An extra flash will increase your options, whether allowing you to shoot in light too challenging for your current setup or for "special effects" like fill, or even to a degree to allow higher shutter speeds. It's not a cure-all tool, but nonetheless very useful when it suits your needs.
I'd read really carefully any accounts of others using your camera and any flash you are considering. Some combos work better than others, especially for fill.
I certainly agree with Hank. Be certain you can really "dial down" any flash you use, whether on-camera or off-camera. Otherwise, it will not be a fill-flash, but cast unwanted shadows.
If you're hoping to throw light onto a bird, which will rarely be close, you'll need an off-camera flash with a flash extender, like the Better Beamer. (look in the "store" here for more info on these)
Sandy r
Posted by Nathan Lovas on February 10, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Having a flash is definitely a plus...it gives you so many more options for shooting in various conditons. It can add a catch light to the eyes, fill in shadow and add detail (especially on backlit subjects), and I use it all the time for macro work at night. I find it easier to find and get close to a lot of insects/crittesr at night, and it is basically a necessity then. You may not find yourself using it all the time for your photography, but i bet you won't regret having it when you need it...Nate
Posted by Ed Cordes on February 10, 2008 at 7:23 PM
I use my 550EX flash and Better Beamer on birds a lot. If I am shooting in Aperture priority I generally have the flash set on EV - 1 1/3 or - 1 2/3 or even -2. I try to shoot manual to avoid the small pre-flash that often spooks the birds. If I am in manual I set the flash at 1/8, 1/16, or even 1/32 power depending on the ambient light and the relative reflectivity of the feathers. Watching the histogram and looking at the LCD preview is very valuable.
Also as in all things photography practice makes a big difference - we are all still learning.
How close do you have to be to a bird to be able to use the flash?
Posted by Dan Borzynski on February 10, 2008 at 10:36 PM
For macro, the popup flash on your camera will almost certainly not work consistently well, especially when you get to 1:1. The main problem is that the macro lens and/or hood will cast a shadow on the subject. You'll see a weird curved shadow. For less magnification, the popup flash can work. I've never tested it with the 20D and my lenses so I am not real sure where the cutoff on distance lies. That is why I suggested a hotshoe flash with offcamera cord somewhere below, although it may not have been in response to one of your posts.
When doing macro photography, my preference is no flash. On occasion, I'll use fill flash, around -1 2/3 if there are heavy shadows. When I absolutely need to freeze the subject, I'll go to full flash ONLY if I have a background that won't go to black. Usually, this means leaves or ground within 2-3 inches of the subject. A black background on a subject usually thought of as a daylight subject tends to bother me. In both cases, I'll use a diffuser on the flash and usually an off-camera cord with the flash handheld.
I have a small amount of experience with a ringflash or a dual flash, like Canon's MT-14 or the MR-24. Not enough to be confidant of commenting on them, although both flashes are being looked at more carefully for personal use. I suspect from previous posts that your dollars would probably be better spent on something like the 430 or 580.
For bird photography, with a 430 or 580 and a Better Beamer, the subject distance and how big it is in the frame will be your limiting factor. Both flashes are powerful enough. Ed's comment on using fill flash is about the limits of my knowledge in avain photography.
If you are looking at purchasing a flash, you may want to consider a used 550 instead. It has most, if not all, of the features of the 580, loses only a half stop of power, and should cost in the ballpark of the 430, or maybe slightly more.
Discussion
6 repliesI'm just curious as to how often you all use a flash..such as the 430EX or 580EX when doing avian or macro photography?
I have not really used the flash that is built into my Rebel XT very often at all as I prefer natural light, but when is it better to use a flash?
I'm just curious as to whether or not I should look into getting one of these flash units in the future.
Thanks!!
I'd read really carefully any accounts of others using your camera and any flash you are considering. Some combos work better than others, especially for fill.
If you're hoping to throw light onto a bird, which will rarely be close, you'll need an off-camera flash with a flash extender, like the Better Beamer. (look in the "store" here for more info on these)
Sandy r
Also as in all things photography practice makes a big difference - we are all still learning.
When doing macro photography, my preference is no flash. On occasion, I'll use fill flash, around -1 2/3 if there are heavy shadows. When I absolutely need to freeze the subject, I'll go to full flash ONLY if I have a background that won't go to black. Usually, this means leaves or ground within 2-3 inches of the subject. A black background on a subject usually thought of as a daylight subject tends to bother me. In both cases, I'll use a diffuser on the flash and usually an off-camera cord with the flash handheld.
I have a small amount of experience with a ringflash or a dual flash, like Canon's MT-14 or the MR-24. Not enough to be confidant of commenting on them, although both flashes are being looked at more carefully for personal use. I suspect from previous posts that your dollars would probably be better spent on something like the 430 or 580.
For bird photography, with a 430 or 580 and a Better Beamer, the subject distance and how big it is in the frame will be your limiting factor. Both flashes are powerful enough. Ed's comment on using fill flash is about the limits of my knowledge in avain photography.
If you are looking at purchasing a flash, you may want to consider a used 550 instead. It has most, if not all, of the features of the 580, loses only a half stop of power, and should cost in the ballpark of the 430, or maybe slightly more.