Speedlite question

[dalmorloson]

I got my camera (T2i) for Christmas and have been learning a lot ever since, mostly through reading and with the help of all of you on this site. I know that I want to use off-camera lighting for portrait style shots of my kids. Some of the prices of these speedlites are beyond my budget at this time, but I saw a Canon 540 EZ on ebay for much less than what I've been seeing for others (580). Is there a reason for this? Is it an inferior flash? What are the pros and cons of this light?

[dalmorloson]

Anyone? I don't know if I should bid or not.

[NicoleScraps]

Well, I have no clue to tell you the truth. One of our members Inkista (I think that is her username) knows all the facts on stuff like this. Just hang tight until she sees this or look up some of her previous threads with info about speedlites.

[Thunder_o_b]

Just me, but stick with the XE series.

[archersdad]

The 540EZ is designed for use with film cameras since it uses the older a-TTL system. The EX series use e-TTL for use with digital cameras. You can use a 540EZ on a DSLR but it will only function in manual mode.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by dalmorloson

I got my camera (T2i) for Christmas and have been learning a lot ever since, mostly through reading and with the help of all of you on this site. I know that I want to use off-camera lighting for portrait style shots of my kids. Some of the prices of these speedlites are beyond my budget at this time, but I saw a Canon 540 EZ on ebay for much less than what I've been seeing for others (580). Is there a reason for this? Is it an inferior flash? What are the pros and cons of this light?

The speedlight will only be a part of your expense if you want to do off camera flash. You will need some, or most of these items: a light stand, a cable from your camera's hot shoe to the flash unit, and/or radio triggers $$$ for maintaining e-ttl functionality, and possibly a light modifier for the flash (as in a small softbox) All of this can equal, or exceed the cost of the flash you wind up with.

[dslr_shooter]

I would hold out and wait for an EX model to show up. The 480EX is a great place to start, but the 480 EX II is better. The same can be said about the 580 EX and EX II.

[dalmorloson]

Thanks guys. The 430 ex is the one that was on my wish-list but I didn't know enough about the EZ (That's why I asked). I am aware that I need the stand, trigger, and modifier, that's why I was thinking of trying to save where I could. I guess its like anything else...you get what you pay for. I think I'll wait and get the EX. This wish list is getting pretty extensive...gotta love this hobby.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by NicoleScraps

Well, I have no clue to tell you the truth. One of our members Inkista (I think that is her username) knows all the facts on stuff like this. ...

Snort. No, I'm just good at googling up stuff and then condensing it.

Originally Posted by archersdad

The 540EZ is designed for use with film cameras since it uses the older a-TTL system. The EX series use e-TTL for use with digital cameras. You can use a 540EZ on a DSLR but it will only function in manual mode.

QFT. This. In addition, the 540EZ has no PC sync port, so not so great for off-camera.

Originally Posted by dslr_shooter

I would hold out and wait for an EX model to show up. The 480EX is a great place to start, but the 480 EX II is better. The same can be said about the 580 EX and EX II.

The main difference with the Mark IIs is that the IIs allow for control from the camera menu, the Mark Is do not. The 580EX II, obviously, is the flash with the most features and power, and is a terrific flash, but the pricetag is high.

Originally Posted by dalmorloson

... I am aware that I need the stand, trigger, and modifier, that's why I was thinking of trying to save where I could. ...

If you're going to get cheap radio triggers, like the Cactus V5 or Yongnuo RF-603s, I'd highly recommend looking into all-manual flashes. With the inexpensive radio triggers, you'll only have manual operation anyway. And if you don't plan on using the flash on-camera for bounce and run'n'gun situations (say, weddings), then spending all that extra cash on EX speedlights for eTTL II functionality doesn't make much sense, since you can't use it over radio triggers.

The LumoPro LP160 ($160), or one of the cheapie Yongnuo YNs might be a better fit. And in this manual-only scenario, the 540EZ might actually be worthwhile, as long as you plan on triggering from the hotshoe, not a sync port.

[dalmorloson]

Thanks inkista...The nickle is in the mail.