Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash For Canon Digital SLR Cameras

I have only just begun to use this flash, but found it useful right out of the box. While I'm still learning about lighting, the automatic TTL with this is a boon, but it's also great to be able to make adjustments to the automatic settings to compensate for moments I want more or less light.I love the way the head swivels in many directions, which means I can bounce it off ceilings or walls or whatever. I also got the stofen omni bounce, which is a very nice addition for not a lot of money, and it has gotten some use indoors with family pictures. I can't compare this to off-brand TTL flashes, but I can say I like this flash and highly recommend it. Buy Canon Speedlite 430EX II Price Lowest Price, Order Now! [Click Here!]
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Wein SSHSHS Safe-Sync Hot Shoe to Hot Shoe #W990560

I have had no voltage problems since using this gadget. I can't say I know anything about it other than I've read where it is important. I have many friends using older flash units with new cameras and they have no problems. They have never heard of this thing. Camera shops don't know about it or any voltage problems. In the remote possibility of damage occurring I use it anyway but it is a pain. It doesn't fit my hotshoe securely so it is hard to tell if it is fully seated and I get some shots where the flash didn't go off. Can't say I'd like to use this under pressure as a wedding photographer.
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Wein - Flash adapter

Why am I taking the trouble to review something so small and seemingly insignificant? Well, in short, it's great piece of gear.

Originally, I bought this, along with a Paramount Hotshoe to Household cord when I first started playing with off camera flash. It was great, because the 15' paramount cord was usually long enough, but it it wasn't, I could use $2 extension cords to extend the reach, rather than $40 PC-Sync extension cords. Other than the widely available, super cheap extension cords, the household plug is infinity more durable than PC Sync connectors.

What do I use this for now that I've gone wireless? With shoe flashes that don't have PC Sync ports, or wired sync ports of any type for that matter, you have to sync with the hotshoe on the flash. So, I put the flash on this adapter, and use household to miniphone cables (I use Skyports, which have miniphone jacks on them) to acheive sync with my flashes that don't have wired sync ports. I've used this on the Nikon SB600, Nikon SB24, Sunpak 383S, and Canon 430EX flashes without issue.

Another neat trick I've used this for is extending the reach of cheap 'ebay' triggers. The triggers I had previous to my Skyports were the Cactus variety, where the receivers had hotshoes on them. They're handy triggers, but I didn't find them to be very reliable. On one shoot, I wanted to put a flash behind a stone wall that was about 15" thick. As I expected, it didn't work. So, I put the flash on this adapter, and ran the Paramount Hotshoe to household cable (mentioned earlier) to this adapter, attached the hotshoe side of the cable to the hotshoe on the receiver, and place the receiver on the other side of the wall so that it would actually trigger.

All in all, a very handy little part to have! I use it in some fashion on every shoot. Also, it's really durable, unlike most other wired sync-to-hothoe adapters other there. I only own one, but I'm going to order a few more soon, as they're wonderful for my wireless setup.
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LumiQuest Pro Max 80-20 Bounce Flash Device

Avoiding shade with one light source/flash is very challenging. I'm very impressed by this product. It is a very easy way to make huge difference. If you flash has a diffuser itself, also use it together with the 80-20. Highly recommended. Please note, it only works well in apartment/house condition, with relatively low ceiling and close wall near by to reflect light.
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Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash + Deluxe Flash Bracket Accessory Kit

If you are looking into buying the SB-800 (Overkill for most non-professionals, and even some professionals, but great features) then buy this full kit. I was not able to find the items that came in this kit anywhere else for less than $100.00 more.

The bracket adds an element of versatility and creativity I never thought possible with flash. I was raised that if you are relying on your flash for a good photo you're going to be disapointed. Sorry Grandpa, but that's just not the case anymore. The bracket w/ included remote cord puts the speedlight off camera preventing red eye and a host of other on camera issues. It has six different mounting points on the base so you can utilize a tripod with the bracket.

It's hefty, but not uncomfortable and it is well balanced. The design of the adjustment parts is smooth and allows for an infinate number of different positions (Top, Angles, Sides) when combined with the tilt and pan capabilities of the speed light.

The Batteries are effective out of the box (I haven't had a chance to drain them yet, but I've taken lots of pictures) and the extra battery cases are extremely convenient.

Overall this is an outstanding package and a GREAT DEAL as far as I could find. Shipping was also extremely fast, especially considering I am currently at an overseas APO.
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LumiQuest ProMax Pocket Bouncer

I have a Canon 430EX flash unit and I wanted to be able to add some bounce ability and control, with or without a ceiling present. Then it also depends on the height of the ceiling that is present. This intelligent little unit unfolds and attachs to Velcro(tm), hook-n-loop fastened around the flash head. I purchased the LUMIQUEST Cinch Strap - Easily attach and remove flash bounce as I did not want to attach the double sticky-back Velcro(tm) directly to my flash unit. The Cinch Strap takes care of that and works like a champ.
This unit folds nicely for inserting a space the size of a small camera (read Canon S5 IS) and installs in seconds and allows one to go from shooting with the flash unit head in a direct vertical position down to a few angles below directly vertical.
It bounces light well and works great with the TTL features of the Canon 430EX and Canon camera.
It works to soften light and to soften shadows.
It gets a great THUMBS UP!! from me.
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Vivitar VP1 Vari-Power Adapter for 283 Flash

Product as advertised, delivered quickly. Works perfectly with the Vivitar 283 flash for manual power. Thanks.
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