How to choose a flash for Canon?

People who are serious about photography will sooner or later think about buying a new flash. This is usually necessary in order to maximize the capabilities of your device in sequential shooting or to start staging photo shoots. In this article we will tell you how to choose a flash for Canon and cameras of other popular models, taking into account their main characteristics, in order to choose the best device.

to contents ↑

Key Features of External Flashes

When buying any thing, you should familiarize yourself with its characteristics in advance. The choice of this technique is no exception to the rule. If you understand everything, you can even independently choose exactly what is needed in the huge model range.

These characteristics include:

1. Leading number. This is the main characteristic, which indicates the maximum power of the device itself. The guide number shows at what maximum distance in meters you should work to get high-quality exposed frames. That is, the larger this number, the greater the flash output.
2. TTL. According to this technology, the camera sets the power and measures the exposure to get a good frame. Often they make preliminary pulses in order to assess the degree of illumination immediately before the frame. Each manufacturer uses his best practices to improve this technology.
3. Auto zoom A zoom lens allows the photographer to frequently change the focal length during shooting. So, so that the flashes correspond to a change in this distance, they are equipped with a zoom. Simply put, this is a scattering lens, which is located directly in front of the lamp, when moving it changes the light scattering. When using the zoom, the device is able to focus the pulse directly in the center of the frame or give the most filled light. Due to the automation, the flash independently adjusts to the frame being shot at the moment, it does not matter at all whether it is a large portrait or a group photo.
4. Minimum recharge time. This feature indicates how long the flash takes to recharge when using new batteries. It is very important, because if you decide to shoot reports, then it depends on the speed of reloading, whether you manage to catch a successful shot or not.
5. Exposure control. This parameter describes all available operating modes, it can be synchronization along the back wall, red-eye reduction, slow synchronization, flash power lock, automatic high-speed FP synchronization.
6. Swivel head. With its help, you can change the direction of light. That is, this characteristic indicates whether the photographer can direct the head of the device to the side or to the ceiling.

Important! Depending on the model, the flashes can be equipped with test firing functions, auxiliary lighting, testing preliminary devices, and the option of modeling light.

These are the main characteristics of such devices. Now that you know all its features, it's time to start choosing the best option.

Important! If you are seriously interested in photography and go to a new level, you will also need information about which is better to choose a universal lens for Canon.

to contents ↑

How to choose a flash?

Before choosing a flash, decide in advance what exactly you will do, at what level. Only guided by this, you can choose the perfect model.

All modern flashes are divided into three classes.

Budget devices

They are inexpensive, but, unfortunately, are almost useless. The fact is that all models in this category are deprived of the possibility of turning the head. That is, during the shooting process, you will not be able to direct the light wherever you wish. Simply put, this is the most ordinary utility, no different from those that are already built into the cameras. Their only plus is power.

Semi-professional models

If you like to please yourself and friends with high-quality photographs, shoot all the holidays and parties on your camera, then the semi-professional option is suitable for you. Such a flash will open up more possibilities for you - you can direct it in different directions, and its power is quite enough to illuminate the whole frame with strong light.

Professional models

As a rule, they are used only by real professionals, photographers involved in reporting. Such devices have maximum power, extensive settings, quickly recharge, you can connect an external battery pack to them.

Important! If you like to catch successful shots in a variety of life situations, for sure the technique began to become dirty over time. Find out, how to clean the camera lens.

to contents ↑

Macro Flash

If you know what macro photography is, like to shoot plants, flowers, insects, then feel free to buy just such a device. It is mounted on the lens itself, providing illumination of the object itself. So, when using an ordinary flash light comes only from above. That is, to remove a small object, it is not enough, it can fall into the shadow. The macro device highlights the shadows on the object and allows you to get a high-quality, interesting picture.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

As you can see, everything is quite simple, the main thing is to clearly determine your intentions and wishes. Moreover, now you know how to choose a flash for serious reporting shooting or capturing ordinary friendly gatherings.