Flashes....

[Brockas]

Ok I'm going to start off by stating that I have absolutely NO idea about external flashes, only that I need one.

I has to be capable of multiple flashes every few seconds, as I want to be able to use about 15-20 flashes on a 30 second exposure.

Here's the kicker though... I don't really want to spend anymore than $300. Preferably $150-$250.


I'm using a Sony A380, and usually I would just go buy Sony gear, but their cheapest is $500 :S


Any help would be appreciated, along with explanations of what means what in regards to flashes.

Cheers.

[chris266]

I dont have a clue either hey..........
but found this website if that helps
http://digital-photography-school.com/an-introduction-to-external-flash-units

[Brockas]

Cheers. Have had a read but didn't really tell me too much.


I should point out, I don't need it connected to the camera at this point, just a manual one will do...

[devilfish]

buy two cheapies and cycle them then.....

[Brockas]

How cheap can I go?

Any examples?

[[FFOUR]]

You can get 2nd hand SB26 or SB28 (Nikons) on eBay for under $200, and they are pretty decent! If you're using it off camera and in manual then mixing brands won't be a problem.

All depends how much power you need really given the application.

If you want to use it off camera you will need some form of trigger system too - either Pocket Wizards (expensive) or something like the Cactus eBay specials.

[OLSKOOL1800]

Paul,

Do yourself a favour and just go with the Sony flash.

You like photography so just bite the bulllet and pay a little more.

It will sync with the camera properly when in 'wireless' mode.
All you have to do is select it on the menu and use the cameras built in flash as a trigger. (that's if the 380 has one - it might trigger differently or not at all - read the manual)

I have a HVL-F58M and I am buying three more soon (with some pocket wizards) but you could easily get a HVL-F42AM...

https://www.camerasdirect.com.au/index.php/view-all-products-in-shop.html?keyword=sony+flash

The flashes have different power settings which makes it ideal for what you want to do with it.
Buy yourself a battery charger and two sets of batteries at the same time.

Hope that helps mate.

Jordan.

[SEXUAL TYRANNOSAURUS]

Paul

http://imagemelbourne.com.au/store//catalog/product_info.php?cPath=34&products_id=211

now you can buy two. These are manly used for slaves, i would suggest not attaching this to your hot shoe.

Im not sure of the recovery time on these, but that can be fixed by extending your shutter speed.

Is this a one off thing?

EDIT: Also because your doing a long exposure, you wont need trigger's as suggested above, you will have to walk around your object manualy poping the flash.

[Joe]

I'm no professional, but the Canon 430EXII I bought for my 450D was probably the best thing I ever did.. makes the photos so much more "natural" looking, especially when taking shots inside.

Flash ftw.

[Brockas]

Thanks for all the input boys, is appreciated.

Those cheap ones look good, but I didn't realise the Sony one is only $357 on that website. That's pretty damn good considering I'm going to be using it a fair bit.

Will also look into the Nikons on e-bay, as they sound pretty good at almost half the price of the Sony (albeit, doesn't sync).


Cheers!!

[Brockas]

Ok, have gone with Jordan's advice and bought the Sony flash.

Will be keen to test it out once my car is back :)

[DRKWRX]

Good choice, Camera gear is like Cars, do things right the first time otherwise you end up spending heaps more money!