If I get a zoom lens will I need a bigger flash??

[Stephie Baby]

I really want to get a better zoom lens. I was wondering if I got an 18-200mm or a 70-300mm lens, would I need to get a bigger flash? Would the flash on an XTi work as well?:)

[Rooz]

its not necessarily the focal length thats most important, its more about the distance you are from your subject. the issue you may face is also having the onboard flash clear the barrel of the lens, (depending on the physical length), without casting a shadow.

regardless, otehr than using for fill flash in broght conditions, the onboard flash is crap anyway, regardless of what lens you use.

[Stephie Baby]

OH gosh!! lol. I have nooo clue about flashes. It looks like more reading for me tonight.:p

[JTL]

OH gosh!! lol. I have nooo clue about flashes. It looks like more reading for me tonight.:pWell since you have sincere interest and are learning quickly, here's the Canon flash bible:

http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

People usually take a little longer to get to it, but I think you're ready for some heavy reading...:D

[JTL]

regardless, otehr than using for fill flash in broght conditions, the onboard flash is crap anyway, regardless of what lens you use.Hey Rooz...

The onboard flash is a little on the crappy side...but this thing actually works for indoor shots where the ceiling isn't too high. It lets you bounce the onboard flash. It virtually eliminates any shadows.

http://www.lightscoop.com/store/images/T/t-16141-5.jpeg

It's such a simple idea but the results are pretty amazing...for a crappy onboard flash that is! :D

It's called a Light Scoop and it really does work. BTW, the gold one yields MUCH better results. It has actually made my onboard flash usable indoors.

[Rooz]

wow, never seen that before ! looks very interesting, can you post some photo results ?

[DonSchap]

Normally, w/o any additional gimmicks and such, the effective range of a pop-up flash is not much more than 10-12 feet and, of course, that depends on color of the environment, reflectivity and such. It was made for the candid close-up and such. Generally, if you exceed 135mm focal length, an external flash is suggested.

A deflector/reflector can change those dynamics a bit, but still ... based on raw power and the darn TTL, the effective range isn't improved that much. You usually have to break out the heavy horses (extra flash or flashes) to get your distance increased. Most of the suggested reading will reveal this, as it also varies on the size of the external flash, also.

For instance ... at a distance of ten feet ... at full power, the Canon 420EX provides an f/11 burst at ISO 400 ... while the 580EX will provide an f/16 (an additional 1/2 f-stop more of light). Is it worth the extra COIN? Well, the 580EX can also control the 420EX as a SLAVE flash ... and you cannot go vice-versa. You can also power the 580EX with an additional battery pack ... not so with the 420EX.

To be honest, it really is nice to reach into the bag and get one of these out to improve your shots. It's added light that simply is not available or as convenient with much of anything else.