Canon flash: I am seriously considering the purchase of a speedlight to use for my bird photography. Camera Canon 7d11 150-600 Tamron g2 lens I realize there are drawbacks and...

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

I am seriously considering the purchase of a speedlight to use for my bird photography.
Camera Canon 7d11
150-600 Tamron g2 lens

I realize there are drawbacks and limitations, but there always are.
I will probibly be using it in high speed since because I almost never shoot under 1/250 so there will be alot of trial to learn what works

My question is about the differences in the Canon Flashes I think the latest and greatest is the 600 EX 11 ? But I have no need to spendthrift much for a winter experiment

I'm wondering if there is any notable difference between the 430EX, 550EX, 580 EX and 580EX11
Reading what KEH says about the they sound about the same, except the price.
Anyone have any insight into the differances?

rmcgarry331

I use a 550EX from the late 1990's on my Canon T3i, for general flash, and fill flash. The difference is the power and capability. The 430EX has a GN of 43M at iso 100, it can be optical triggered by a larger Canon flash, or the built in flash on your 7dII. The 550EX has a GN of 55m at ISO 100, it can act as an optical controller for other Canon flashes, as well as a remote flash. The 580EX has a GN of 58M at ISO 100, it basically does the same thing as the 550EX with a little more power. The 430 and 580 EX II, have the same functions as the earlier models, but for flashes mounted on the camera, you can change settings using the camera's menu system. That being said, for your application, go with the highest power, a 580 or 600.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

WDCash wrote:

I am seriously considering the purchase of a speed... (show quote)

I don't know about the differences.
I use the 580EX (Original) and it works just fine.
Got it for my 10D and now use it on my R7.
According to Canon for the 600EX series and 580EX II you will need an adapter to use them on the R cameras with multifunction shoes.
Why not the older 580EX I don't know but it works on my R7 just fine as Canon says it should without the adapter.
For the 7D II it is power, features etc. as you move up the food chain.
I personally see the 600EX series more pro oriented while the 580EX series more for hobbiests.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I used to own three used 580EX models. Then, slowly as they came up for sale used on UHH, I changed over to the 580EX II. The vII is nicer, but really they're exactly the same flash for capability. Look for used copies and decide which you want to pay more for.

Robert Ley

I have never done any bird photography, but using a flash with a long lens doesn't sound like it would do an awful lot. Could someone explain how a low powered flash like the Canon flashes mentioned in the post would work with bird photography. Maybe I'm just dense, but is using flash with bird photography a common practice?

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I don't know how familiar you are with flash photography, but a DSLR has a fastest flash sync of ~1/250 sec which is slow for a high magnification lens. The flash is timed by the camera to fire while the shutter is completely open.

However, if the user sets the camera such that the exposure with ambient light is very low but, with the same setting, the exposure for the flash is good, you will have a decent flash photo. This requires using a strong flash, one with a high guide number as the GN is an indication of illuminating power. This works because the duration of the flash is usually of microseconds.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Architect1776 wrote:

...According to Canon for the 600EX series and 580EX II you will need an adapter to use them on the R cameras with multifunction shoes.
Why not the older 580EX I don't know but it works on my R7 just fine as Canon says it should without the adapter...

I'm not sure what function, if any, is lost but I use my 550EX on my R7 and it works fine without any hot shoe adapter.

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

rmcgarry331 wrote:

I use a 550EX from the late 1990's on my Canon T3i... (show quote)

Curiously, I don’t recall hearing anyone on the forum recommend the E1 (obscene cost) or their experience in using one.

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

rmcgarry331 wrote:

I use a 550EX from the late 1990's on my Canon T3i... (show quote)

Thanks

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

Architect1776 wrote:

I don't know about the differences. br I use the ... (show quote)

Thanks

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

CHG_CANON wrote:

I used to own three used 580EX models. Then, slowly as they came up for sale used on UHH, I changed over to the 580EX II. The vII is nicer, but really they're exactly the same flash for capability. Look for used copies and decide which you want to pay more for.

Thanks Paul

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

Robert Ley wrote:

I have never done any bird photography, but using a flash with a long lens doesn't sound like it would do an awful lot. Could someone explain how a low powered flash like the Canon flashes mentioned in the post would work with bird photography. Maybe I'm just dense, but is using flash with bird photography a common practice?

Robert

We use long lenses but often work very close. For example, this hummingbird was maybe 10' away but photographed at 550mm.
If you look for the Pelican I posted yesterday it was only 40-50' away and I think at 450mm.

(Download)

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

PHRubin wrote:

I don't know how familiar you are with flash photo... (show quote)

Thanks Paul.
In manual mode the flashes can be sinced up to 1/8000.

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

Robert Ley wrote:

I have never done any bird photography, but using a flash with a long lens doesn't sound like it would do an awful lot. Could someone explain how a low powered flash like the Canon flashes mentioned in the post would work with bird photography. Maybe I'm just dense, but is using flash with bird photography a common practice?

This is not my image so I am posting a link to it.
I haven't asked the Photographer, Richard Goluch, but I believe this is an example of what a flash can do when properly added to an already great shot.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=7217900748231060&id=100000336183049&mibextid=Nif5oz

Notice the catch light centered on the birds eye.

JimmyTB

I hope I don't offend by posting a picture. But for Robert Ley here is an example where I wish I had a flash attached. Like Bill Cash's Hummingbird I was only about 10' away. You can also use what I believe they call a snoot to extend your flash, although I've never done that myself

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-735306-1.html