Do I Need a Flash?

[uncleshark]

Hi all,

I got my DLSR about a year ago after losing my cheap point and click in a rental car. My solution to preventing this from happening again was to buy a bigger / more expensive camera. It is all very addictive, especially thinking what lens I want to get next. Actually, I need to get out more and off the computer more. I bought a couple of lenses, but some of them block the built in flash on my Canon XSi. I am of the impression (could be wrong, that the built in one is crap). I seldom use the flash as the pictures look harsh and unnatural. I am kind of the thinking it is better to get a faster lens than invest in a flash, especially for indoor and low light shots.

I want to get some opinions on whether I should get a flash anytime in the future. I have seen some nifty strobist pictures and setups, but they all seem like a lot of work.

Thanks

[inkista]

It's really up to you if you need a flash, but the big difference between flash and a faster lens it that the flash will work with all your lenses. The basic thing is, are you really choosing to shoot available light if you don't know how to light?

Yes, the Strobist route is a lot more trouble. And it's a lot harder than shooting available light. It's up to you if it's worth it or not.

I'd actually recommend reading through some flash photography blogs, like Planet Neil or (of course) the Strobist and see if you start getting the itch to try what they're talking about. If it hits you hard, then maybe it's time to go there. If it just seems like too much trouble to go to, then it's probably not.

[Bluenoser]

Just an aside question here, I never use the built in flash on my XSI, but I sure am curious as to which lenses you purchased that "block" it?

What exactly do you mean when you say they block it?

[sybren]

The strobist approach isn't that har, actually, but does require some equipment. You're right in that the pop-up flash is bad - well, usually somebody straight from the front with harsh, bright light is bad. You can do that with a very expensive elaborate strobe, but it'll still look bad. You can use it as a more subtle fill light, though.

On my camera (Canon EOS 350D) my popup flash is blocked by the lens hood of my EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. I guess you'll also see the shadow of my 10-22mm, but I didn't bother trying.

[DogHeadGod]

I would say don't buy it until you know absolutely that you need it, like your photography can't progress any further without it.

Obviously it gives better results than the little pop-up flash, but you can control the pop-up flash manually to reduce the power and have less harsh photos using it. The flaw with the pop-up is that the light is straight on and not flattering to your subject, rather than being "harsh". Learn to get the best from the pop-up before moving up.

This is not a personal attack, just advise.. but I'd also say if you think the strobist stuff looks like a lot of work you'd be wasting your money because that work is what it takes to get the images you want, there are no shortcuts.

[sybren]

Originally Posted by DogHeadGod

I would say don't buy it until you know absolutely that you need it, like your photography can't progress any further without it.

Well, if you have the money and the curiosity, why not buy it? You can always sell the strobe via eBay or whatnot if you really don't like it.

[DogHeadGod]

Originally Posted by sybren

Well, if you have the money and the curiosity, why not buy it? You can always sell the strobe via eBay or whatnot if you really don't like it.

I stick by my original post, but how about a compromise? Rent (beg, steal or borrow) one for a week and see how you get on.

[sybren]

Good idea DogHeadGod. Chris, if you want to, head to my place and toy around with the strobes that I have. ... Seeing that you live in the USA and I live in The Netherlands I think there's a slim chance that you'll actually do that ;-)

[DogHeadGod]

Originally Posted by sybren

Good idea DogHeadGod. Chris, if you want to, head to my place and toy around with the strobes that I have. ... Seeing that you live in the USA and I live in The Netherlands I think there's a slim chance that you'll actually do that ;-)

I'm sure he could find one closer that that.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Bluenoser

Just an aside question here, I never use the built in flash on my XSI, but I sure am curious as to which lenses you purchased that "block" it?

What exactly do you mean when you say they block it?

Even with my kit lens (18-70 f/3.5-4.5) blocks the popup partially, and with the hood in place, it blocks almost all the light.

Generally it's seen as a dark semi-circle on the bottom edge of the photo: the lens itself is blocking the light so it's casting a huge shadow.