Canon DSLR External Flash Q

[Boo's Mommy]

Hi Everyone,
I have a Canon EOS Rebel. I am looking to purchase an external flash and the Canon Speedlight is completely out of my price range. I'm only an amateur, but have been tasked as the "photographer" for various events. We've got great clear pictures, but if the lighting is poor, the photo's aren't that great.
I was looking at these 2 models:
Bower SFD680C

and

Bower SFD926C

They are a great price, but I don't really have much guidance as to which is better.
any suggestions?
Thanks!

[pixar]

Hi Everyone,
I have a Canon EOS Rebel. I am looking to purchase an external flash and the Canon Speedlight is completely out of my price range. I'm only an amateur, but have been tasked as the "photographer" for various events. We've got great clear pictures, but if the lighting is poor, the photo's aren't that great.
I was looking at these 2 models:
Bower SFD680C

and

Bower SFD926C

They are a great price, but I don't really have much guidance as to which is better.
any suggestions?
Thanks!

I don't know anything about those flashes (I have a Canon Speedlite), but have you looked into getting a brighter lens? If you're taking portraits, the inexpensive Canon 50mm f/1.8 is a great lens. The only downside is that 50mm is 80mm with the Rebel's 1.6 conversion factor.

[Boo's Mommy]

Hi Pixar, no I had not considered that. How much brighter does it make it?

[pixar]

I think it's probably easier to show you the differences with pictures, but I don't have my camera with me right now. I'll try to take some tonight and post it afterwards.

[Tater]

Just be careful of the lens, the pop up flash can throw a shadow if it is a longer lens. I use a Speed-lite.

Go to B&H Photography or ebay. You can pick up a used Speed-lite pretty cheaply. I am a photographer and I wouldn't use anything but Canon.

[pixar]

I took a few pictures at different aperture settings. They're all at 50mm, 1/20 shutter, 1000ISO.

First image f/3.5

[pixar]

Second f/2.8

[pixar]

f/1.8

[pixar]

And a few more for comparison...

f/1.4

[pixar]

f/1.2



(Sorry I just realized I should have made one post with all the pictures.)

So you can see the difference with getting a brighter lens. Even though I have an external flash, I prefer pictures with no flash at all. I took these pictures in a room with all lights turned off, and with only a LED light illuminating the lens.

Hope that helps!

[Boo's Mommy]

Wow, that really does make a difference!
Thank you Pixar! That really helps me....now to save up for a brighter lens!

[Bytebear]

Have you considered renting? If I have to do a special event and need some equipment I don't own, I go to Samy's in Santa Ana and pick up my equipment for the weekend. They have excellent multi day rates. It also gives me a chance to try out something before I purchase.

[David Susilo]

first of all, don't touch the Bowers, they are utterly bad. I had a couple of those to play with and I sold them at substantial loss.

Get the 430EX with Gary Fong Cloud diffuser. That will be your cheapest bet.

Then save up to get Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS lens.

[Boo's Mommy]

Thanks David and Bytebear.

I didn't consider renting because it costs a lot as well and really, there's no good place close to me, and I'm just tinkering at leisure. (I know, I know.... photography is an expensive hobby).

I think I'll continue to play with the lenses and such and keep the lens on my "wish" list every time someone asks.