Choosing a flash

[syl]

I've been disappointed with my 580 Ex flash. The reason is that it does not give me a consistent result as regards colour temperature. I find that that there is a variation of colours shooting in say, a 5 minute sequence at functions.

Now that the 580 Ex Mk.II is out, I have a chance to replace it. However I have been advised by shops and knowledgeable friends to get a Metz 58 flash instead of Canon. The main reason is that the Metz gives a very consistent colour temperature and is more reliable than Canons flashes (and even surpassing the Nikons' flashes as well). The other reason, but not a decisive one, is that the Metz flash is cheaper at about $600.

I know I should wait a while till the reviews of the new Canon flash is out but in general, would the comments about the Metz flashes be correct?

Would appreciate any comments you can give. Many thanks!

 

[Snoweagle]

I've been disappointed with my 580 Ex flash. The reason is that it does not give me a consistent result as regards colour temperature. I find that that there is a variation of colours shooting in say, a 5 minute sequence at functions.

Now that the 580 Ex Mk.II is out, I have a chance to replace it. However I have been advised by shops and knowledgeable friends to get a Metz 58 flash instead of Canon. The main reason is that the Metz gives a very consistent colour temperature and is more reliable than Canons flashes (and even surpassing the Nikons' flashes as well). The other reason, but not a decisinve one, is that the Metz flash is cheaper at about $600.

I know I should wait a while till the reviews of the new Canon flash is out but in general, would the comments about the Metz flashes be correct?

Would appreciate any comments you can give. Many thanks!

I'm using a 580EX and i must agree with u on the part on it's non-consistency but only in ETTL mode. So to compensate this, i use manual and all's ok.

One of my friend bought the Metz 58 becos of its better flash exposure results and twin-flash technology. But unfortunately after a shoot today its zoom head died (only bought on Labour Day) and used twice only. But he was fortunate as the shop replaced a new one.

 

[syl]

I'm using a 580EX and i must agree with u on the part on it's non-consistency but only in ETTL mode. So to compensate this, i use manual and all's ok.

One of my friend bought the Metz 58 becos of its better flash exposure results and twin-flash technology. But unfortunately after a shoot today its zoom head died (only bought on Labour Day) and used twice only. But he was fortunate as the shop replaced a new one.

We pay a lot of money to get ETTL and if we don't use it, then it is such a waste. Also, when you use manual mode, do you need to calculate the settings for each shot? Isn't it troublesome?

Bad luck on your friend's Metz but they do have a local agent here in SG so it should be OK.

 

[Russ]

When using flash, I prefer not to use AWB but set WB to daylight or flash (I prefer daylight) or use Custom WB and then fix it. The WB setting is NOT done by the flash but by the camera. Of course, on AWB, the flash sends some info to the camera but it is the AWB algorithm in the camera that decides.

I don't think changing to a another brand will solve your problem if you are using AWB.

For exposure, E-TTL and E-TTL2 still confounds people but if you understand how it works, you can overcome its inconsistencies! Depending on the camera you use, the 580EX II has a External Meter mode via Custom Function 5 that allows the decision on the flash level to be left to the old fashioned in-flash sensor. But apertures you have to set yourself on the flash unless you are using a 1D III.

Or you could get yourself a $200-300 Auto flash that does not talk to the camera.

 

[ianpaice]

HI,

when you said "$200-300 Auto flash that does not talk to the camera", does that means no ETTL and the light sensor is on the flash unit itself to detect and detemine power output?

When using flash, I prefer not to use AWB but set WB to daylight or flash (I prefer daylight) or use Custom WB and then fix it. The WB setting is NOT done by the flash but by the camera. Of course, on AWB, the flash sends some info to the camera but it is the AWB algorithm in the camera that decides.

I don't think changing to a another brand will solve your problem if you are using AWB.

For exposure, E-TTL and E-TTL2 still confounds people but if you understand how it works, you can overcome its inconsistencies! Depending on the camera you use, the 580EX II has a External Meter mode via Custom Function 5 that allows the decision on the flash level to be left to the old fashioned in-flash sensor. But apertures you have to set yourself on the flash unless you are using a 1D III.

Or you could get yourself a $200-300 Auto flash that does not talk to the camera.

 

[adamadam]

Are you sure that it's the flash that varies in white balance? That is rather strange. :O

 

[Snoweagle]

We pay a lot of money to get ETTL and if we don't use it, then it is such a waste. Also, when you use manual mode, do you need to calculate the settings for each shot? Isn't it troublesome?

Bad luck on your friend's Metz but they do have a local agent here in SG so it should be OK.

That's the fact. Canon's ETTL isn't that accurate though still usable. Usually i only use Manual during event shoots, model shoots and subjects which are usually located at the same spot such as fashion shows. Other than that i can still use manual for my general street shoots cos the subjects do not move, so i can take my time to set. For fast moving things then really have to use ETTL already.

 

[calebk]

Are you sure that it's the flash that varies in white balance? That is rather strange. :O

I was unaware that our flashes had built-in colour gels.

 

[catchlights]

I've been disappointed with my 580 Ex flash. The reason is that it does not give me a consistent result as regards colour temperature. I find that that there is a variation of colours shooting in say, a 5 minute sequence at functions.

Now that the 580 Ex Mk.II is out, I have a chance to replace it. However I have been advised by shops and knowledgeable friends to get a Metz 58 flash instead of Canon. The main reason is that the Metz gives a very consistent colour temperature and is more reliable than Canons flashes (and even surpassing the Nikons' flashes as well). The other reason, but not a decisive one, is that the Metz flash is cheaper at about $600.

I know I should wait a while till the reviews of the new Canon flash is out but in general, would the comments about the Metz flashes be correct?

Would appreciate any comments you can give. Many thanks!

do you use Auto WB?
do you use fill flash mode in mix light conditions?
do you use ceiling bounce in different areas/room/ceiling colors?

 

[catchlights]

We pay a lot of money to get ETTL and if we don't use it, then it is such a waste. Also, when you use manual mode, do you need to calculate the settings for each shot? Isn't it troublesome?

Bad luck on your friend's Metz but they do have a local agent here in SG so it should be OK.

most studio lights cost more than your 580, and all don't have ETTL, not even auto mode. so how?

 

[adamadam]

I was unaware that our flashes had built-in colour gels.

I don't know where you got this information from, but I'm quite sure they don't

 

[calebk]

I don't know where you got this information from, but I'm quite sure they don't

Haha I know they don't.

 

[Russ]

HI,

when you said "$200-300 Auto flash that does not talk to the camera", does that means no ETTL and the light sensor is on the flash unit itself to detect and detemine power output?

YES like Metz 32 Z-1 (sadly no more) Vivitar 283/285HV (which may not be OK with canon due to trigger voltage issues - check) etc

 

[syl]

most studio lights cost more than your 580, and all don't have ETTL, not even auto mode. so how?

I'll use a flash meter to get the exposure correct. Rather, I'll adjust the flash output to what I want to shoot the subject , i.e. Aperture F8 or F11, speed 125s, then I'll have a trial run to ensure that the light output meets the required settings. This may take up to 2 - 3 mins. to determine the flash output. How do you do this when you are shooting in a function?

 

[jay77]

BUt back to the initial qn, is the metz 58 a better flash to replace 580ex? I curious to find out more:think:

 

[yehosaphat]

Color reproduction should be quite accurate if you set your WB to flash. But wonder if it makes a big difference if you bounce flash off different color ceilings... not that people use loud colors for ceilings these days...

 

[calebk]

Color reproduction should be quite accurate if you set your WB to flash. But wonder if it makes a big difference if you bounce flash off different color ceilings... not that people use loud colors for ceilings these days...

The ceilings dont necessarily have to be loud colours. Just a slight off-white ceiling will make your flash look warmer...

 

[yehosaphat]

hmmm... ok well I guess that's why we have photoshop!

 

[silverthorn11]

the 580EX mkII is excellent! you will not be disappointed. although i have no prior experience with mkI, but i'm sure nothing a little advice from CS pros will not help.;p

 

[Snoweagle]

the 580EX mkII is excellent! you will not be disappointed. although i have no prior experience with mkI, but i'm sure nothing a little advice from CS pros will not help.;p

U should try the Mk I too...and u'll find that it's just as excellent as the Mk II, just that the Mk I is not that silent when recharging.