Using a manual flash/TTL flash

[Wayne Churchill]

Hi I would be extremely grateful if somebody could help - I've mistakenly (possibly) purchased the wrong flash (Yongnuo YN560 IV) for my new Nikon D610, not realizing at the time it hasn't got through the lens metering. The reason for purchasing a flash is because I get lens shaddowing when shooting indoors with the built in flash/current lens setup (28-300mm). The questions I have are:-

• How easy is it to use a manual flash? I'm struggling to find much documentation on the subject for an absolute beginner
• what adjustments will i need to take into consideration?
• Is there a type of controller I could use that will enable the YN560 IV to work with the I-TTL?
• Should I just get another flash or is the manual idea a better path to take?

I'm quite new to photography but have a general understanding and the ability to learn

 

[Kris]

• Should I just get another flash or is the manual idea a better path to take?

With experience, yes, or rather perhaps.

As a beginner, who just wants to put a flash on their camera and get 'acceptable' results, I'd recommend a TTL flash to start.

 

[UaeExile]

I'm no expert with flash, but I have been experimenting lately and only just returned from the shops after picking up a YN565 EX for my Nikon D750 (the TTL version).

To be honest, flash isn't difficult at all. Most manual flashes are simply up/down (power) and left/right (zoom). If you're shooting in a controlled environment like at home shooting portraits or still like, manual is a good way to learn as you'll pick up how flash actually works in relation to your camera settings.

Unfortunately for me I've got an event to go to tomorrow where the lighting, distance, subjects will be constantly moving, hence the new flash with TTL.

If you're just starting, you should pick up a copy of "the speedlighters handbook", and head over to David Hobbys website www.strobist.com

EDIT: When I said flash isn't difficult, I really meant it's not difficult to light something. It's when you get into modifiers and inverse square law when it becomes confusing

 

[dizidav]

 

[Phil V]

I'm no expert with flash, but I have been experimenting lately and only just returned from the shops after picking up a YN565 EX for my Nikon D750 (the TTL version).

To be honest, flash isn't difficult at all. Most manual flashes are simply up/down (power) and left/right (zoom). If you're shooting in a controlled environment like at home shooting portraits or still like, manual is a good way to learn as you'll pick up how flash actually works in relation to your camera settings.

Unfortunately for me I've got an event to go to tomorrow where the lighting, distance, subjects will be constantly moving, hence the new flash with TTL.

If you're just starting, you should pick up a copy of "the speedlighters handbook", and head over to David Hobbys website www.strobist.com

EDIT: When I said flash isn't difficult, I really meant it's not difficult to light something. It's when you get into modifiers and inverse square law when it becomes confusing

All I'll add to this is that you should either send back the 560 or keep it as a 2nd and get yourself a 568 or similar.

But definitely the book and website, an on-camera flash with no thought is just as bad as the built in flash, fortunately the 'thought' isn't rocket salad.

 

[Wayne Churchill]

Thank you all for the feedback, very helpful!

I ordered the flash late night through EBay after what seemed like hours scrolling through the items, it wasn't until this morning I realized it isn't TTL. I have just started reading through the strobist (very helpful). I'll order a 568 and keep the 560 (i don't think the return procedure is going to be very straight forward)

 

[Kris]

Spend the extra £20 and get a YN600ex-rt.

Much more capable gun, especially if you get serious.

 

[DizMatt]

for me, TTL is essential.
if you have a static situation then manual is the way to go, but if you have dynamic conditions then ETTL is essential for the likes of me.

even if you don't want a harsh light source, you can always have auto comp on the flash to increase or decrease the emission based upon the TTL.

YN flashes are pretty good. I have 565exII which is TTL on Canon and the YN600RX now. decent kit.
Also look up SHANNY flashes which are getting a decent reputation I think.
don't skimp on batteries either, a few sets of decent eneloops of other good batteries with over 2500mAh claims.
I use vaportech 2900 or unicell 3800mAh ones. (beware of other high claiming AAs which just won't even function in your flash!)