Speedlite 580 EXII or 50mm 1.4 prime lens for my XTi? I'm somewhat of an amateur and I'm not sure I'll really need all of the features of the 580, BUT I'm not happy with some of the harsh results that XTi's tiny built in flash gives. Would I get enough natural light with a 1.4 prime lens so as NOT TO NEED the external flash, or should I get the flash and hold of on the prime lens? I'm using a 28-135 IS lens as my walk around and my other lens is the kit lens (18-55). I've gotten used to playing with light as I've been using the 28 lots recently as I like the IS feature, and while I love the lens it is rather heavy and I'm not really looking forward to lugging a flash AND a heavy lens, unless it's REALLY worth it. Any suggestions? I've also considered the Sigma and Metz flashes. Speedlite 580 EXII or 50mm 1.4 prime lens for my XTi? I'm somewhat of an amateur and I'm not sure I'll really need all of the features of the 580, BUT I'm not happy with some of the... » Read More Speedlite 580 EXII or 50mm 1.4 prime lens for my XTi? I'm somewhat of an amateur and I'm not sure I'll really need all of the features of the 580, BUT I'm not happy with some of the harsh results that XTi's tiny built in flash gives. Would I get enough natural light with a 1.4 prime lens so as NOT TO NEED the external flash, or should I get the flash and hold of on the prime lens? I'm using a 28-135 IS lens as my walk around and my other lens is the kit lens (18-55). I've gotten used to playing with light as I've been using the 28 lots recently as I like the IS feature, and while I love the lens it is rather heavy and I'm not really looking forward to lugging a flash AND a heavy lens, unless it's REALLY worth it. Any suggestions? I've also considered the Sigma and Metz flashes. « Show Less
1315844
I agree with James Scott. In addition, a lens with a large aperture won't create light that isn't already there. So if you have uneven lighting on your subject, the light will still be uneven with a large aperture lens. You will still need a flash (preferably bounced as James suggested or diffused in another manner) to lift the shadows and even out the exposure. In my experience, my 580EX II has made a greater impact overall on my photography than my 50 f/1.4.That being said, for the price of the 580EX II, you could buy the 430EX II and the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8. Good luck!
1315845
Tom, fantastic information on flash brackets, thank you. I want to get the flash off of the top of my camera, with my 35mm I had far better results using a bracket and I expect the same with my Canon.
227602
Just bought the D40x two weeks ago, and spent the weeks before that researching the D40x vs. the XTi.I'd go with the D40x... you can't go wrong with a Nikon, and the kit lens that comes with the XTi is terrible. I bought the D40x, and have since added a few accessories. I feel like I made the right decision and I am totally thrilled with the purchase... No regrets at all. Plus, Nikon makes a longer-lasting camera.D40x!!!
2072506
I'm thinking of getting this lens to take pictures of a performance in a theatre, so low light and no flash. I have a canon rebel xsi and need to know if this will help and what kind of settings I should use. Don't know much about photography...I always use the auto sesttings which generally work great but I want to capture the great moments of my little dancer. Thanks
1982961
The 90EX is a master flash. The issue it will it work on the older Xti camera. I can't say for sure because I'm not sure if the Xti external flash setting menu is up to date for the 90EX. I would not even trust Canon tech support to give you the correct answer.In the past you would use the external flash like the 580ex to control the master/slave setting. Now it can be done via the cameras flash menu and since the 90EX has no external button to do that I'm not sure the Xti's menu has that feature set.
1905575
I have the Rebel XTI and I've taken some great close up pictures with the Canon 100mm f2.8 macro.I also have the 70-200mm f/4, 17-55mm f2.8, 85mm f1.8 and the 17-40 f/4, but my favorite is the 100mm macro with the 70-200mm f/4 a very close second.
1003044
I usually do an immense amount of research before purchasing a product because I despise having useless pieces of equipment around me when I could just do the research and purchase once. I absolutely love my Canon 100mm macro lens and have found no need to purchase the Canon ring flash. Unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket I would advise against purchasing a ring flash, plus if you want to experiment, there are a ton of DIY methods of putting together a ring flash just to see if the effect is worth the purchase of a more expensive unit. Another con of the ring flash is that it uses an inordinate amount of power. I like to carry the minimal amount of equipment as often as possible. I'm out in the desert hiking here and there. It gets hot and I want to use all my energy on the nature around me. I don't want to hear the voice in my head that complains of the extra weight of extra batteries, a bulky ring flash etc. I purchased a dedicated regular flash (model doesn't matter, just the best that you can afford) that I can use as a slave to the pop up flash that's on the camera. I find that with a few tweaks on my part, such as using a piece of paper or reflector to bounce color, darkness or lightness onto the subject can do the job I want just as well. Now git out there and use that 100mm macro! What have you been waiting for?!
1135869
Hey there.I would suggest an exercise if you have the 18-55, but want to start shooting primarily with a fixed focus prime lens. Set the 18-55 to 50, and take shots for the next week only at that length...50 serious shots should give you an idea if you like it as a walkaround. Since there is a really nice sony 35mm lens as well, try that length out also. Personally I like 24mm or 35mm as a walkaround, 50mm is a little too telescopic but it is a very personal preferance.
227596
If you are looking to take a lot of indoor photos with flash, the Canon XTi has a faster flash than the Nikon D40x. We tried the Nikon first since we were told of the better lenses that come standard, the ease of the menus, and more free stuff from the store where we purchased. We exchanged it for the Canon. We have young children that can be hard to catch in the moment when you are having to use the flash. I wasn't looking for all of the other things this type of camera has to offer...just to take fast, flash photos. The Canon wins that hands down.
1041296
The 35mm f1.4 is amazing. The photos I gets are out of this world. I'm saving now for the 56mm f1.2. Prime lenses are pretty much all I work with.
2193893
I don't possess a 35mm nor have I received this lens as yet, the recipient hasn't given me lens. I have an 18-55mm. From the comments I've read prior to purchasing it, it seems of great performance but I guess lighting (whether frm natural lighting or a speedlight) will also determine ur photo outcome. Speedlite helps alot! I tuk evn a few shots yesterday with mine n they're of great quality. Go browse some reviews from evn Youtube, like I did. Am planning to buy a 35mm prime lens later also.
916478
I was looking at the 28-135 for my Rebel xti....let me know how you like once you get a chance to try it out.
1787338
Any thoughts for general / home photography? I have a Digital Rebel XSI and recently bought the 70-200 mm F2.8 IS version mainly to photograph school events without the annoying flash, and take closeups of my rapidly-growing kids. I have been going back and forth between the two lenses (24-70 F2.8 vs. 24-105 F4.0 IS) but my instinct is that F2.8 is much better than F 4 even with IS. Any guidance appreciated from a professional.
1275273
Let me start with a few obligatory questions: how much experience do you have with photography, what do you want to photograph, and how much are you willing to spend?? The Rebel XT is a great camera. You can start learning on it, and continue with it for a long time. I currently use one. The biggest limitations this camera has are: Slow fps (3) Extremely small buffer if one shoots RAW (I shoot RAW exclusively, and the buffer only holds 4 shots) Small(ish) screen - the 2.5 on the 30d makes me drool... Rear wheel on higher canon models seems more efficient than four buttons Smallish, and plastic construction. Don't let these turn you away - I am a sports shooter, and that is very demanding on the equipment. You said you want to do a little semi-pro; for that reason, I would reccommend the canon 30d for you if you can afford it. The higher fps, bigger screen, larger buffer, better build quality, and rear wheel would all be of benefit. But if you don't want to splurge on the 30d, the rebel makes a fine choice. Don't forget that the newer 400d has come out - it is an upgraded version of this camera. And most of all, remember that the camera can only capture what a lens sees. Invest in some good glass.
227601
I found the XTi heavy and not great ergonomically. The viewfinder is dark compared to the D40x and while the XTi has more settings usually in this market range that doesn't mean much to the buyer. I love the D40x and with the kit lens and a 55-200 mm VR (which Amazon sells at a very reasonable price) lens it is all you will ever need.
890796
Yes. The 580 ex is a great flash. I've rented it several times and used it with my 5D mark iii. My favorite feature is that it allows for remote flash, i.e. the flash doesn't have to be connected the camera body. No matter what your flash needs are, the 580 ex will cover it. If you have the money, buy it.
751703
Just bought the D40x two weeks ago, and spent the weeks before that researching the D40x vs. the XTi. I'd go with the D40x... you can't go wrong with a Nikon, and the kit lens that comes with the XTi is terrible. I bought the D40x, and have since added a few accessories. I feel like I made the right decision and I am totally thrilled with the purchase... No regrets at all. Plus, Nikon makes a longer-lasting camera. D40x!!!
1150471
I agree with this choice. In natural gym light without a flash, I push my 7D up to 1000 ISO and shoot wide open at f/1.8 and 1/500 shutter speed. Outstanding results with my 85mm f/1.8. Great color saturation, tack sharp and beautiful boekh (blur). The lens is fast enough to keep up with 8fps shooting speed.