Which Speedlite??

[lorinser220]

I'm currently using a EOS 50E, but am baffled by the array of Canon speedlites available.

Can anyone recommend me a suitable one for fashion shoots?
Or direct me to a link with literature I can educate myself abt Canon speedlites.

Thank you.

[Prismatic]

Currently, the standard issue speedlite are the 420EX and the 550EX. Both support E-TTL found on the later models of Canon cameras from EOS 300 onwards.

For your EOS 50e, you can try looking for the 540EZ which is basically the same as the 550EX but support only A-TTL which is found on your 50e.

For your fashion shoot, it's advisable to get either the 540EZ or 550EX, because they have manual and exposure compensation control. If you are doing studio fashion shoot, you may also consider using a MR-24EX or MR-14EX macro ring flash for super-even flattering light.

[denizenx]

or u can use the cheaper sigma, which is price of 420ex and power of 550ex, eos50e no probs...

OR if u do purely fashion shoots u can just get a powerful manual flash, premetered and will give u consistent output that wun give u the vagaries of ETTL... (same as centre-weighted metering)

[chriszzz]

Quote: Originally posted by Prismatic Currently, the standard issue speedlite are the 420EX and the 550EX. Both support E-TTL found on the later models of Canon cameras from EOS 300 onwards. For your EOS 50e, you can try looking for the 540EZ which is basically the same as the 550EX but support only A-TTL which is found on your 50e. For your fashion shoot, it's advisable to get either the 540EZ or 550EX, because they have manual and exposure compensation control. If you are doing studio fashion shoot, you may also consider using a MR-24EX or MR-14EX macro ring flash for super-even flattering light.

I think the 50e also supports ETTL, and works fine with the EX series. Now even if it does not support ETTL, you'll still get plain TTL, which isn't any worse than ATTL.

I would suggest the EX series. The only thing you will lose over the EZ series is ATTL, which isn't all that useful IMHO. All ATTL does is to ensure the smallest aperture, and it does not increase exposure accuracy. But you gain hi-speed sync flash, which is more useful, and the EX flash will be useful when you get a newer body.

[akdwivedi]

I cant remember if ur camera supports E-TTL.. In case it does, get the 420EX, light affordable (around $330) and offers u almost everything what 550EX does (except that u cant use it in manual).. you could also get a used 380EX for around $200 in teh second hand shops.. Bothe should be able to meet ur requirements.. 550EX would be a overkill for you..

[lorinser220]

Thanks a lot for the advice everyone!

My EOS 50E does in fact support E-TTL. I noticed that the 420EX is quite a popular model. But how about the old 380EX? Does anyone know what are the differences in features btwn these two models?

[Hilarion]

The 380 EX does not allow vertical bounce.

[xmen1977]

Quote: Originally posted by Hilarion The 380 EX does not allow vertical bounce.

380ex can be tilted vertically for bounce but cant swivel from left to right like what the 420ex can do

380ex was designed specially for eos 50, 50e. the first few speedlites to support ETTL

like the 420ex is designed for eos30, 33

for performance wise, 420ex would be better than 380ex
.wireless mode for wireless flash photography
.head swivel from left to right for portrait shoots

2ndhand 380ex going for $150-180
420ex new is ard $330

[RCheah]

Quote: Originally posted by Hilarion The 380 EX does not allow vertical bounce.

If I remember correctly, 380EX does allow vertical bounce, but not horizontal bounce. 420EX allows both.
The EOS 50/50E was the first camera to use ETTL.

Yes, 420EX would be a good buy, you can keep it for your future Canon Type A cameras as well. It is smaller in size than 380EX and yet slightly more powerful (guide number increase from 38 to 42).

Don't think you'll regret it. I have convinced a friend of mine using G2 to get it after he saw the difference that bounce flash makes on his indoor photos.

[lorinser220]

Okie dokie, thanks guys, looks like I'll be getting the 420EX!!

[chyeo]

Yup at least get the 420EX, forget about the 380EX. Of course, I would recommend you get the 550EX, in case you seek to upgrade in future, then you won't have to buy again.

[xmen1977]

Quote: Originally posted by chyeo Yup at least get the 420EX, forget about the 380EX. Of course, I would recommend you get the 550EX, in case you seek to upgrade in future, then you won't have to buy again.

not really an upgrade
since both can complement each other

420ex can be as a backup and when 550ex is set to master in wireless mode, it can trigger the 420ex remotely

a gd start for wireless flash photography

[lorinser220]

Just got the 420EX!! Can't wait to use it!!

[Garion]

Quote: Originally posted by lorinser220 Just got the 420EX!! Can't wait to use it!!

Congrats on your new purchase. Its an excellent flash.

[xmen1977]

Quote: Originally posted by lorinser220 Just got the 420EX!! Can't wait to use it!!