Buying a handle mount flash... need advice on accessories
blakebritton
Registered Users Posts: 2 Beginner grinner
I currently own a Canon Rebel XTi and I was looking into getting a handle mounted flash. I'm looking at the Sunpak 622 Kit, and other than the battery pack, I honestly have no idea on what else I will need.
Almost 10 years ago, I briefly did event photography (graduations, parties, etc) and I used a handle mount flash in full manual mode with a Nikon FM2. Things have changed quite a bit since then. I used a hotshoe adapter and cord, but I don't know what to use with the Canon.
Anyways, if someone can point me to the accessories that I will need for a working setup, I would be grateful.
Thanks guys for the help!
Almost 10 years ago, I briefly did event photography (graduations, parties, etc) and I used a handle mount flash in full manual mode with a Nikon FM2. Things have changed quite a bit since then. I used a hotshoe adapter and cord, but I don't know what to use with the Canon.
Anyways, if someone can point me to the accessories that I will need for a working setup, I would be grateful.
Thanks guys for the help!
0
Comments
Blakebritton, welcome to the Digital Grin.
Shoe mount flashes have come a long way in the last 10 years so I really encourage you to explore an E-TTL II shoe mount flash.
If you are serious about the Sunpak 622 Super Pro flash then you need to decide whether you want to use it as an auto/manual flash or as a TTL flash.
You also need to determine the correct head for your application, either the "standard" head or the manual zoom head or the bare bulb head.
My recommendation is either a Canon hot shoe flash (580EX II or 430EX) or a Sigma DG 530 Super flash (in Canon E-TTL II). These flashes provide a focus assist light and enough power to cover most needs.
I also recommend a suitable flash modifier or 2 in addition to the hot shoe flash and, if you want the best options, an off-camera cord and flash bracket as well.
The following were all shot with a single Sigma flash for instance:
I use a DIY scoop similar to:
http://www.fototime.com/inv/908195739C4C0D3
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
If I were to get the Sunpak, I would probably use the standard or manual zoom and probably a TTL. I'm just not sure what the tradeoffs would be using a handle mount or a hot shoe mount.
I guess price has a lot to do with it as well...
Unless you remove the flash from the bracket you will always have the flash head offset from the lens up and to the left, except when you use portrait orientation and then the offset is up and to the right. The left and right offset is potentially an issue with group images where the shadow placement can conflict faces in back rows.
I don't believe that the 622 has a focus assist light, and that makes a big difference in low light.
At best the 622 has TTL capability. The E-TTL II advantage is tht of accuracy, which is extremely inportant in digital photography with a reduced dynamic range. Film was much more forgiving than digital is regarding exposure.
All of the hot shoe flashes I mentioned can also be used as E-TTL slaves in a multi-flash situation. Multiple flashes are a great way to produce even better lighting results as needed.
I have 4 of the Sunpak 611 flashes, the predecessor to the 622 Super flashes. While they are a lot of power for their size, I do not recommend them (handle bracket flashes) over the modern shoe mount flashes for a primary application.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums