Flash on a budget?

markp

markp

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I've been asked to go take some photos in a club this weekend, and really don't want to be using the pop-up flash on my 400D. Seeing as it's nearly Xmas and I'm skint, can anyone recommend something cheap and cheerful to throw some light about?

I'm thinking of getting a hotshoe extender cable so I can hold the flash up a bit too - is this worthwhile? I doubt I'll be able to bounce the flash off the ceiling!

If anyone can recommend what to get and from where, I'd be really grateful. Likewise, if anyone has something old that they want a few quid for and can get it to me before the end of the week I could probably make use of that!
 
Tripod, ISO800 and a nifty fifty fully open (50mm f1.8 cheap and cheerful TPF review here) tend to work almost anywhere. Bit of fill inflash for those close ups with the pop up flash will help a little too.
 
I wasnt sure about dragging a tripod around, but definitely had my eye on getting a nifty - just not sure what to get first - flash or lens. Hadn't been overly impressed with the results from the pop-up flash on the 400D, I must admit.
 
Have you looked at the Sigma range of flashguns, they get quite good reviews on here and are used by alot of Canon users. Some even rate them equal to the Speedlites made by Canon - however they cost alot less.

Available at Jessops, WarehouseExpress, amongst other places.
 
markp said:
I wasnt sure about dragging a tripod around, but definitely had my eye on getting a nifty - just not sure what to get first - flash or lens.
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You will almost deifnitely get more use out of the lens ... unless you only go out at night Mark ... :eek:

:D







:p
 
Yeh I've got my eye on a Sigma EF 500 DG ST which I've seen for £99 at AJ Purdy. I thought it was so cheap there had to be a catch?!
Might just bite the bullet and go for it unless anyone on here puts me off (or my girlfriend screams that I need to buy a turkey for Xmas dinner instead of a flash)

Anyone got any recommendations for where to get hotshoe extension cables?
 
Venomator said:
You will almost deifnitely get more use out of the lens ... unless you only go out at night Mark ... :eek:
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Haha. It sometimes feels like it! I leave for work in the morning, it's dark. I drive home in the evening, it's dark. I only get a glimpse of daylight when I get up from my desk during the day to get a drink! :'(
 
Can get the extension cables from most places, usually quite expensive though - approx £40 for the genuine Canon ones, they will be cheaper for non branded versions, unless someone on here has a specific supplier your best bet would be to just try your local camera store.
 
tiler65 said:
http://webres.calumetphoto.com/webres/pdfs/ukrentalguide.pdf

they have a place in Nottingham which is not too far from Coventry 580ex for £15 a day and it might sway you on chossing the correct flash unit.
extention cable for £5.50,

Just a suggestion.
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That could be a good idea actually - almost a "try before you buy"!
Thanks for the tip, might check it out and see if I should push the boat out in the new year and go for something like the 580.
 
markp said:
I've been asked to go take some photos in a club this weekend, and really don't want to be using the pop-up flash on my 400D. Seeing as it's nearly Xmas and I'm skint, can anyone recommend something cheap and cheerful to throw some light about?
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For using the built in flash I recomend trying what I did at the weekend (iso100, rear shutter curtain sync, 6" exposure f4) to get that ghost effect.

I was surprised at the results, I didnt think the onboard flash had it in it. Admittedly im using a 20D but they are reasonably similar so you should be able to get similar results.

clicky!
 
Venomator said:
A little cheaper here Mark ...

Sigma/EF-500-DG-St-Flashgun

Although AJ's have been known to price-match ... :D


i'm in a similar situation, and may need a flashgun for the weekend, i've also been looking at the above sigma and also the next one up from that model, the dg super which is about another £40, so does anyone know if they work well with nikon, just thought i would ask as it seems most people i've heard using them are canon owners,and they do seem pleased with them, so it would be good to hear from any nikon users who have one.
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