Beginner flash?

Javaslinger · 12-10-2009, 02:16 PM

Ok, so I'd like to get an external flask for my K20D... I don't have a specific use in mind other than for indoor shots... maybe to do a little fill light outside...

Without a specific use, and without spending a lot, what's a good general flash for beginner that's better than the pop up?

Thanks,

Ken

matiki · 12-10-2009, 02:20 PM

I bought an AF360-FGZ and it's been great. I do wish I'd bought the AF540-FGZ instead. I suspect I'll just add that, and use the 360 off-camera. Once you see how much better your indoor photography is with flash - you'll never go anywhere without it. At least, I don't anymore.

**Ash** · 12-10-2009, 02:27 PM

Lots of choices here.
Matt's guide comes in handy: http://pttl.mattdm.org/
Consider one that both tilts and swivels, as this gives you the most versatility indoors as well as outside.

matiki · 12-10-2009, 02:33 PM

Great site Ash. I'm going to study it before pulling the trigger on my next flash. Thanks!

GerryL · 12-10-2009, 03:18 PM

If you don't mind not having wireless capability you might want to try any of the Vivitar, Bower, Rokinon, or Digital Concept flashes.
There are 2 kinds, one with an LCD back and one that has simple LED indicator lights.
Both the simple higher priced and the simple one have rear curtain sync options.
These are very easy to use and are dedicated P-TTL.
There are some reviews of them on the Camera and Studio accessories part of the forum.
You have to do a search though as it might already be buried after the new threads.
The most pricey is the Vivitar, but it is the same copy as the other brands as they are made by a company called Tumax.

graphicgr8s · 12-10-2009, 07:52 PM

Well I use an AF400T, a Vivitar 286HV, and a Mamiya flash. I am just getting into studio work and have set one up in an unused formal living room. The pro work I use to do never required a studio of any type and now with a child to practice with I felt the need to learn another aspect. I started off small. And cheap. Flashpoint wireless with 3 receivers, a shoot thru umbrella. All from Adorama. Tried it all out last night playing with exposure and I love the end results. That being said, when I use the AF400T or the 285 on camera I usually treat it like a film exposure. I go for the 1/60 sec and use the aperture as recommended by the flash for the distance. It works for me anyway. It's a starting point for me. I love experimenting.

The AF400T is expensive for sure. But the Vivitar isn't.

emalvick · 12-10-2009, 08:38 PM

Older flashes like the AF-280t work well, but you have to be resigned to the fact that they don't have PTTL, so their auto ability is limited, although it worked quite well for me in P-Mode.

**davidreilly3207** · 12-10-2009, 09:40 PM

Don't forget some type of light modifier. Nothing worse than un-defused flash light. Something like the Omnibounce, Gary Fong,s Lightsphere, etc. is essential. Sigma EF 530 DG Super is a powerful inexpensive flash. The ST model lacks TTL control. Also, check out the Strobist blog for information on placement, gel usage, etc.

12-10-2009, 02:16 PM	#1
Javaslinger Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Blacksburg, VA Photos: Albums Posts: 286	Beginner flash? Ok, so I'd like to get an external flask for my K20D... I don't have a specific use in mind other than for indoor shots... maybe to do a little fill light outside... Without a specific use, and without spending a lot, what's a good general flash for beginner that's better than the pop up? Thanks, Ken

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Which Flash for a Beginner?	jaieger	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	6	09-20-2010 01:20 AM
Whats the typical flash for a beginner?	rustynail925	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	60	08-13-2010 11:54 AM
Beginner Looking for a Flash-Night Action	allen1466	Photographic Technique	2	07-25-2010 02:51 PM
Beginner Flash Help	Kris88	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	4	08-22-2009 04:03 PM
Best beginner flash - k200d macro	ds1w	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	3	09-23-2008 02:34 PM

12-10-2009, 02:20 PM	#2
matiki Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Seattle Photos: Albums Posts: 393	I bought an AF360-FGZ and it's been great. I do wish I'd bought the AF540-FGZ instead. I suspect I'll just add that, and use the 360 off-camera. Once you see how much better your indoor photography is with flash - you'll never go anywhere without it. At least, I don't anymore.

12-10-2009, 02:27 PM	#3
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Lots of choices here. Matt's guide comes in handy: http://pttl.mattdm.org/ Consider one that both tilts and swivels, as this gives you the most versatility indoors as well as outside.

12-10-2009, 02:33 PM	#4
matiki Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Seattle Photos: Albums Posts: 393	Great site Ash. I'm going to study it before pulling the trigger on my next flash. Thanks!

12-10-2009, 03:18 PM	#5
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	If you don't mind not having wireless capability you might want to try any of the Vivitar, Bower, Rokinon, or Digital Concept flashes. There are 2 kinds, one with an LCD back and one that has simple LED indicator lights. Both the simple higher priced and the simple one have rear curtain sync options. These are very easy to use and are dedicated P-TTL. There are some reviews of them on the Camera and Studio accessories part of the forum. You have to do a search though as it might already be buried after the new threads. The most pricey is the Vivitar, but it is the same copy as the other brands as they are made by a company called Tumax.

12-10-2009, 07:52 PM	#6
graphicgr8s Guest	Well I use an AF400T, a Vivitar 286HV, and a Mamiya flash. I am just getting into studio work and have set one up in an unused formal living room. The pro work I use to do never required a studio of any type and now with a child to practice with I felt the need to learn another aspect. I started off small. And cheap. Flashpoint wireless with 3 receivers, a shoot thru umbrella. All from Adorama. Tried it all out last night playing with exposure and I love the end results. That being said, when I use the AF400T or the 285 on camera I usually treat it like a film exposure. I go for the 1/60 sec and use the aperture as recommended by the flash for the distance. It works for me anyway. It's a starting point for me. I love experimenting. The AF400T is expensive for sure. But the Vivitar isn't.

12-10-2009, 08:38 PM	#7
emalvick Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Davis, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,642	Older flashes like the AF-280t work well, but you have to be resigned to the fact that they don't have PTTL, so their auto ability is limited, although it worked quite well for me in P-Mode.

12-10-2009, 09:40 PM	#8
davidreilly3207 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: South Jersey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 720	Don't forget some type of light modifier. Nothing worse than un-defused flash light. Something like the Omnibounce, Gary Fong,s Lightsphere, etc. is essential. Sigma EF 530 DG Super is a powerful inexpensive flash. The ST model lacks TTL control. Also, check out the Strobist blog for information on placement, gel usage, etc.