Who uses speedlights?

[AmyM]

Anybody here use speedlights? Do you love it, is it worth your money......when do you use them the most. Indoors, out, everywhere, etc...? Fill me in. I have my eye on the SB600 for Nikon but would love to hear about your experience with any of them.

[lizzyfizzy]

what is it?

[AmyM]

I guess like a super flash? Here's one I'm looking at
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...peedlight.html

[ColleenSwerb]

I got the SB600 for my birthday in January, and I'm obsessed with it. It's awesome for indoor shooting in really low light situations (like when even my f/1.8 can't go handheld). I use it a lot now to photograph my hybrid stuff, since I usually don't finish those til it's dark out, but I want nice lighting.

Anyway, I went with the 600 over the 400 because you can rotate the head on the 600. I keep mine pointed straight up 99% of the time. Definitely invest in some rechargable batteries though, it goes through them pretty quickly (or at least mine does). If you want to use it for portraits, it'll be wise to invest in a diffuser for it.

[KristinCB]

I have the SB600 too and loves it SO much nicer than the on camera flash!!

[lizzyfizzy]

oooo. fun!!! i want one now.

[ColleenSwerb]

Originally Posted by KristinCB

I have the SB600 too and loves it SO much nicer than the on camera flash!!

I haaaaaaaaaaaaaaate the onboard flash. I refused to use it ever. I'd rather take a dark photo in RAW and try and fix it than use my onboard flash, LOL!

[aggiefamily]

I do! But I have a Canon Speedlite 430EX II (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CCAISE). I love it and use it all the time.

The photos in this post were taken with my Speedlite:
http://amandaheimanndesigns.com/blog/?p=1180

[Voodoo_Bryn]

You can't shoot indoors without a Speedlite.
Serious bidness.

[tuneskids]

hmmm, me thinks me wants one of these now. Thanks a lot. heheheee

[newfiemountiewife]

Tony has the 580EX for his Rebel, and uses it a lot. He takes a lot of photos at the rink, and it really works well in there. He also uses it outside for fill flash sometimes. He uses it enough that I definitely think it was worth the money.

[Shawna]

Originally Posted by aggiefamily

I do! But I have a Canon Speedlite 430EX II (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CCAISE). I love it and use it all the time.

This is the the one I have too, it's awesome!!

[LibbysMommy]

I got the SB400 for my birthday and I love love love it!! I keep it pointed upward 99.9% of the time!! I can't imagine taking pictures without it now!!

[kim21673]

I have the SB600 and it is ALWAYS on my camera!!! I use it for all inside shots...totally eliminates the harsh shadows behind your subject!! I am still trying to master the whole "fill flash" outside but I'm getting there!!

[kim21673]

Originally Posted by BrodoNY0123

If you want to use it for portraits, it'll be wise to invest in a diffuser for it.

Do you have a diffuser and if so what did you get? I am still looking at them and and haven't made a purchase yet.

[ColleenSwerb]

I don't have a diffuser for mine yet. That's a lil bit down the line for me I think. I don't do many portraits and if I would I'd do them outside. I just don't feel like I need one right now.

I have heard awesome things about the Gary Phong diffusers for onboard flashes. Maybe look into those and see what he has for external flashes?

[kim21673]

Originally Posted by BrodoNY0123

I don't have a diffuser for mine yet. That's a lil bit down the line for me I think. I don't do many portraits and if I would I'd do them outside. I just don't feel like I need one right now.

I have heard awesome things about the Gary Phong diffusers for onboard flashes. Maybe look into those and see what he has for external flashes?

Those were the ones I was looking at!

[Shawna]

I have a Sto-fen Omni Bounce for my 430EXII, they are pretty inexpensive mine was like $17. I want a Gary Fong diffuser, but they are more $$ so I thought I'd try this out first.

[Joan]

Get the SB600. You won't regret it.

[ZaCola3]

I just bought a 430EX II yesterday-It should be here very soon!
I'm so excited to get my hands on it!

[juliemarie]

I also have the SB600, and it makes a huge difference. Although I feel it is quite bulky. The SB400 is much smaller, but can only be flipped up instead of sideways. But that might be enough for you.