Frequent 'flash' Questions

21 votes

4 answers

6k views

What features should one look for when selecting a flash?

I have been thinking of getting a flash to improve my low light photography (particularly indoors). However, there seem to be a number of different models available at similar price points (budget of ...

ab.aditya

4,645

asked Dec 5, 2011 at 18:05

20 votes

4 answers

7k views

What are the Yongnuo flash naming conventions?

I'm trying to get an idea of which Yongnuo flash will fit my requirements. I'd like to have a flash to pair with my SB-900 with TTL support for use both on and off camera (Nikon CLS-compatible). My ...

Roman Matveev

753

asked Feb 7, 2014 at 18:15

13 votes

3 answers

4k views

What is sync speed? [duplicate]

When referring to flash exposure, what does "max sync speed" mean?

Canon Gangsta

3,430

asked Jul 28, 2010 at 18:14

11 votes

3 answers

14k views

What does an expensive flash unit buy over a cheap one?

General question: What will I get from an expensive flash unit, that I can't get from a cheap one? Specific example: The $250 Canon Speedlite 430EX II vs. the $50 Neewer TT560. To my naive eye, the ...

cberzan

357

asked Jan 24, 2013 at 21:40

28 votes

4 answers

23k views

When should you use a normal flash vs a second-curtain flash?

There have been many questions lately that focus on improving the quality of the image taken, where the answers circle around using a second-curtain flash to reduce blur and freeze motion. Why not ...

kacalapy

7,896

asked Jan 9, 2011 at 12:33

27 votes

7 answers

3k views

What exactly is flash sync speed, and should it be a factor in a buying decision?

What exactly is flash sync speed and should it be a factor in a buying decision?

jfoucher

1,067

asked Jul 18, 2010 at 21:50

24 votes

9 answers

6k views

Prime lens or flash: which upgrade will most improve baby photos?

I current own a Nikon D5000 with kit lens (18-55mm f/3.5-5.6) and am looking to take better indoor photos of my fast-moving 9-month-old, which sometimes come out blurred or not natural I use the on-...

John

1,611

asked Dec 31, 2010 at 20:13

8 votes

2 answers

6k views

How do I set exposure with a manual flash?

I recently got an old Canon AE-1 film camera back in working order. I'd like to use my modern 430EXII Speedlight flash with it, however since there is no TTL metering, I have no idea how much the ...

Bill

295

asked Nov 24, 2012 at 17:11

7 votes

2 answers

4k views

Are Yongnuo flashes interchangeable between dslr's or are they brand specific?

I see the Yongnuo triggers are brand specific. For example YN-622c (for Canon) and the YN-622n (for Nikon) I was looking at the YN-565 and YN-568 but did not want to make a wrong purchase and buy a ...

Josh Bernthold

109

asked May 2, 2015 at 19:28

3 votes

3 answers

2k views

Is there a Canon equivalent of the Nikon CLS?

Does Canon have its own version of the creative lighting system?

connersz

1,886

asked Nov 17, 2014 at 11:28

4 votes

4 answers

4k views

What is "Dragging the Shutter"?

I've heard this term of "dragging the shutter". What does this mean and why would I use it?

leelee21xo

65

asked Mar 26, 2013 at 14:24

18 votes

7 answers

5k views

What does it mean to "kill the ambient"?

I have heard of a technique called "killing the ambient" in flash photography. What does it mean and how do I do it? This similar existing post I believe is separate enough to warrant this question - ...

dpollitt

46.4k

asked Dec 29, 2011 at 2:57

12 votes

4 answers

2k views

Is there no crossover point where shutter speed overtakes flash duration?

My understanding of flash sync is that: Up to a certain speed – apparently 1/250-1/500 for focal-plane shutters – the shutter curtains have a moment during which they are fully open. The ...

feetwet

3,583

asked Apr 7, 2015 at 13:45

2 votes

2 answers

5k views

Color issue: studio images have a pink hue

I have a small home studio and use 2 x 250 flash heads, and a white vinyl background. I use a Canon 5D Mk II and generally shoot at 1/125 and f11-13. My problem is my images all have a pink hue to ...

user38839

21

asked Apr 1, 2015 at 18:49

35 votes

10 answers

3k views

What attributes should I look for when buying batteries for a flash?

I want to buy some more rechargable batteries (AAs) for my flashes. I suppose I mainly care about: - Quick recycling of the flash - Hold their charge when not in use Although bonuses for: - Long ...

matt burns

6,016

asked Jul 16, 2010 at 14:00

5 votes

3 answers

3k views

How do TTL flash metering systems calculate how much power is needed?

Does anyone know how TTL calculates the amount of power to put in after the preflash is done? I understand that the value is somewhat brand specific, but what is the general logic? Because if you ...

erotsppa

3,278

asked Apr 8, 2013 at 1:43

3 votes

5 answers

8k views

Is flash brand X compatible with camera brand Y?

I have flash brand X and would like to know whether it will work with camera brand Y. What do I need to consider to determine whether the combination will work? Other questions of relevance: What ...

xiota

26.8k

asked Jul 20, 2018 at 15:53

16 votes

3 answers

6k views

Can using an old flash damage a new DSLR?

I have been using my dad's old Metz mecablitz 18 B1 flash for a while with my Canon 7D and had no trouble with it, but just received some advice from a friend that using old flashes can fry the camera....

Chard

690

asked Jan 15, 2012 at 4:19

9 votes

4 answers

7k views

What is the quantative relation between flash guide number and ISO?

I found that formula on the Internet: Guide Number = (Shooting Distance * Aperture) ÷ ISO Sensitivity Is it correct? If it is could someone please explain why ISO is related to guide number in this ...

lanan

213

asked Oct 31, 2011 at 18:58

5 votes

5 answers

2k views

Why doesn't a shutter speed of ¹⁄₂₅₀th freeze motion when a flash of that duration does?

This question connects with my previous question: Why do cameras that film with high FPS rates cost a lot? I just read that a normal flash illuminates a scene within a 1/250th of a second. (A flash ...

user152435

1,515

asked Feb 7, 2016 at 14:47

57 votes

14 answers

319k views

Is camera flash actually harmful to infants or newborns?

I just got a new off-camera flash, and the instruction manual says: Never fire the flash unit closer than 1 meter from infants. This was a little startling to me, since one of the main reasons I ...

anon

1,851

asked Oct 15, 2011 at 15:01

10 votes

2 answers

559 views

How can I get started with a first flash gun?

I just got myself a flash gun for my dSLR. I realise that I don't quite know what to do with it. What should I do to get used to it, and to learn about how to get the most out of it? I'm interested ...

Seamus

333

asked Dec 23, 2012 at 15:18

7 votes

3 answers

5k views

Nightclubs photography, setup to capture the real mood and atmosphere?

I was hired to photograph at a nightclub on Friday. I've never done this before, and I do not have any specification for the moment. I'd like to be able to capture the atmosphere at the right moment, ...

Oscynth

73

asked Sep 23, 2015 at 9:59

31 votes

1 answer

37k views

What are the differences between E-TTL, i-TTL, and P-TTL?

Canon, Nikon and Pentax each have their own TTL flash metering systems, respectively E-TTL, i-TTL, and P-TTL. They all use a weak preflash that is metered and used to calculate flash power level ...

Imre

31.7k

asked Oct 23, 2011 at 21:52

23 votes

4 answers

13k views

Are small on-flash softboxes useful, or a gimmick?

There are a number of "mini-softbox" products on the market. These are meant to mount on a hotshoe flash (usually with an elastic band). Lumiquest Softbox III Are these worthwhile portable and low-...

mattdm

142k

asked Jun 21, 2011 at 18:50

16 votes

3 answers

7k views

Why does the flash freeze a picture?

Why does a flash freeze a picture even if I use a shutter speed like 1/10 sec? I don't understand it, because the light will hit the sensor the whole time, not just when the flash is fired.

rockZ

397

asked Nov 11, 2015 at 14:19

16 votes

3 answers

25k views

When and how to use a push-on flash diffuser?

I've bought a cheap flash on eBay and got this fancy flash diffuser as a free gift: So, what are the effects of a light diffuser like this one? What difference does it make to the resulting photo? ...

Nir

20.8k

asked Jan 28, 2012 at 14:22

13 votes

7 answers

7k views

What should I consider when choosing continuous lighting vs. strobes for studio photography?

If one were to want to get started with studio photography (I'm thinking things like portraits, headshots, perhaps pets, etc) what would be the considerations in choosing whether to go with continuous ...

ahockley

21.4k

asked Feb 15, 2011 at 23:51

6 votes

3 answers

5k views

Why is there a preflash from a built-in flash when using remote flash only?

When using Nikon D7000 with an off-camera SB600 (which cannot be used as commander) in TTL mode, the built-in flash must be opened to make it work (to serve as a commander), even if this built-in ...

Arseni Mourzenko

4,388

asked Jan 8, 2011 at 18:55

5 votes

3 answers

18k views

Why is my camera limited to a shutter speed of 1/250th when the flash is up?

Sometimes in bright backlight and with large aperture (f2.8) I want flash at high shutter speeds. But when I pop the flash up on D7000 it caps the shutter speed to 1/250th, which overexposes the ...

Ricibob

363

asked Apr 22, 2012 at 15:59

4 votes

3 answers

6k views

Understanding IR / RF flash systems

I have had difficulty understanding how most flash systems work and was hoping someone could break it down. I'll use my current setup for a concrete example: Canon EOS 60D Nissin Di866 Mark II Flash ...

Ryan Griffith

217

asked Jan 7, 2016 at 16:44

27 votes

4 answers

4k views

How to Avoid Red-Eye in Photos?

Although tools exist to remove red-eye in post-production, what's the best way to avoid it while creating the photograph in the field?

ahockley

21.4k

asked Jul 17, 2010 at 19:24

17 votes

7 answers

84k views

Can a Nikon/Canon flash be used on the other brand of camera?

I was just thinking about this problem and was wondering if anyone knew if/how to use a competing flash unit (EX or SB series) on a Nikon or Canon (respectively) camera. I would assume a lot of the ...

newfie_coder

1,307

asked Nov 2, 2010 at 14:06

13 votes

6 answers

22k views

What is the best external flash for Nikon beginner?

I have read a lot about the SB-800/SB-900 but I am on a low budget (around ~120$). Is there an external flash that I can have to start learning to use it? I do not need TTL compatibility so it can be ...

Patrick Desjardins

459

asked Nov 2, 2010 at 18:35

5 votes

5 answers

762 views

What are the most important features to look for in a low budget hotshoe flash and why?

When trying to get started with flash photography, there are a lot of new options, features and techniques that a photographer gets thrown in to. When starting on a budget, what features will give a ...

AJ Henderson♦

34.8k

asked Apr 13, 2013 at 15:40

5 votes

2 answers

5k views

Yongnuo YN-685 underexposure issue in bounce mode at longer focal length

I just purchased a new Yongnuo YN685 to replace a trusty but old Canon 580-EX (the original, not the II version) that is misfiring and may be on its last legs. After playing with it for a few minutes ...

Jim Garrison

1,133

asked Feb 2, 2016 at 4:42

5 votes

4 answers

6k views

Why don't these external flashes fire when the camera shoots in Live View mode?

I had the opportunity to use some professional flashes yesterday and I found out that they didn't fire when I was trying to shoot with the camera in Live View mode. The flashes were two Elinchrom ...

Andres

4,994

asked Sep 20, 2011 at 21:19

26 votes

4 answers

52k views

What does TTL mean?

I'm new to photography and I see the term TTL all over the place. What does it mean? And how do I use it to make my pictures better?

Brig

671

asked Nov 5, 2010 at 1:02

15 votes

4 answers

585 views

How to keep flash from disrupting the scene?

My friends and I have observed that the act of using a flash in informal settings (for example, pictures of a Christmas party or a busy toddler) tends to draw attention to the photographer and thus ...

Michael H.

565

asked Sep 26, 2011 at 16:42

7 votes

4 answers

6k views

Does the wide-angle diffuser on a flash help reduce hotspots when used in a small softbox?

Many speedlight-style flashes have a pull-out / flip-down wide angle panel built in. This isn't really meant as a light modifier, but is intended to help the flash provide better coverage at wide ...

mattdm

142k

asked Feb 28, 2014 at 16:47

6 votes

1 answer

5k views

How compatible are different flash brands for remote control over the flash?

I currently have a Yongnuo YN560-TX trigger and a Yongnuo YN-560 Mark III. I would like to get a iTTL flash that also works with remote triggering. How compatible are are different flash brands (...

edt_devel

163

asked Dec 11, 2016 at 16:27

6 votes

1 answer

1k views

How does dragging the shutter work?

I am reading a photography book which talk about dragging the shutter when a flash is used. It just tell me how to do this trick but doesn't explain why. Can someone here tell me more about how it ...

Kintarō

205

asked Jan 25, 2013 at 23:49

5 votes

2 answers

1k views

What is term for the opposite of "Dragging the Shutter"?

My first helpful experiments with flash started after taking a seminar with Scott Kelby on the subject. I don't recall him mentioning dragging the shutter (but he may have). But, I do recall him ...

Jim

1,207

asked Feb 7, 2013 at 0:01

3 votes

4 answers

8k views

Why is manual flash at the lowest power stronger than the TTL result?

I have a 500D with the 430EX II flashgun. I've taken two pictures with the camera in manual mode, one with the flash in ETTL mode and then in manual mode with the power to 1/64 and the flash exposure ...

Shane

51

asked Dec 21, 2011 at 19:32

1 vote

5 answers

871 views

What exactly does TTL flash sets its power to?

I understand that TTL flash means the flash will preflash and try to calculate the right exposure for that particular scene. That part makes sense, but what exactly is the "right exposure"? Does it ...

erotsppa

3,278

asked Mar 28, 2013 at 2:51

13 votes

9 answers

9k views

How do I take a portrait at night with detail in the background instead of just blackness?

I was trying to make a photo of my girlfriend around 9 pm with a D7000, Sigma 24-70 2.8, and SB-900. She was in the center of the frame, taking up about 20% of the frame. About 40% was taken up by ...

user278618

241

asked Jun 7, 2011 at 20:15

11 votes

5 answers

2k views

What is second-curtain or rear-curtain technique? [duplicate]

I have a Nikon D80 I seem to remember having read somewhere that it should be possible to take photos in it using something called a second curtain technique. My question is does anybody know if this ...

Kjartan Þór Kjartansson

223

asked Jul 16, 2010 at 13:50

11 votes

6 answers

1k views

What's the generic term for portable flashes (Speedlites, Speedlights etc)?

What's the generic term for portable flashes (Speedlites, Speedlights etc) to distinguish them from studio strobes and alike? Is it simply speedlight/speedlite or has that just become a generic ...

Hugo

8,288

asked Mar 4, 2015 at 12:10

8 votes

4 answers

26k views

How does TTL flash work in manual exposure mode?

I got the Metz 44 AF-1 flash recently that is TTL capable for my Canon 550D, and have been reading around to get a better understanding of using flash on-camera (Neil Van Niekerk's article on flash ...

ab.aditya

4,645

asked Dec 15, 2011 at 10:05

8 votes

1 answer

9k views

What are good situations to use Multi-Flash / Repeating Flash feature?

What can be done with the MULTI-Flash feature of a 580ex II flash? What are good situations to use this feature?

EtienneT

2,013

asked Oct 11, 2011 at 19:14

Questions tagged [flash]

Related Tags