Sometimes ETTL and a Shoe-Mount Flash are Simply the Right Tools for the Job

In the Pocketwizard PlusX Transceivers Review we posted yesterday, I mentioned that I have used various "dumb triggers" throughout the years. When it comes down to it, I use dumb radio triggers with off-camera flashes about 95% of the time a person is in front of my camera.

But there are times when ETTL triggering and a shoe-mounted flash are exactly what's needed. A prime example is indoor event photography. This past Halloween I was hired to photograph a costume party hosted by a local business. Photographing the event meant I had to be mobile and react to changing lighting conditions.

My choice of gear proved a good fit for the dynamic conditions:

• Canon EOS 5D Mark III
• Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM
• Canon Speedlite 580EX (now 600EX-RT)
• Expoimaging Rogue FlashBender (Large)
• Full CTO Gel

The 5D Mark III's AF system nailed focus even in the dimly lit areas of the arena. The Sigma 35mm f/1.4's moderatley wide angle was great for capturing groups of people and allowed me to choose a wide aperture when needed. The Rogue FlashBender increased the size of my shoe-mount flash so that the light was a bit more flattering on my subjects. The CTO gel I stuck on the flash closely matched the arean's warm light so that good results could be obtained with a global white balance correction. And lastly, ETTL exposure meant I could focus more on framing, composition and timing without having to worry about constantly changing my flash's power to suit any given situation.

I love shooting in very controlled, studio-like conditions. Under those circumstances, I find manually adjusting my flash(es) to be optimal for me. However, there are times when ETTL and a shoe-mount flash (and a possibly small modifier) simply can't be beat.

The fact that the 600EX-RT features built-in radio (ETTL enabled) triggering is a big plus. ;-) [Sean]

Adorama has the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT Flash available for a checkout price of $449.00 with free shipping and 4% Rewards. Regularly $499.00 after instant rebate.