Shadow from lens when using flash


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baconseet

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Oct 4, 2008
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Hi,

Am using D90 with built-in flash. Tried using Sigma 10-20mm lense (nikon mount) with flash. Saw that my picture has a shadow at the bottom of my picture. Seems to be from the flash that cast on the lense.

1. Is this because the lense is too wide?
2. Is this because of the built in flash? Need to get a flash that is higher?
3. Anyway to overcome this? I have no issue on some shots with flash.. strange...:what:

thx in advance for advice..
 

external flash would eliminate it :)
 

No Flash = No Shadow = Dark

As mentioned, if you need to use flash using a UWA, you gotta get an external flash and shoot off camera. Or you could shoot extra wide and try to crop out the shadows? =\
 

i suggest u invest in a good flash... confirm no regrets one.
 

Hi,

Am using D90 with built-in flash. Tried using Sigma 10-20mm lense (nikon mount) with flash. Saw that my picture has a shadow at the bottom of my picture. Seems to be from the flash that cast on the lense.

1. Is this because the lense is too wide?
2. Is this because of the built in flash? Need to get a flash that is higher?
3. Anyway to overcome this? I have no issue on some shots with flash.. strange...:what:

thx in advance for advice..

Yes, a wide lens with hood will be a cause. Similarly if you shoot close ups with a long lens, you may also get this same problem

Using an external flash will remove this issue.
 

Yeah, shoot with external flash...

18-200 also has this "problem"...
 

Hi,

Am using D90 with built-in flash. Tried using Sigma 10-20mm lense (nikon mount) with flash. Saw that my picture has a shadow at the bottom of my picture. Seems to be from the flash that cast on the lense.

1. Is this because the lense is too wide?
2. Is this because of the built in flash? Need to get a flash that is higher?
3. Anyway to overcome this? I have no issue on some shots with flash.. strange...:what:

thx in advance for advice..
can show picture?
 

Hi. I use a Nikon D70 and the Sigma 10-20mm lens as well, and am familiar with the problem.

Yes, your deductions are correct. Either zoom in, thereby losing the essence of the ultra-wide, or use an external flash.
 

using a external flash will eliminate your problem. i am also having the same problem when using 55-250 close up.
 

1. Is this because the lense is too wide?
2. Is this because of the built in flash? Need to get a flash that is higher?
3. Anyway to overcome this? I have no issue on some shots with flash.. strange...:what:

1. No. If lens is too wide you would see all corners dark and only the center correctly lit by flash.
2. Yes. The lens barrel is too big (diameter) and the flash sits too close to the lens. Thus, the lens casts a shadow. Yes, a flash that is higher positioned (or even off-shoe) helps.
3. External flash is the best solution. If not available try to use any diffuser / bouncer to spread the light. The direct stream of light from the flash needs to be softened. If you bounce it to ceiling is will evenly fill the picture and the shadow is softened. This forum has lots of links about flash bounce and flash diffusers, also for internal flashes.
 

Here's an alternative thing you could try: A diffuser for your pop-up flash could help, but probably won't completely eliminate the shadow for an UWA lens. It'll also cut the range of your flash down but quite a lot.
 

Here's an alternative thing you could try: A diffuser for your pop-up flash could help, but probably won't completely eliminate the shadow for an UWA lens. It'll also cut the range of your flash down but quite a lot.

Sounds reasonable, but would it be much different if you tried to lower the flash compensation? :dunno: Sorry man, haven't shot wide with flash for ages :sweat:
 

Sounds reasonable, but would it be much different if you tried to lower the flash compensation? :dunno: Sorry man, haven't shot wide with flash for ages :sweat:

Not quite. Lowering the flash compensation value gives lower contrast between the areas lit by the flash and the area in the shadow of the lens. A diffuser kind of creates a larger light source that located closer to the front of the lens, so that the lens' shadow is smaller in the picture and doesn't have as distinct an edge.
 

unavoidable. unless with external flash, natural lighting or lights.
 

Thanks to all! Maybe for the time being avoid UWA night shoot with flash. External flash will be my Christmas wish.. (is santa clause a fan of clubsnap?)..

thanks to all for the advice.. learning quite alot from here.. slowly...

Will join northern group/woodlander outings if have the opportunity.

Cheers,
Bacon.
 

Getting an external flash is something quite necessary in my opinion. I'm very sure you will not regret investing in one.

In addition to getting the external flash, you may want consider the method to diffuse the flash. Direct flash will be too harsh (in most situation) and very unflattering. Anyway, this is another topic altogether.
 

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