Remote Flash Gun

[LFB531]

I know that this will be an opportunity for abuse but estate agent here looking for a bit of advice

We get most of our photography done by a Pro these days but there are times we need to grab some decent images a bit faster. Our Nikon D40 has done sterling service and still does but using a 12-20 lens combined with the built in flash can cause a shadow on the image.

I've been told that a remote flash is the way to go, it seems logical enough. The choice of course is endless and I'm not sure what I need so before I let myself loose on not-needed kit in the shop, any good advice I should follow?

Thanks in advance.

[covboy]

My feeling is that if you are worried about shadows with the camera flash it may be more of an issue with a remote flash (without a bit of trial and error work to start with)

[Mutley]

You'll be wanting something like this to attach a speedlight to, set it at 45' to what you're shooting, and also use the camera flash

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HRT2XWK/ref...

[LFB531]

covboy said:

My feeling is that if you are worried about shadows with the camera flash it may be more of an issue with a remote flash (without a bit of trial and error work to start with)

Sorry, I should have been clearer. It's the lens that creates the shadow on the image at low level as the internal flash fires across it.

[blindspot]

I just use a manfrotto monopod which has mini tripod feet - keep ISO low, aperture small and take 2/3 bracketed exposures and combine in Lightrooms.

The monopod was about £100, and I can get it tight to walls, corner etc. Works well for my interior pics. I first tried out using remote flash, but found this is just as good and much easier to get right.

[steveatesh]

One of these (Yangnuo 568 flash, £71.99)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yongnuo-YN-568EX-Flash-Sp...

And a set of these wireless control and trigger units £64.99 total


https://www.amazon.co.uk/YN622N-KIT-YN622N-TX-Cont...

In a nutshell, put the control unit on the camera, set it to TTL or after some practice, manual settings, put the flashlight on the trigger and set it to TTL. (Whether or not you have the wireless control unit set to TTL or manual), either hold it off to one side in your spare hand or put it on the stand and point it into the room. Tilt head up at ceiling to bounce the flash and light the room with soft shadows rather than harsh shadows from direct light.

Great kit at very good prices. Oh, you'll need six Amazon AA rechargeable batteries two.

Good luck whatever you pick.

[FurtiveFreddy]

Just put a flashgun on the hotshoe. It will then be high enough to clear the lens. Use a diffuser as well and/or bounce it.

[RobDickinson]

remote flash is to get the flash away from the camera so you dont have direct light.

Need (prices are guesses for uk)- trigger set - £20-40, stand - £40-50, speedlight £50, diffuser £30

Only need a dumb trigger set and manual flash as your not going to be 'running and gunning'

Purely to avoid the lens shadow you can use a speedlight on the camera and even bounce it off walls/ceiling to avoid direct harsh light.shadows.

Again a cheap manual flash would work fine

[Simpo Two]

FurtiveFreddy said:

Just put a flashgun on the hotshoe. It will then be high enough to clear the lens. Use a diffuser as well and/or bounce it.

This. Bounce flash with a catchlight card (built in to better flashguns) is an easy way to get much better looking flash photos, but perhaps not if you're photographing a whole room as you'll get a bright top and dark bottom. In this instance direct may be better.

[essayer]

I bought one of these
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00MYUPOXC/ref...

Works great on and off the camera
(Buy loads of batteries !!)

[Monty Python]

Simpo Two said:

This. Bounce flash with a catchlight card (built in to better flashguns) is an easy way to get much better looking flash photos, but perhaps not if you're photographing a whole room as you'll get a bright top and dark bottom. In this instance direct may be better.

https://www.parkcameras.com/p/9353556N/flashguns-nikon-fit/metz/36-af-5-nikon