non-canon flash

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i would like to ask:is it worthwhile to pay more for canon's EX flash for the ETTL program of my EOS rather than using non-canon flash? i wonder EX ones perform far better?

-- tokamak (sir-tokamak@hongkong.com), September 18, 2001

Answers

You don't mention what EOS camera you plan to use this with, but I'll assume you will use it with a camera body that is E-TTL capable.

E-TTL does a better job of determining proper flash exposure and proper fill flash exposure than A-TTL or TTL flashes in certain circumstances. If there is a lot of contrast in the subject, if the subject is off center, or in other difficult situations, E-TTL will often do it better. But it still doesn't always get it right.

One of the advantages of E-TTL is the use of Flash Exposure Lock (FEL) for off center subjects and other confusing situations. It also allows the use of higher shutter speeds when using flash as fill in daylight.

These are good reasons to buy Canon's EX series Speedlites as Canon's other Speedlites will not do E-TTL. There are several manufacturers making E-TTL compatible flash units that you might want to consider. Sigma's new 500 Super is receiving rave reviews right now.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), September 18, 2001.


Check out the Sigma EH-500 Super which gives 550EX type performance at much lower cost.

-- Jack Zucker (jaz@gwis.com), September 21, 2001.

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