Nov 21 2008
Best Flash to use for wedding photography (I have a Canon EOS 40D)?
Loodles asked:
I am entering a new world of photography and I am not sure the best flash to buy, I have a Canon 40D and would like to get something that will be really good for a large room full of people and close ups. Any advice would be great. Thanks!
Tell us what you think!
I am entering a new world of photography and I am not sure the best flash to buy, I have a Canon 40D and would like to get something that will be really good for a large room full of people and close ups. Any advice would be great. Thanks!
Tell us what you think!
4 Responses to “Best Flash to use for wedding photography (I have a Canon EOS 40D)?”
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there are a few canon flashes available in the market.. the 580EXII (older 580EX) would be a good choice.. the head can be use to bounce the light and it also have swivel head so u can be more creative taking picture using it..
Probably the 580EX or EXII, but I have used the 430EX for weddings. The most important thing is to learn how to use a flash effectively. Particularly learn how to use bounce flash. Even one of these flashes is not going to light a large room full of people. Unless you have an assistant and can move around some off camera lights, the best thing is to avoid flash whenever possible and use available light. Some people also like to use a bracket because it eliminates redeye when using direct flash. Far better than investing in a flash (though you should have one) is investing in some nice lenses that have a maximum f/2.8 aperture or greater. Popular wedding choices are the 70-200 f/2.8, 135 f/2, 50 f/1.2 and f/1.4, 24-70 f/2.8, 16-35 f/2.8. The 100 f/2.8 macro lens is also nice for close up ring shots. Generally you should have a telephoto either the 70-200 or 135, a wider angle for group shots, and a specialty really low light lens like the 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.2 if you can afford it. The mid range zoom you can do without. You should also either have a second shooter with you or two camera bodies so you do not have to keep switching lenses.
The 430EX is a fine gun, however the 580ex or 580ex mk2 give you that little bit of an edge in power and have a faster recycling time, also they accept power from external batterrys to further speed things up.
Combined with a stofen, an off camera cord and a daylight to tungsten conversion gel (you get a book of samples free if you ask Lees filters nicely) and you have all the flash you need for most situations.
Don’t consider third party flashguns, the canons aren’t the cheapest, but they work very well with your cam (cheap guns may lose features such as wireless - a 580 or 580mk2 can trigger 420s 430s and 430mk2s, useful functions such as high speed synch - essential for daylight fill flash, and depth of field preview flash modelling - useful on a film eos if you ever have the occasion) the swivel tilt head gives you loads of modelling options and the use of an off cord cable even lets you do things like macro with the standard gun.
What everyone else said was great. I would like to add that if you are taking pictures of the ceremony you should talk to the priest/rabbi/minister/judge/etc. The reason I say this is that many places that hold the ceremony do not allow a flash.