Canon 550EX for $295 (which flash is right for me?)

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by saroy

Just wanted to say this is a great thread...I was wondering the same thing, Suzy! One of the next couple "cheaper" items on my list is a flash...

I'm glad it could help someone else :) I just ordered the 550EX from BuyDig. Price dropped $5 from yesterday, which I already thought was good, and free shipping.

Now I just need to order the Omni Bounce from BHPHoto. I save $21.40 this way.

[keefeborden]

I just went through the process that you are going through now.... 580 or 550? Sigma or Canon? Based on the positive reviews of the Sigma 500 on DP review, I went ahead and bought that flash. I've had it less than 24 hours now, so I can't say that I recommend it. So far, it does all that it promises. I really like the second curtain sync feature and the fast flash feature. I'm sure to use both. The Sigma does not have the ability to switch focus points with the auto focus assist light. It only uses the center point, which is something I can live with. There are a few other features that it does not have, but it is comparable to the 550, at about 2/3 the price. Good luck on your decision.
Keefe.

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by keefeborden

I just went through the process that you are going through now.... 580 or 550? Sigma or Canon? Based on the positive reviews of the Sigma 500 on DP review, I went ahead and bought that flash. I've had it less than 24 hours now, so I can't say that I recommend it. So far, it does all that it promises. I really like the second curtain sync feature and the fast flash feature. I'm sure to use both. The Sigma does not have the ability to switch focus points with the auto focus assist light. It only uses the center point, which is something I can live with. There are a few other features that it does not have, but it is comparable to the 550, at about 2/3 the price. Good luck on your decision.
Keefe.

Keefe, congrats on your purchase and I hope it works out well for you. I was thinking of getting the Sigma for awhile, but the Canon 550 was $50 more, so I went for it. I can't say that I really needed to, but I did anyway. Look forward to receiving it, although it may take a couple weeks since I did the free shipping! I'll have it (and hopefully understand how to use it) in time for the dog show in Houston in July. It will be so nice not to have to use ISO 800 in every shot and only get shutter speeds around 1/40!

[Glen_A]

Originally Posted by LoungeLizard

E-TTL 2 is the latest TTL from Canon. It is the one the 20D uses. Since I am thinking (hoping) to upgrade to a 20D later this year or early next, I didn't want a flash that didn't include that.

Unless I am mistaken, ETTL 2 is a camera software that works with ANY Canon EX series flash units, so yes the 420EX will perform ETTL2 function. The 580EX does have more bells and whistles, like flash exposure compensation, the ability to *read* what model camera it is on and adjust flash width and strength accordingly.

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography...peedlites.html

[PIC]

Is anyone familar with the Canon 540 Flash ?
I assume its like the 550 but with less features.
Does any one know the features or specs ?

Eric

[Dennis_H]

The 540 is an EZ model, not an EX. It will only work in manual on a Digital EOS. I used one on a film and got rid of it when I went to digital. I picked up a Sigma 500 Super and am very happy with it. I picked it up from Delta International before the prices went up $13. Here is a link there.

http://www.deltainternational.com/st...GFDGSUPERC.htm

No affiliation, but I had a good experience with them.

Dennis_H

[jhom]

Originally Posted by elfanucchi

Is anyone familar with the Canon 540 Flash ?
I assume its like the 550 but with less features.
Does any one know the features or specs ?

Eric

Eric, the link to the article I posted earlier in this thread provides an excellent presentation about Canon's flashes. The differences in EZ and EX and other flashes are explained. I believe the article is well worth reading.

[suzyjazz]

Got my flash today, and as expected, I don't know what I am doing. I got through the first 2 pages of the linked article but I can't seem to find anywhere that says what the max shutter speed the 550EX has with the 300D. Not in the flash manual, not in that article. I must be blind! How am I supposed to use fill flash at the tiger shoot if the max shuuter speed is 1/200 and I need a faster that that shutter speed to avoid camera shake with my 70-200 f4? I took some decent pics with it in P mode using FEC but of course the max speed my camera is giving me is 1/60, too slow to catch my dog playing. Av mode is even worse. THe bounce is nice, though. Should get the Diffuser next week.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by suzyjazz

Got my flash today, and as expected, I don't know what I am doing. I got through the first 2 pages of the linked article but I can't seem to find anywhere that says what the max shutter speed the 550EX has with the 300D. Not in the flash manual, not in that article. I must be blind! How am I supposed to use fill flash at the tiger shoot if the max shuuter speed is 1/200 and I need a faster that that shutter speed to avoid camera shake with my 70-200 f4? .

High speed sync is on page 32 of the manual for the 550EX. High-speed sync can be uesd in E-TTL and M flash modes. Press the "+ and -" simultaneously to change modes.

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by thejakestir

High speed sync is on page 32 of the manual for the 550EX. High-speed sync can be uesd in E-TTL and M flash modes. Press the "+ and -" simultaneously to change modes.

Oops. Thank you :)