whao, a whole new level of learning curve.

[cputeq]

I don't have a 580, but I do have the Speedlite 430 and Canon 40D. It was my first flash I bought about 4 months ago.

Truth be told, the flash operation is a hell of a lot easier than I thought it would be. Once I learned the nuances of bouncing flash, I almost *always* bounce flash.

I got myself a Sto-Fen diffuser on the head, which I use most of the time with a 45-degree bounce. I keep Hi-speed sync on, and in dark situations I use fixed 1/250sec exposure in A-priority mode. In bright lighting I switch "Exposure" to auto and double-check to make sure Hi-speed sync is enabled. In darker action shots, I enable a high ISO but fixed 1/250s to help get more of the background illuminated if I want it while maintaining action freeze. For static shots with a desired background illumination, I just switch "Exposure" to Auto and shoot from a tripod. Great way to get pseudo HDR for some shots. I wish I had about 3 flashes and a wired 580EX (or Canon would stop being cheap pricks and just enable flash commandering from onboard flash)

Once you practice with how various settings give you varying lighting results, flash work isn't nearly as hard as people make it out to be.

 

[soydios]

Now that I have a D90 I'm going to start experimenting with off-camera flash. I took a few test shots and it works quite well; there's only the slightest of delays as the D90 sends instructions to the SB-800. Because I dabble in stage lighting design (albeit those are hot lights) I'm used to having complete control over the light, so we'll see how this goes with just a flashgun.

 

[GoingUp]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
flash is hard

Amen!

 

[jamesbond007]

Originally posted by: angry hampster

Originally posted by: soydios


Define "water resistance"; i.e. can you use the thing in the rain? Are there seals to keep water out, or just "tight body construction"? Anybody willing to open their 580EXII up and check before running it through the shower?

The unit itself is quite water-resistant, I'd say just as much as a 1-series body or L-series lens. I've shot with one in the rain before at work and had no problems.

Exactly. I've shot in the rain with my 580EX2 on my 1D-MK3 many times (usually wedding stuff) and have never had any problems. The rubber seals work well with the OC-E3 cord and the new 1-series cameras as everything is weather sealed.

That said, I typically always use a flash for most outdoor shots, even in broad daylight. Balancing natural light with your flash is the key and knowing which settings to use are essential for a good, even exposure. I typically have my flash aimed in a somewhat upward fashion with the built-in white card sticking out to throw a little light forward. I always shoot the flash on manual settings and sometimes use my Pocketwizards for creativity and add a second or third flash into the mix, depending on what I want to achieve.

You may want to look into investing into a flash bracket. All together, mine set me back about $300, but it's damn nice, it's the best I've ever seen or used, and it will remove the shadows on the right when you do portraits or shoot in a vertical orientation. (since the flash is always on top)