Canon 90EX flash as a Master unit for a beginner?

I'm interested in the new Canon 90EX flash since my Canon T2i does not have ability to control a flash off camera, and I want to experiment with off camera flash. Since I'm a beginner, I don't want to spend a large amount of cash (maybe ~ $500 max).

I figured I would get the Canon 90EX ($150) which I could use as a master and for fill flash. Then I would get a 430 EX II ($250) for use off camera with an umbrella ($100) and practice with off camera flash that way. Would this set up work? I'd be willing to pay that much up front to experiment with flash.

Is there any reason I should look into the Canon 580 EX II ($500) or the new 600 EX-RT ($569) they both act as master on the T2i, but I still need another flash (ex. 430 EX II) for off camera, correct?, which would be too much money for me to spend....

Thanks,

Gus

That would work. Other options would include upgrading your T2i to a T3i or getting an ST-E2 (possibly the Yongnuo version).

Thanks for the reply

You could have a lot of fun buying two manual flashes and something like the RF-602 or RF-603.

Examples of manual flashes are Vivitar 285, Yongnuo 460 (http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/gadgets/277273/yongnuo-yn460-hotshoe-flashgun), some sunpak, etc.

The rf-602 and 603 are radio triggers and will work all the time under any conditions, with the flash not needing to be in direct line of sight with anything.

Just some thoughts from a hard core off-camera flash shooter.




The whole kit would cost you less than just one canon flash, and the light quality is just the same: it only depends on the modifiers you use.

It is manual, meaning that you have to set up your lights, and do some tests, but when it's done, you just set the camera to manual and all the pictures in the lighted area will be nicely exposed, with variations only if you subject moves away from the lights (you can open up the aperture or increase the sensitivity (ISO) to compensate).

TangoMan said:

TangoMan wrote:

You could have a lot of fun buying two manual flashes and something like the RF-602 or RF-603.

Examples of manual flashes are Vivitar 285, Yongnuo 460 (http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/gadgets/277273/yongnuo-yn460-hotshoe-flashgun), some sunpak, etc.

The rf-602 and 603 are radio triggers and will work all the time under any conditions, with the flash not needing to be in direct line of sight with anything.

Just some thoughts from a hard core off-camera flash shooter.

The whole kit would cost you less than just one canon flash, and the light quality is just the same: it only depends on the modifiers you use.

It is manual, meaning that you have to set up your lights, and do some tests, but when it's done, you just set the camera to manual and all the pictures in the lighted area will be nicely exposed, with variations only if you subject moves away from the lights (you can open up the aperture or increase the sensitivity (ISO) to compensate).

Click to expand...

Appreciate the response. I looked into those items. I think I'd like to try manual flash, but would also like to see how E-TTL works.

My goal is to take photos of family (baby, family) at home. I'm not a professional, so I don't want to go overboard with spending, but I want better flash than my on camera flash. I was thinking of just getting flash off camera by getting a 430 EX II ($250) and a Vello E-TTL cord that is 33' (~ $50), and also an umbrella with stand (maybe ~ $75 to $100). That way I can experiment with off camera flash and hopefully get better photos. Does that sound reasonable?

I could always upgrade later, by getting a master flash (ex. 580 EX II) (that is ~ $500 so a bit much for me now), and use the 430 EX II as a slave, and maybe get a softbox.

Thanks.

DoctorPDA said:

DoctorPDA wrote:

My goal is to take photos of family (baby, family) at home.

Click to expand...

DoctorPDA said:

I want better flash than my on camera flash. I was thinking of just getting flash off camera by getting a 430 EX II ($250) and a Vello E-TTL cord that is 33' (~ $50), and also an umbrella with stand (maybe ~ $75 to $100). That way I can experiment with off camera flash and hopefully get better photos. Does that sound reasonable?

I could always upgrade later, by getting a master flash (ex. 580 EX II) (that is ~ $500 so a bit much for me now), and use the 430 EX II as a slave, and maybe get a softbox.

Thanks.

Click to expand...

Your solution sounds quite reasonable and should work nicely, except for the umbrella because they are difficult to position and move inside a normal home. Light stand also have a tendency to be hard to move quickly because of the large base. They will slow you down beyond reasonable, unless you want to do posed portraits. However, if you are using your umbrella as an "ambiant light", then it can work pretty well since you don't have to move it. I would then use the on camera flash (main flash) on a bracket with a small soft box or bounced off a large white material (like a 8x8" foamcore or white cardboard positionned a few inches above the flash) This gives you the best light, but you've got to figure out how to attach it to the bracket or flash. In exchange, you get speed and beautiful light.

Rather than using an umbrella, I would use a white wall (or lean/tape a white foamcore/coroplast against a wall/ceiling) and bounce the second flash off it. That would let you shoot quickly in smaller rooms. Home made reflectors or bounce devices are often the best way to get exactly what you need.

As usual, experimentation is key. Have fun