Shopping for a flash

[mrutledge]

So, what do I look for? My camera is the Pentax K110D, but the desired features should translate well to most other cameras.

Flash prices seem to range from $50-$300 and most of them look the same to me.

What does the guide number mean? My main complaint about the built in flash on the camera is the lack of speed. I'd love to be able to take action shots of my kid running across the house.

Is something similar to the Pentax 360 FGZ worth the money?

Thanks all.
-Matt

[Luv_Jeeps]

The 360FGZ looks decent for the price.
I paid quite a bit more for my Nikon SB-800.
External flashes are a very useful tool when taking pictures, especially portrait type pictures.
As far as the guide number, it is a flash-to-subject distance and focal ratio.....
Here's a link to read on it for ya.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guide_number

[ColoradoSkier]

I picked my flash up on ebay way cheaper than it would be new. When you start thinking about buying a flash, it's time to read www.strobist.com and see if you can make some smart decisions up front.

[mrutledge]

I picked my flash up on ebay way cheaper than it would be new. When you start thinking about buying a flash, it's time to read www.strobist.com and see if you can make some smart decisions up front.

Strobist is a weird site. I'm not a huge fan of the way it's organized, but there sure is a whole lot of information. Unfortunately, not much of what they discuss on strobist is relevant to the way I use my camera.

When flash shopping, start here: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101-start-here.html

What I find REALLY interesting is one of the vendors mentioned on strobist has a "strobist approved" parts list. The flash in that list seems to be a very cheap unit that looks almost nothing like the flash mentioned in the "start here" article.

I think I'm going to try to stay with the pentax hardware. The DPreview pentax SLR forum mentions some compatibility issues with hardware from other brands. :( I've got a lead on a used 360FGZ. If that doesn't pan out, I might just bite the bullet and go with the 540FGZ.

It's sort of weird comparing the different brands of hardware. Everything online seems to be geared towards the Nikon crowd. Sort of fun learning all the new terms specific to the different brands.

-Matt

[Jocko]

I only buy brand specific stuff. Only Nikon gear goes on my Nikon bodies. Years ago I had a Minolta body that I used off brand lenses and speed-lights on. Didn't perform as well as the brand specific stuff. Besides, who knows Pentax better than Pentax?

I would say get as good of a speed-light as your pocket book allows. Buy once, cry once.

Jocko

[mrutledge]

I only buy brand specific stuff. Only Nikon gear goes on my Nikon bodies. Years ago I had a Minolta body that I used off brand lenses and speed-lights on. Didn't perform as well as the brand specific stuff. Besides, who knows Pentax better than Pentax?

I would say get as good of a speed-light as your pocket book allows. Buy once, cry once.

Jocko

It seems the only real difference (for what I'm doing) between the 360FGZ and 540FGZ is the 540 has a swivel option. Having never owned an external flash before, how often is something like this used? The main subject of my pictures will be my kid. Sometimes moving. (Ok, she's always moving...)

-Matt

[Jocko]

I use the swivel option maybe 50% of the time. I use "craft foam" for a bouce card. When using it, you have to rotate the flash head.

I'll post pics of it later...

Jocko

[ColoradoSkier]

I use the swivel a lot, especially when I rotate the camera for a pic on that axis.

[Jocko]

This is the bounce panel I use. Does a great job of diffusing harsh light. You would need a swivel head in order to take "portrait" shots.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y144/cj3185002/DSC_0002-2.jpg

Swivel heads also allow more choices when bouncing flash, whether it be an adjacent wall, ceiling or even behind you.

My recommendation would be to buy the 540.

Jocko

[ColoradoSkier]

Looks like the inside of a bleach bottle or something...

[Jocko]

A simpler version of the homemade panel near the bottom of the following link.

I think it's called fun foam and can be purchased at wal-mart or craft stores.

http://super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/

[TrailTJ]

I would go with the 540 as well. You won't regret it. Bouncing the flash off of walls and such will really soften the light. I do it quite often, soft diffused light is a lot better for portraits.


That diffuser is a cool idea! It makes using a speedlite seem more appealing.

Jocko, did you "bend" the end of your diffuser (like on that link) to direct more of the light onto the subject? How many stop difference is it using the diffuser vs. just the direct flash, or do you us the auto TTL metering(I think most people would use ttl)?

[mrutledge]

I would go with the 540 as well. You won't regret it. Bouncing the flash off of walls and such will really soften the light. I do it quite often, soft diffused light is a lot better for portraits.


$180 no tax, no shipping vs. $380+tax and/or shipping, and my favorite camera shop doesn't carry one. :(

If I put it off another two weeks I guess it won't be that difficult to swallow.

Thanks for all the input folks.

-Matt

[Luv_Jeeps]

This is the bounce panel I use. Does a great job of diffusing harsh light. You would need a swivel head in order to take "portrait" shots.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y144/cj3185002/DSC_0002-2.jpg

Swivel heads also allow more choices when bouncing flash, whether it be an adjacent wall, ceiling or even behind you.

My recommendation would be to buy the 540.

Jocko

What lens is that on your D200?

[Jocko]

Jocko, did you "bend" the end of your diffuser (like on that link) to direct more of the light onto the subject? How many stop difference is it using the diffuser vs. just the direct flash, or do you us the auto TTL metering(I think most people would use ttl)?

No, the top does not have a bend. It is pliable, so when I want to direct more light forward i just bend it a little. Not sure on how many stops I lose. I usually take an ambient reading and set the camera from there. Yes, most of the time I leave it in TTL. Very smart metering system in the D200/SB800.

What lens is that on your D200?

17-55 2.8 :)

[Luv_Jeeps]

17-55 2.8 :)
Nice....
I just purchased this last weekend....been getting into the macro stuff lately.
It's mounted on an 18-200VR at the moment.
My Kenko extenstion tubes are supposed to show up today and I am going to build a light box.
http://ju.nrfg.com/RC1.JPG

[TrailTJ]

No, the top does not have a bend. It is pliable, so when I want to direct more light forward i just bend it a little. Not sure on how many stops I lose. I usually take an ambient reading and set the camera from there. Yes, most of the time I leave it in TTL. Very smart metering system in the D200/SB800.



17-55 2.8 :)

That is really cool that the stuff is pliable. TTL is very nice sometimes, manually setting the flash is much more fun IMO:) .
(guide # = distance X f-stop)

Matt, I think the 540 would be worth the wait and a little extra $.