I have just bought my first SLR and lens a few months back. As my friend is going to HK, I am thinking if I should get a flash. But as I don't have that much money to burn atm and I still need to get a tripod, I am wondering if a flash is really important for me. I know that a flash is important if you're taking indoor or portrait shots but I'm not really into those. I am keen in macro though and flash might be important for that? Is flash a necessity for macro? In what kinds of situations or photography would a flash be necessary for good shots? Thanks for your advice.
Is external flash really necessary?
- Thread starter WuffRuff
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I would say that a flash is an essential item for portrait, wedding and event photographers. Of course it is not a rule to use it all the time, as you can see from the wedding photography subforum that many beautiful shots are taken with use of ambient light.
For macro, I suppose you're good to start if you have an appropriate lens and a tripod will definitely help. Flash in this case might help in certain situations, or be used creatively. There are also specialized flash systems built specifically for macro use, which you may consider instead. IIRC, it's more costly than regular systems.
That being said, if you can spare the cash, it's worth getting stuff from HK. Prices are definitely better. Last I went, got a 430ex + ST-E2 transmitter for less than the price of a single 580ex (in SG). I think considered 'grey' set here, no local warranty, but so far no problems.
For macro, I suppose you're good to start if you have an appropriate lens and a tripod will definitely help. Flash in this case might help in certain situations, or be used creatively. There are also specialized flash systems built specifically for macro use, which you may consider instead. IIRC, it's more costly than regular systems.
That being said, if you can spare the cash, it's worth getting stuff from HK. Prices are definitely better. Last I went, got a 430ex + ST-E2 transmitter for less than the price of a single 580ex (in SG). I think considered 'grey' set here, no local warranty, but so far no problems.
Well, there are no absolute rule to which equipment or accessory is absolutely necessary in photography, apart from the camera and the lens (obviously). I knew of photographers who insist on not using flashes for photography, including the build-in flash. There are even people who insist on not using tripods for photography.
Owning a flash or other accessories will give you more techniques which you can explore in taking pictures, but it really depends on the effects that you want for your pictures that determine what accessories that you should buy. So you should really read up on what a flash can do before you decide on getting one.
Owning a flash or other accessories will give you more techniques which you can explore in taking pictures, but it really depends on the effects that you want for your pictures that determine what accessories that you should buy. So you should really read up on what a flash can do before you decide on getting one.
I'm waiting for the day when DSLRs can deliver crisp, sharp & perfectly noise-free images at ISO3200! When that day comes, i will sell away my SB600!!! 
:thumbsup:
:thumbsup::nono: high ISO is not a substitute of a flash, nor flash is a substitute for high ISOI'm waiting for the day when DSLRs can deliver crisp, sharp & perfectly noise-free images at ISO3200! When that day comes, i will sell away my SB600!!!
I use external flash on indoor, macro, night, fill/wireless flash in portrait shoot etc. The thing is whether you know how to make use of it or not, if you don't know how to use it, bought also useless. You can read more on how to make use of external flash.
But it' expensive and add to the weight.
But it' expensive and add to the weight.
I'm waiting for the day when DSLRs can deliver crisp, sharp & perfectly noise-free images at ISO3200! When that day comes, i will sell away my SB600!!!
that will be my time i clear my 400D...haha...confirm lose a lot of money...but i tink its worth to do so
An external flash is a must IMO, unless u don't shoot portraitures, macros or events but only landscapes.
well... get an external flash if u feel that your current flash isn't good enough..
(WHICH MEANS NOW)
unless u do only fill flash (which can still require something like the lumiquest soft screen), u won't be able to do bounce flash or use better diffusers which are really important, esp in doing portraits, still life, macro shots...
(WHICH MEANS NOW)
unless u do only fill flash (which can still require something like the lumiquest soft screen), u won't be able to do bounce flash or use better diffusers which are really important, esp in doing portraits, still life, macro shots...
There are millions of resources online that will explain why it is so. If the person he is directing it to can't be bothered to find out by himself, posting the reason would be just as pointless.:sticktong
actually don have to explain 1 by 1... all they need to do is stretch out their hand and type something to "abuse" google, and google will give them the answer most of the time. :bsmilie:
IMHO... i think it is necessary to have an external flash as you would like to have another good lens other than your kit lens to capture a great moment.... it's a "must have accessories"... if you really want to get into serious photography...
and most of all... you and your camera will look more handsome with ext. flash to others ... :bsmilie: :bsmilie: :bsmilie:
and most of all... you and your camera will look more handsome with ext. flash to others ... :bsmilie: :bsmilie: :bsmilie:
I prefer to use a bright "diffused torchlight" than a flash for creative lighting setup if u ask me.
No, i don't like flash on my camera, itz heavy.:bsmilie:
well, you can try that to balance the exposure at very very high contrast scene where even the built-in flash ain't powerful enough...I prefer to use a bright "diffused torchlight" than a flash for creative lighting setup if u ask me.
No, i don't like flash on my camera, itz heavy.:bsmilie:
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