After the inspiring talk from David Williams last tuesday night I have been doing some research on lenses and remote flash triggers.

I found this site had good information: Strobist: Lighting 101

The following comments are for Canon users, however I think the same price points apply to Nikon and other brand cameras.

Lenses

Canon make two (affordable) 50mm lenses:

• EF 50mm f/1.8 II, costs about $140
• EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, costs about $500

I noticed David was using the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM which costs about $650

Seems the Sigma is recognised as the best lens. However the cheaper Canon does get good review for sharpness on non full frame DSLR cameras.

Remote control

Only the Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter gives TTL contol of the flash. ie the flash intensity controlled by the camera.

Available 3rd party items will trigger the flash, but not control the intensity

There is a limit of about 10m between the camera and the flash

In addition to the Sigma 50mm lens (available for other brands than Nikon, eg Canon), David was also demonstrating using a Nikon D5000 (shows you don’t need the expensive camera to get great results) and was triggering the external flashes with a Nikon SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander.

Both the Canon ST-E2 and Nikon SU-800 use infrared light which is what limits their range. Recently E-TTL compatible radio based remote triggers have become available, however they are quite pricey and are a significant investment (as much or more as your camera).

If you were also inspired and want to learn more, then you should be coming along to the Portrait & Flash Photography group at its second meeting next Wednesday. The site Ross found, Strobist, was also mentioned by David Gilliver at the first meeting and I expect it to be an essential resource for the group.

• A quick recap of the information presented by David Gilliver in the last meeting. There must be lots of questions now that you have had a few weeks to digest what he had to say.
• A run down on what equipment you will need to get you started with OFF-camera flash on a budget.
• Why OFF camera flash is so useful. Warren will bring some images in so we can dissect them and try to understand how the light has been used to good effect.
• Get some feedback from the group as to what you want to get out of future sessions. These can then be passed on to Teddy so he can tailor future classes accordingly.

It should be an informative night with lots of interactive discussion.

The purpose of this group meeting is to help all who are interested, learn how to take better photos using flash lighting, in particular portable “strobe” lighting. In many instances a typical use of flash photography is to take “portrait” shots and this is a genre of photography we will be focusing on (no pun intended…) during the year, although other uses of flash photography will be discussed.

We are very fortunate with our club to have Teddy Tan as our group co-ordinator. Teddy is a very experienced photographer who regularly produces great portrait work and great shots using his portable strobe lighting.

We are also fortunate to be able to kick start our group meeting in 2010 by having David Gilliver as our main presenter tonight.

David is a member of Melbourne camera club and a highly respected photographer in his own right. David’s main speciality is the use of strobe and studio lighting. David is one of the tutors at Melbourne camera club, regularly teaching on the subject of strobe and studio lighting.

This should be a great evening…mark it in your diary. As ever, all members and guests are welcome.

The group will primarily focus on how to take better portrait shots using both studio lighting and small flash (strobe) lighting. If you have ever wanted to learn how to use your camera flash better to take great portrait shots like this from Teddy Tan, this is the group for you…

We are very fortunate that Teddy Tan has agreed to lead this group. If you are interested in taking part in this group in 2010 please e mail Teddy to let him know.

We have not as yet manged to finalise an evening for this group, but we will meet at Wadham House as normal, but almost certainly not on a Tuesday.