Canon 580ex ii

[coneman]

Dunno why my previous flash query was moved... Did I do something wrong?

I'll try asking for help in a different way.

I'm interested in the Canon 580ex ii flash, BUT I need to know how it performs in bounce mode. Does it do all the work, or is it necessary for the user to compensate for bounced light? I've used only auto flashes, which measure the light returning to the flash and therefore compensates for bounce, diffusion, etc. How does dedicated TTL perform? I've Googled this issue to death and have yet to find an answer.

Bill

[ualymerej]

it was moved because this is a lighting issue which has a specific forum for that topic called "lighting discussion"

In my experience (at least with nikon) ttl usually gets it right (around 90-95%), but if the situation is critical, you may want to go manual and test it out before the money shot.

[coneman]

My Bad. Thought flash equipment was considered equipment.

Thanks for your response.

[Abel]

Jeremy is right. We had a separate dedicated section for everything lighting related. Your thread was not deleted, it was just moved to the correct section in order to keep our sections specific to what they're intended for.

This thread will also be moved.

[MT Stringer]

I need to know how it performs in bounce mode. Does it do all the work, or is it necessary for the user to compensate for bounced light?

I don't know what you mean by compensating for the bounce, but you may have to use the FEC to add some extra compensation. For me, I shoot with the camera on manual - set the shutter speed at 1/200 - 1/250, ISO between 400 and 800 (for indoors stuff) and f/stop somewhere around f/4.5 - 5.6. The flash is in Auto. Take your picture. The flash will adjust it's output o make your exposure correct. If it turns out a little dark, increase your flash exposure compensation some and take another shot. If it is over exposed, the FEC might need some minus adjustment.

Here is an example. Stepdaughter and two of our grandkids at Christmas. Flash was bounced off the 15 foot ceiling.

EXIF IFD0

Camera Make {0x010F} = Canon
Camera Model {0x0110} = Canon EOS 7D

EXIF Sub IFD

ISO Speed Ratings {0x8827} = 400
Original Date/Time {0x9003} = 2010:12:25 21:10:54
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/200 second
Aperture Value (APEX) {0x9202} = 433985/100000
Aperture = ƒ/4.5
Flash {0x9209} = Flash fired, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length {0x920A} = 28/1 mm ===> 28 mm

[thumper]

Have you read Chuck Gardener's post on Canon Flash, particularly ETTL? Here's the link:

Tutorial Links

T. Sandlin

[coneman]

Thanks guys. Michael, you addressed my question exactly.

I may stay with auto flashes. I have two Sunpak 383 flashes and one Sunpak TTL dedicated to Canon Eos. I'm not so happy with the dedicated model, thus my query on Canon flashes.

Thanks again.

Bill

[elguapo]

Originally Posted by coneman

Dunno why my previous flash query was moved... Did I do something wrong?

I'll try asking for help in a different way.

I'm interested in the Canon 580ex ii flash, BUT I need to know how it performs in bounce mode. Does it do all the work, or is it necessary for the user to compensate for bounced light? I've used only auto flashes, which measure the light returning to the flash and therefore compensates for bounce, diffusion, etc. How does dedicated TTL perform? I've Googled this issue to death and have yet to find an answer.

Bill

In ETTL mode, the camera and ETTL compatible flash determine the level of light needed and adjust the flash output accordingly no matter how the flash is oriented or what diffusers you have on it. From my experience, it works well most of the time, and is very good when you are in a fast moving situation. You can also adjust the power on the flash so that it is +\- 3 stops from what ever output is selected by the camera for ETTL.

However, using a flash off camera and in manual mode is the best way to go I you can so you have full control of the flash settings. If you can do without ETTL, I HIGHLY recommend the Yong Nuo 560 Flash. It sells for around $80 and is basically a manual 580 EX flash. It even uses the same battery pack. Besides no ETTL, it has no stroboscopic ability and no HSS mode.

If you can wait, Yong Nuo has announced a 565 Flash that will have ETTL. No release date announced.