Would the most economical way to get my flash off the camera be to use a cord of some sort? (Canon 580 EX II with 40D)
Yes. A simple PC cord will do the trick if all you need is to trigger it. They are reasonably cheap and you can find (or make) long ones. When using a PC cord you have to put the flash in manual mode.
For a bit more money you can get a cord which hooks to the hot shoe and will give you metered off camera flash. I have one of those, but it is short enough to only really be useful when the flash is on a bracket.
The next step up from there is an ST-E2 which gives you an optical wireless connection for both triggering and metering. If you can swing one of those, it'll open a large world of possibilities.
Yup. Get a PC cord and something to hold your flash, set it to manual and you're in business. If you don't have a flash meter, it may take a little time and effort to dial in the flash intensity, but it's not very hard. Set the flash power, take a shot and look at your histogram (you should pretty much ignore your LCD image for exposure considerations). If you've blown the highlights, lower your power. If it's under-exposed, increase your flash power. Take another shot.
Oh, and don't shoot directly at your subject but bounce your flash. But you already know this - don't you!!
To add to Scott's good post.
Stobes power settings are usually controlled by full stops. If you just want your light to be a tad bit stonger or softer. Just move the strobe's relative distance closer or further. to fine tune your lighting.
To add to Scott's good post.
Stobes power settings are usually controlled by full stops. If you just want your light to be a tad bit stonger or softer. Just move the strobe's relative distance closer or further. to fine tune your lighting.
The 580EX (both versions) can be controlled in 1/3 stop increments from full to 1/128 power. Once you have used one, you get spoiled by the level of control you have.
The 580EX (both versions) can be controlled in 1/3 stop increments from full to 1/128 power. Once you have used one, you get spoiled by the level of control you have.
Since I just "swung" for a 40D, 17-55 2.8 IS, 85 1.8 and 580 EX II, I don't think I'll be picking up an ST-E2 for awhile!
Congradulations Elaine!! I know you wanted to switch systems for awhile. You really jumped in whole hog huh?. .....Elaine must have been a good gal this year.
The 580 is VERY adjustable!! I won't add to the off camera suggestions since you already have gotten correct info on that. But I will ask.....doncha think that 85mm is sWeeeeeeeet!!!!?
I cannot wait to see what you produce with these!!!
Congradulations Elaine!! I know you wanted to switch systems for awhile. You really jumped in whole hog huh?. .....Elaine must have been a good gal this year.
The 580 is VERY adjustable!! I won't add to the off camera suggestions since you already have gotten correct info on that. But I will ask.....doncha think that 85mm is sWeeeeeeeet!!!!?
I cannot wait to see what you produce with these!!!
Thanks, Jeff! My gear arrives by Wednesday! I figured it would be too frustrating to go into it without enough to really get me going. I'm sure I'll agree with you that the 85 is a sweeeeeet lens! I'm very excited about that one. My favorite portrait lens right now is my 90mm macro 2.8, but it is SLOW, so having a similar type of lens that's meant to be fast sounds dreamy! I'm sure I'll be asking a lot of questions. I have two Christmas card shoots planned for next weekend, so Thurs and Fri will be spent reading and playing.
Elaine
Comments and constructive critique always welcome!
Comments
Yes. A simple PC cord will do the trick if all you need is to trigger it. They are reasonably cheap and you can find (or make) long ones. When using a PC cord you have to put the flash in manual mode.
For a bit more money you can get a cord which hooks to the hot shoe and will give you metered off camera flash. I have one of those, but it is short enough to only really be useful when the flash is on a bracket.
The next step up from there is an ST-E2 which gives you an optical wireless connection for both triggering and metering. If you can swing one of those, it'll open a large world of possibilities.
Since I just "swung" for a 40D, 17-55 2.8 IS, 85 1.8 and 580 EX II, I don't think I'll be picking up an ST-E2 for awhile!
Comments and constructive critique always welcome!
Elaine Heasley Photography
Oh, and don't shoot directly at your subject but bounce your flash. But you already know this - don't you!!
My Photos
Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
Equipment List - Check my profile
Stobes power settings are usually controlled by full stops. If you just want your light to be a tad bit stonger or softer. Just move the strobe's relative distance closer or further. to fine tune your lighting.
Cheers,
-Jon
http://flashzebra.com/screwlock_pc_fivemeter/0034.shtml
The screw lock feature comes in real handy.
Eric
It's better to be hated for who you are than to be loved for who you're not.
http://photosbyeric.smugmug.com
Hey, that looks cool! Thanks for the link!
Comments and constructive critique always welcome!
Elaine Heasley Photography
I looked around that site. They have some great stuff! Thanks for supplying that link!
My Photos
Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
Equipment List - Check my profile
Thanks it is a pretty new site according to the owner, Lon. He hangs out at POTN and really seems to know what he is talking about.
Eric
It's better to be hated for who you are than to be loved for who you're not.
http://photosbyeric.smugmug.com
The 580EX (both versions) can be controlled in 1/3 stop increments from full to 1/128 power. Once you have used one, you get spoiled by the level of control you have.
Congradulations Elaine!!
The 580 is VERY adjustable!! I won't add to the off camera suggestions since you already have gotten correct info on that. But I will ask.....doncha think that 85mm is sWeeeeeeeet!!!!?
I cannot wait to see what you produce with these!!!
Jeff
-Need help with Dgrin?; Wedding Photography Resources
-My Website - Blog - Tips for Senior Portraiture
Thanks, Jeff! My gear arrives by Wednesday!
Comments and constructive critique always welcome!
Elaine Heasley Photography