beam when using a flash with a 400 f/5.6L. Better Beamer has versions that fit both the 580EX and the 430EX.

[gmax]

If you don't want to pay as much as a 580EX costs, the 430EX also works OK. It does have shorter range, but it recharges faster than the 580EX.

You can use a fresnel lens to reduce the width of the beam when using a flash with a 400 f/5.6L. Better Beamer has versions that fit both the 580EX and the 430EX.

What is the main difference between these two flash units?
Speedlite 430EZ / Speedlight 430EX.
Thanks,
Max

[nigelblake]

Thanks Nigel,
I've looked at the details of that model. It certainly looks very suitable. Just as an aside and when you have a moment to reply, do you use flash much & would you advise using 'fill-in' flash as an assist in poor light?
Many thanks

Yes I do use fill-in flash, but rarely with the flash on the camera. I prefer the flash to be away from the lens axis as it gives better 'modelling' and eliminates red-eye problems. For this you will need both an extension flash lead (Canon of camera shoe chord 2 will give you a metre to play with) and a flash bracket.

[tjsimonsen]

What is the main difference between these two flash units?
Speedlite 430EZ / Speedlight 430EX.
Thanks,
Max

430EX will be fully automatic with a dSLR, 430EZ will not. To retain full TTL on a dSLR, you need an EX-flash (or perhaps a new 3rd party flash, but I'm not sure about that).
I have the older (than the 430EX) 420EX, it works fine with my 350D, including macro photography, but I would like the longer reach of the 580EX.

/Thomas

[gmax]

430EX will be fully automatic with a dSLR, 430EZ will not. To retain full TTL on a dSLR, you need an EX-flash (or perhaps a new 3rd party flash, but I'm not sure about that).
I have the older (than the 430EX) 420EX, it works fine with my 350D, including macro photography, but I would like the longer reach of the 580EX.

/Thomas

Thanks Thomas, very clear .. the 580Ex would really be a plus, but the cost? Sigh ... |=(|

[Nick k]

Thanks to everyone for the help and advice.