Flash gun... Do you really need one??

[FoG]

I shoot mainly landscapes and still find I need some fill light more flexible than my on camera one so will be investing in one soon as with wireless trigger

[daft_biker]

Originally Posted by FoG

I shoot mainly landscapes and still find I need some fill light more flexible than my on camera one so will be investing in one soon as with wireless trigger

I used a long exposure and a little wind up LED torch that cost about a fiver for this:


Have you tried painting with light?

[Eyad]

Originally Posted by daft_biker

I used a long exposure and a little wind up LED torch that cost about a fiver for this:


Have you tried painting with light?

interesting subject for flash usage!

[youknowhat]

before I purchase the flash unit (flash gun)....

I was actually thinking this type of question and the answer was /is actually very obvious....


the answer is " Yes, you bloody need one if you have got the cash"

if money is not a issue...

fill flash can be used during outdoor photography and it would improve your photo (assume that you know how to use your flash...!)

[sk66]

Nope, I don't need one...

I need THREE!

[kurtwall]

I know I'd like a couple of off-camera strobes and remotes, but I'm not sure I need them yet. I'm still working out how much light is not enough in low-light situations. I can get another stop of usable light if I use a tripod, for example. I rarely bother with the on-camera flash, though. It seems harsh and unflattering an it's useful distance is limited.

None of this is to say I don't want some strobes. Rather, I think a decent tripod and head are a better investment of my limited funds for use on photography.

[BEGM83]

Daft question but how do you know what one to get? This is an area ive been thinking more on too and its one that completely baffles me!

[AndyM2020]

A lot will depend upon what you are doing. If you're only shooting landscapes with a tripod, for example, then no, you most likely won't need it.

If you ever expect to be in a situation where you cannot use a tripod and/or use a fast enough lens to use a shutter speed fast enough to freeze movement, then yes, you will need one.

You may have a built in flash, but they are no good for anything other than snapshots. Due to their position in relation to the lens, and the very small size, output from them really is terrible, and is why you won't find a built in flash on a professional camera.

Personally, I would say that if you can afford one, get one, and the best you can afford. They may be expensive, but once you have it, it's there if you need it (you may also find more uses for it). It's also a piece of equipment that should last for many years, so its cost will be spread out over time.

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by AndyM2020

You may have a built in flash, but they are no good for anything other than snapshots. Due to their position in relation to the lens, and the very small size, output from them really is terrible, and is why you won't find a built in flash on a professional camera.

What part of the D700 makes it unprofessional? Pentax's upcoming medium format 645D is rumored to have onboard flash as well. They can be useful when used with the other lighting components from that systems.

[daft_biker]

Originally Posted by AndyM2020

Personally, I would say that if you can afford one, get one, and the best you can afford. They may be expensive, but once you have it, it's there if you need it (you may also find more uses for it). It's also a piece of equipment that should last for many years, so its cost will be spread out over time.

I agree with that bit. Not sure about the on board flash....never used it as my first SLR never had one so I had to buy a flashgun and always just use that.

I prefer to use little macro flashes for macro work but otherwise I just use a regular flashgun.