External flash for a Nikon D7000: I just got back from Jerusalem, and I noticed when I was using my wide angle lens. With the camera flash, at around 18mm and below. I got the shadow...

tenusfan1

I just got back from Jerusalem, and I noticed when I was using my wide angle lens. With the camera flash, at around 18mm and below. I got the shadow from the lens in the picture. If I purchase a external flash, that sets up higher. Will I beable to fix this problem. If so, what external flash is recommended. Thanks

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

tenusfan1 wrote:

I just got back from Jerusalem, and I noticed when I was using my wide angle lens. With the camera flash, at around 18mm and below. I got the shadow from the lens in the picture. If I purchase a external flash, that sets up higher. Will I beable to fix this problem. If so, what external flash is recommended. Thanks

The best way of using flash is off-camera anyway, only that allows you to be creative with the light. Any dedicated speedlight should do, but I would use a Nikon flash.

tenusfan1

Thank you for you input. But, I was wondering being that the hot shoe sets higher on the camera. Would this take out the shadow of the lens when I'm using the wide angle at 10mm?

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

tenusfan1 wrote:

Thank you for you input. But, I was wondering being that the hot shoe sets higher on the camera. Would this take out the shadow of the lens when I'm using the wide angle at 10mm?

99%sure it will.
It does with my Nikon SB 800.
Not only does it sit higher, it's positioned forward as well, if you're shooting direct, which will also help.
With that focal length, you will need to make sure you have a diffuser cap on to even out the light or tilt the head to bounce the light off of the ceiling and/or wall.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

No, it still has the same coverage obviously.

You need a diffuser.

You need a Stofen for indoors (use it properly http://www.jackthehat.co.uk/flash-modifiers-stofen-c-4_27.html) and NOT outdoors, or these which I use on my Hammerheads and standard flashguns

I have both of these and use them

http://www.jackthehat.co.uk/lumiquest-softbox-lq107-p-98.html

http://www.jackthehat.co.uk/lumiquest-ultrasoft-lq103-p-101.html

Don't buy cheap ones without the v shape cutout as it is plain to see the reason for it NOT covering the flashes sensor

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

JR1 wrote:

No, it still has the same coverage obviously.

Obviously????

Unless I incorrectly read the OP's question, he is asking about the difference between a shoe-mount flash and the on-board pop-up flash.
A shoe mount flash head sits higher than the pop-up moving the lens shadow lower (enough to be out of frame in my experience) and will move the shadow even farther out of frame because the flash head is moved farther forward.

Great diffusers, btw. I use a Light Genius myself. So much better than a bare flash head.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

GoofyNewfie wrote:

Obviously????

Unless I incorrectly read the OP's question, he is asking about the difference between a shoe-mount flash and the on-board pop-up flash.
A shoe mount flash head sits higher than the pop-up moving the lens shadow lower (enough to be out of frame in my experience) and will move the shadow even farther out of frame because the flash head is moved farther forward.

Great diffusers, btw. I use a Light Genius myself. So much better than a bare flash head.

Yep, what I was saying is that he would still have the same problem as most flashguns on/off camera cover 28mm ish so he will nee a diffuser anyway at wide angle not just off camera flash

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

tenusfan1 wrote:

I just got back from Jerusalem, and I noticed when I was using my wide angle lens. With the camera flash, at around 18mm and below. I got the shadow from the lens in the picture. If I purchase a external flash, that sets up higher. Will I beable to fix this problem. If so, what external flash is recommended. Thanks

Yes, the extended lens creates a shadow at the lower portion of the photo because it blocks the light coming from the built-in flash, Alarge tulip shade does the same thing. Mounting a flash in the hot shoe puts it above the lens and almost always alleviates the problem. Off camera use is always better since you can position the flash unit whereever you want it and prevent the shadows.

ziggy7 Loc: Jax, Florida

I like the Nikon SB-700. If you do an internet search, you can find it as low as $269.
In addition to diffusers, don't forget to bounce your flash off the ceiling or sidewalls when you can. There is a lot of free flash training available on the internet, especially on youtube. A google search for "using flash" found over two billion sites on the subject.

philphotog Loc: Perth, Scotland

Hi.
I use a Yongnuo flas unit on both my d3100 and d5100 Nikons and have had excellent service from them AND if you are on a budget, they are not expensive compared with the Canon and Nikon prices. I bought mine on Amazon and I feel sure that Yongnuo will will have a TTL unit to suit your camera. Worth an enquiry. Cheers. Philphotog. Perth Scotland.

tenusfan1

Thanks for all the advise/opinions. I wound up buying a Phottix Mitros flash. Not a bad flash. I just need to learn how to use it now.

NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

Would agree with others about a shoe mount flash. Would suggest you use a flash diffuser with either your built-in flash or shoe mount. Softens the image, gives better shadows, and makes your photos look a lot better.
I like the Lumiquest series as they fold flat in your camera bag (ie great for travel) and come with a lifetime guarantee. Gary Fong makes good products also, however they are more hard plastic and take up a lot of room in the case.
Also, if you are using an 18mm, be careful if you have a hood on it when you use flash. It will attenuate the light around the edges significantly. I bought a collapsible hood (about $5 on eBay) that screws onto my filter. This way, you can fold it flat or open it up when needed.