Comments on: How to Choose a Flash: 5 Things to Consider

By: Carl Crosby

Carl Crosby — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 14:00:39 +0000

Good discussion. I realize I am a bit late to this, but third party flashes have a lot to offer. first, they are often less expen$ive than the major manufacturers’ offerings. In some cases, they are easier to set and operate. For a Pro, the “big name” units do seem to run and run. I have a Nikon SB 600 that I’ve had for 20+ years. If a person is not a “machine gun” sort of photog, most will do very well for a very long period of time. I have had good service from Nikon, Sunpak, Altura and Flashpoint units over the years.
At one time, “Synchro-Sun (fill flash) was the thing. My friendly Sergeant Said “Burn them up”! This was in the days of 4X5 Press cameras and large flashbulbs.
Things are better now! The combination of “P” Mode and TTL BL on your flash will balance daylight very well, and look good, too. Some minor adjustment may be necessary. Manual mode and -1 2/3 flash compensation is another good place to start.
But…why so much disrespect for the built-in flash? It’s unobtrusive, always there, ready to go and very competent within its admittedly small capability. Deer in the headlights photos? Flat lighting? Sure, but you can modify it. Diffuse it…one layer of clean, white handkerchief does well, and loses about a stop. a piece of white paper does well, too. And…P +.TTLBL…iirc, the default for on board flash…works well, too. As Mr. Spock used to say…Live Long, and PHOTOGRAPH!

By: Collins Tagoe

Collins Tagoe — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 18:51:05 +0000

Please I need your help, between godox tt520 and godox tt600 which one should I invest in

Thanks

By: Hamza Ali

Hamza Ali — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 10:37:00 +0000

In reply to KC. I agree with you KC, as METZ flashes are some of the best in performance and durability.

By: Kunal Malhotra

Kunal Malhotra — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 09:40:00 +0000

In reply to SeenuSubbu. Personally, I would any day prefer Godox flash over Yongnuo. As per my experience, Godox products are more durable and the recycle time is good too. But yes, if the budget allows, nothing better than investing in Nikon/Canon flashes.

By: SeenuSubbu

SeenuSubbu — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 17:15:00 +0000

My to-go flash, my Nikon SB-900, broke after many years of service. Tried to work with a Yongnuo flash for an event that came by before I could buy a viable replacement, mistake of my life. These wannabes don’t hold a candle when it comes to recycle time. I shoot at less than 1/4th power, the Nikon would fire right from the hip, no problem. It was embarrassing to make the client wait for recharge of this cheap crap, and often took shots which didn’t get the flash going. I also shoot with rechargeable batteries and my SB-900 would give me at least 400-500 shots at 1/4th to 1/8th power and perhaps beyond, and this Yongnuo ran through my freshly charged batteries in no time. Never again.

By: KC

KC — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 02:28:00 +0000

Great points. Personally, I prefer Metz. The built in flash on most cameras aren’t very good – but they can be used as a trigger for some off camera flashes. Some other things to consider: some of these flashes have a video light built in. It can be handy for when you need a bit of extra light for available light work. If you shoot a lot of verticals, remember that a big flash (4 AA’s) is a lot of weight on a hot shoe. You might want to look at a flash with a metal foot, too.

“Pocket flashes” are very handy. They’re small, don’t weigh much, many can tilt for bounce lighting. and are more powerful and less harsh than the built in flash. An added bonus is that they have their own batteries. I have a Metz 26-AF2. It’s a very capable little flash.