Tripod + Flash needed

[FunkyNige]

I'm after a new (to me) flash and tripod and I need a bit of advice as to what to get. I don't need anything too fancy, so second hand is fine.

Flash - I have a Canon EOS 500 and while it has a built-in flash, I would prefer one that I can tilt to bounce off ceilings. Is it a case of finding a flash that will fit the hot shoe(?) and will tilt, or will I have to look into it more than that?

Tripod - what makes should I look out for/avoid? I've done a bit of research and it seems I need a 3-way head so I can take portrait photos, and one that will collapse to quite a small size (I don't rally want to carry a 60cm tube around with me, but it definetly needs to be over 1m tall).

While I'm here, my little book that I got with the camera suggests a shutter release cable thingy, are these of any real use? I imagine they're quite useful for taking photos in low light from a tripod. Will any one do or will I have the get the Canon one?

Sorry for all the questions.

Nige.

[paddy27]

The only one i can help with is the Flash one really.
It is best to look into it a bit more. Would recommened a Canon flash as then you can be sure the Flash will work with all the camera functions. Some other makes don't always let you use all the possible functions

As for a tripod i use a Velbon CX660. Its good and durable and holds my Nikon F80.

Hope this helps.

[CVP]

FunkyNige said:

Tripod - what makes should I look out for/avoid? I've done a bit of research and it seems I need a 3-way head so I can take portrait photos, and one that will collapse to quite a small size (I don't rally want to carry a 60cm tube around with me, but it definetly needs to be over 1m tall). While I'm here, my little book that I got with the camera suggests a shutter release cable thingy, are these of any real use? I imagine they're quite useful for taking photos in low light from a tripod. Will any one do or will I have the get the Canon one? Sorry for all the questions. Nige.

Nige

For flash I'd try and stcik with something Canon to maintain 100% functionality. Don't know enough about Canon to recommend any particular unit unfortunately.

For tripods, it really depends what you want it for. Gitzo stuff is brilliant but you'll have to donate a kidney first. If you're going to be doing lots of outdoor/landscape style stuff, Benbo are well recommended. Built really well and will take a lot of punishment but are heavy. Otherwise Slik make some good stuff.

The only thing I'd really watch out for is the quality of construction, sometimes the clamps for the legs can be made of cheap plastic and so may break easily. Best to go to a decent sized camera store and have a browse.

Shutter releases are handy, but you can always use the self timer function instead and that won't cost you a penny However, a shutter release is useful in certaqin circumstances for instance

1. Very long exposures beyond what you can program the camera shutter for e.g. taking pictures of the night sky to get star trails, or

2. If you want to fire the camera when you are not right next to it or can't reach the shutter button easily, e.g. when sometimes doing macro style work.

HTH

Chris


Chris