580EXII zoom question

Splog

Splog

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Steve
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When using the flash off camera in manual mode! How do you work out the zoom setting? I've used it via camera and can see a difference but I can't seem to see much 'off camera' ... If it helps I am using the flash quite close to subject! .. So will it really make any difference? What would you suggest to set the zoom at :thinking:

Steve
 
There should be a table at the back of your manual detailing the guide number at Iso 100 in meters.

Basically it tells you distance versus shutter speed for each of the zoom settings. The further away the subject is the longer the zoom should be set at but bear in mind that the angle of coverage gets narrower as the zoom length gets longer.

Extra info.....
If you're using a flash as a master on the hotshoe then setting the flash zoom longer will require the slaves to be in a narrower field infront of you. Wider zoom settings allows positioning of the slaves further apart (laterally) unless walls and ceilings are available to reflect the master's command signals.

HTH

Bob
 
Many thanks Bob that really is helpful ... :thumbs: Just looking through the manual now :cool:

Thanks again

Steve
 
At the 24mm end you should have a wide spread of light on the subject, suitable for 3/4 length shots...

At the 105mm end you should have a narrow spread of light, suitable for head and shoulders or just head shots...

Maybe you are too close to see this effect...

Other ways would be to use modifier like an umbrella for a wide spread of light or a Snoot/grid to narrow the light...

:thumbs:
 
The zoom head settings relate to the angle of the flash coverage, in terms of lens focal length. Though it has to be said that they are very rough/crude.

That is 105mm approx 24 degrees, 80mm approx 30 degrees, 50mm approx 46 degrees, 35mm approx 63 degrees, 24mm approx 84 degrees. If you have the crop factor compensation enabled, that obviously changes accordingly.
 
HoppyUK said:
The zoom head settings relate to the angle of the flash coverage, in terms of lens focal length. Though it has to be said that they are very rough/crude.

That is 105mm approx 24 degrees, 80mm approx 30 degrees, 50mm approx 46 degrees, 35mm approx 63 degrees, 24mm approx 84 degrees. If you have the crop factor compensation enabled, that obviously changes accordingly.
Click to expand...

Thanks Richard that really does help :thumbs:
 
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