Flash tips

[Pune]

Hi folks,
Few flash tips needed please...I have a Canon 5D Mk2 and a Speedlite 550 ex flash gun, however, I have never used the flash, never had the need; so any tips would be welcome, what with festive activities going on and flash bound to be needed, where do you start?
Any info' gratefully received.
Cheers
Pune

[John flightpath]

I would recommend the use of a diffuser. Its a plastic cap that that fits snugly over the flash lens.
It helps to eliminate bright reflective spots on the photo (glare) .

If there isn't one with the flash unit, they are cheap to buy as an accessory.

Cheers
John 'flightpath'.

[Pune]

I would recommend the use of a diffuser. Its a plastic cap that that fits snugly over the flash lens.
It helps to eliminate bright reflective spots on the photo (glare) .

If there isn't one with the flash unit, they are cheap to buy as an accessory.

Cheers
John 'flightpath'.

Thanks John, that sounds sensible, I'll get hold of one.
Cheers
Pune

[Richard B]

For indoors, a good rule of thumb ive found over the years is,
TV mode set to between 180th and 250th with the flash forced. ISO 200.
This will get you pretty much good shots every time indoors at home party time etc.

Try it out before hand.

[Pune]

For indoors, a good rule of thumb ive found over the years is,
TV mode set to between 180th and 250th with the flash forced. ISO 200.
This will get you pretty much good shots every time indoors at home party time etc.

Try it out before hand.

Thanks Richard, I'll give it a go.
Cheers
Pune

[Sparts99]

I think the 5D II sync speed is 1/200, if you go to 250 you might get an unexposed strip on an edge of the shot. Best bet is have a play, assuming the flash has a swivel head try bouncing off the cieling or walls. I use an EX-580 on 5DII and as suggested have a diffuser, fire straight up usually. On the camera you can override the ETTL so force under or over exposure until you find the look you want, the lens you use can have a huge effect too . There are tons of 5-10' tutorials on line, like this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGMY3qj-EjU

[Pune]

Thanks Sparts99, I'll have a look, then try some shots.
Much appreciated comments guys, thanks again
Pune

[Wallace]

Flash a black art if ever there was one

For a diffuser, I use a Stofen or the one that is built into my 580EX

Bump the ISO up so that at the sync speed you are getting a reasonable Depth of Field.

Failing all that set to P for Panic, set ETTL and hope for the best and never try and figure out the Inverse square law!

[Pune]

Flash a black art if ever there was one

For a diffuser, I use a Stofen or the one that is built into my 580EX

Bump the ISO up so that at the sync speed you are getting a reasonable Depth of Field.

Failing all that set to P for Panic, set ETTL and hope for the best and never try and figure out the Inverse square law!

Brilliant, thanks Wallace.

[Wallace]

I came across this vid on Youtube that... reacquainted me with some of the functions of my Speedlight.
It may be interesting to some.
https://youtu.be/gCoGS9ruiEk

[glyn]

The 550 EX has high speed sync.It just needs setting on the flash.There are two buttons that need pressing at the same time.I would use manual mode on camera with auto ISO.Just set shutter and aperture speeds on camera and ETTL mode on flash and that should sort it.
Glyn

[Pune]

The 550 EX has high speed sync.It just needs setting on the flash.There are two buttons that need pressing at the same time.I would use manual mode on camera with auto ISO.Just set shutter and aperture speeds on camera and ETTL mode on flash and that should sort it.
Glyn

Thanks Glyn, that sounds easy, I'll check it out..