What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using External Flash?

So, you’ve been taking some pretty great photos with your camera, and you’re thinking about stepping up your game by investing in an external flash. But before you go ahead and make that purchase, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. On one hand, an external flash can dramatically enhance the lighting in your photos, resulting in stunning and professional-looking shots. On the other hand, there are drawbacks such as the extra cost, the need for additional equipment, and the potential for a steep learning curve. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of using an external flash to help you decide if it’s the right tool for you and your photography.

Pros of Using External Flash

Increased flash power

One of the major advantages of using an external flash is the increased flash power it provides. Compared to the built-in flash on your camera, an external flash has a more powerful output, allowing you to illuminate subjects even in low light situations or from a greater distance. This extra power gives you the ability to capture well-exposed images in challenging lighting conditions.

Enhanced lighting control

With an external flash, you have greater control over the lighting in your photographs. Most external flashes come with various adjustable settings, such as flash intensity, zoom level, and flash mode, allowing you to fine-tune the lighting to suit your specific needs. This level of control enables you to create more dynamic and visually appealing images.

Ability to bounce and diffuse light

Another benefit of using an external flash is the ability to bounce and diffuse the light it emits. Bouncing the flash off a nearby wall or ceiling can help soften and spread the light, resulting in more natural-looking and flattering illumination. Additionally, using diffusers or modifiers with your external flash can help to further soften harsh shadows, reduce glare, and create a more even and pleasing light.

Reduces red-eye effect

The red-eye effect is a common issue that occurs when the flash directly hits the subject’s eyes and reflects off the blood vessels in the retina. External flashes, especially when used with a bounce or diffuser, can minimize the occurrence of red-eye in your photos. By redirecting the light away from the subject’s eyes, the likelihood of red-eye is greatly reduced, resulting in more appealing and natural-looking portraits.

Provides more even lighting

Built-in camera flashes often produce harsh and unflattering lighting due to their small size and direct positioning. In contrast, external flashes offer a larger light source that can be positioned at different angles, resulting in more even and diffused light. This even lighting helps to eliminate unappealing shadows and highlights, producing more balanced and professional-looking photographs.

Allows for faster recycling time

When using the built-in flash on your camera, you may experience longer recycling times between shots, especially when capturing multiple images in quick succession. External flashes generally have faster recycling times, thanks to their advanced circuitry and dedicated power source. This faster recycling time allows you to capture a series of photos without waiting for the flash to recharge, ensuring you don’t miss any important moments.

Enables high-speed sync

High-speed sync is a feature available in some external flashes that allows you to use a faster shutter speed than the camera’s maximum sync speed while still being able to sync with the flash. This feature is particularly useful when photographing fast-moving subjects or in bright lighting conditions where you need to use a wider aperture. High-speed sync gives you more flexibility in controlling the exposure and creating desired effects in your images.

Ability to use multiple flashes

Using multiple external flashes opens up endless creative possibilities. By strategically positioning multiple flashes, you can create complex lighting setups and achieve more dynamic and visually interesting images. Whether you want to highlight different areas of a scene, create dramatic lighting effects, or illuminate large groups of people evenly, the ability to use multiple flashes provides you with greater control over the lighting in your photographs.

Greater flexibility in lighting angles

The built-in flash on your camera is fixed in its position and can only provide frontal illumination. On the other hand, an external flash can be positioned in various angles and distances from the subject, allowing you to experiment with different lighting setups. Whether you want to create more dramatic shadows, flattering side lighting, or soft overhead light, the flexibility in lighting angles provided by an external flash empowers you to achieve your desired results.

Ability to use light modifiers

External flashes are compatible with a wide range of light modifiers, such as softboxes, diffusers, reflectors, and snoots. These modifiers allow you to shape and control the light further, enabling you to create more professional and creative lighting effects. Whether you want soft and diffused lighting for portraits, directional light for still life photography, or even special effects, the ability to use light modifiers with your external flash enhances your overall lighting capabilities.

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Cons of Using External Flash

Additional equipment to carry

One downside of using an external flash is the need to carry additional equipment. In addition to your camera, lens, and other accessories, an external flash adds bulk and weight to your camera bag. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re traveling light or shooting in challenging environments where minimizing gear is important.

Costly investment

Investing in a good quality external flash can be a significant financial commitment. Compared to the built-in flash that comes with most cameras, external flash units with advanced features and capabilities typically come with a higher price tag. For photographers on a tight budget, this additional expense may not be feasible or may require careful consideration.

Requires learning curve

Using an external flash effectively requires some knowledge and skill. Understanding how to adjust the flash settings, positioning the flash correctly, and mastering the different lighting techniques can take time and practice. This learning curve can be daunting for beginners or photographers who are not familiar with artificial lighting. However, with dedication and patience, the rewards of using an external flash can outweigh the initial challenges.

Need for additional batteries

External flashes require their own power source to function, typically in the form of batteries. This means you need to carry spare batteries and constantly ensure they are charged or have replacements available. If you forget to bring extra batteries or they run out during a photo shoot, you risk losing the ability to use the external flash, limiting your lighting options.

Potential for harsh lighting

While an external flash provides more powerful and controllable lighting, it can also produce harsh light if not used properly. Directly pointing the flash at the subject without any modifiers or diffusers can result in unflattering shadows, overexposure, and a harsh look. To avoid this, it’s important to learn how to use light modifiers effectively and position the flash appropriately to achieve softer and more pleasing lighting.

Adds bulk to the camera setup

The addition of an external flash to your camera setup increases its physical size and weight. This can make your equipment bulkier and more cumbersome to carry around, especially during long photoshoots or when traveling. If you prefer a lightweight and compact setup, the added bulk of an external flash may not be ideal for your shooting style or preferences.

May distract or annoy subjects

The presence of a bright external flash can sometimes distract or annoy subjects, especially if they are not accustomed to being in front of a flash. The sudden burst of light can cause discomfort, blinding effects, or make people feel self-conscious. It’s essential to communicate with your subjects, make them comfortable, and be mindful of their reactions when using an external flash to ensure a positive shooting experience for everyone involved.

Limited range and reach

While external flashes offer more power and flexibility, they do have limitations when it comes to range and reach. Depending on the flash model and settings, the effective distance at which the flash can illuminate the subject may be limited. This can be a challenge, especially when shooting in large venues or outdoor settings where you need to light a distant subject. Understanding the flash’s reach and adjusting your positioning accordingly is crucial to avoid underexposed subjects.

Can cause more attention

When using an external flash, you may attract more attention than when relying solely on natural light or a built-in flash. The bright bursts of light and the overall presence of additional equipment can draw unwanted attention, distracting both you and your subjects. This can be particularly relevant in certain situations where being inconspicuous or maintaining a low profile is desired, such as street photography or certain events.

Compatibility issues

Not all external flashes are compatible with every camera model. Some flashes may require specific connectors or adapters to work with certain cameras, while others may not be compatible at all. Compatibility issues can be frustrating and limit your options when it comes to choosing an external flash. It’s important to research and ensure compatibility with your camera system before making a purchase to avoid any compatibility-related complications.

In conclusion, using an external flash presents a range of advantages and disadvantages. The increased flash power, enhanced lighting control, ability to bounce and diffuse light, and the reduction of the red-eye effect are notable benefits that can significantly improve the quality of your photographs. Additionally, the faster recycling time, high-speed sync, ability to use multiple flashes, and greater flexibility in lighting angles offer endless creative possibilities. On the other hand, the need to carry additional equipment, the cost of investment, learning curve, requirement for additional batteries, potential for harsh lighting, added bulk to the camera setup, potential distraction or annoyance to subjects, limited range and reach, increased attention drawn to the photographer, and compatibility issues are important factors to consider before deciding to use an external flash. Ultimately, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific photography needs, style, and budget to determine whether incorporating an external flash into your camera setup is a worthwhile investment.