Recommendation for Event lens
- Thread starter handwrittendreams
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Since we are sliding from lens to flash and now to filter I just want to add I use linear polariser filter. Why? Well, a leftover from my film lens and because it works better than circular. I have no problem with AF so I see no point in investing money in something more expensive.
May I know which brand of powerpack is good for the FL36/ 50? Cost?
I remember shooting for my bro-in-law on his big day and was too engrossed into the firing shots - forgot to check if my FL36 was ready. Anyway, they turned out alright. I was using re-chargeable batteries ... but after tens of shots, I definitely noticed that the 36 takes a while to charge up again ... frustrating ... thanks for your info.
The Oly original external battery pack is expensive and not very comfortable. I should think 4 or 8 fully charged 2700mAh spare batteries should be more than enough for most occasions. It would definitely be cheaper to start with. But the FL-36 is definitely too weak, I think money spent on FL-50 is not wasted. Even if I had the FL-36 already I would rather spend money on an FL-50 than an external battery pack for the FL-36.
If I needed extra power I would spend my money on the FP-1 instead of the SHV-1. The FP-1 gives you four more batteries to run on in paralell with the four in the flash, extending the number of flashes. It is also a comfortable grip and moves the flash a bit to the side for better lighting. The button can not be used on the E-500 but it comes with a cord so you can connect the flash to the cameras hot shoe. It is definitely less uncomfort than the SHV-1. The SHV-1 uses expensive batteries. It offers very fast charge time (1.2sec) and 280 flash discharge. So I think even there you would need extra batteries if it is a bigger event.
If I needed extra power I would spend my money on the FP-1 instead of the SHV-1. The FP-1 gives you four more batteries to run on in paralell with the four in the flash, extending the number of flashes. It is also a comfortable grip and moves the flash a bit to the side for better lighting. The button can not be used on the E-500 but it comes with a cord so you can connect the flash to the cameras hot shoe. It is definitely less uncomfort than the SHV-1. The SHV-1 uses expensive batteries. It offers very fast charge time (1.2sec) and 280 flash discharge. So I think even there you would need extra batteries if it is a bigger event.
Thank you Olyflyer... that is a valuable piece of advice...
I have some disagreements with this. Yes if you want to do this professionally, or if you need high speed charging between shots, of course go for the FL-50.
However if you already own the FL-36 you shouldn't let those comments stop you from using it at a big event...personally I use my FL-36 at large events all the time, specifically at my camera club which can have more than 160 people in the room at once.
OK, I was not very clear. By large events I meant where you need distance or charge speed. It does not really matter how many people attend an event if you don't need to have all of them in a group at the same time. I don't think the FL-36 can handle 160 ppl in a group photo. Other than that, I am pretty sure it is a very capable flash even professionally. But If my options were to get an external and expensive power pack than I would rather go for the FL-50 instead and would keep the FL-36 as a spare. BTW, can you connect external power to FL-36 at all?
I'm still learning how to "'maximize" my FL-36 irregardless of all comments.
Just learn to make the best of it since i make the choice in the first place. :sweatsm:
Hitman
Senior Member
From my own experience, the best battery for the FL-36 flash is the non-rechargeable CR-3 battery. I recently use it to take photos of our staff party on the beach at night, after more than 250 shots and the battery is still going!! The recharge time is also not really noticeable except when you want to shoot continuously, say 5 shots within 10-15 seconds, that's where the FL-36 does not perform well. I miss some 'interesting' shots because the recharge time was not up to it. 
In all honesty, it is an excellent flash that have served me well since I bought it 2 years ago together with my E-300.
Having said that, I'm still going to part $650 of my hard earned savings for the FL-50
In all honesty, it is an excellent flash that have served me well since I bought it 2 years ago together with my E-300.
Having said that, I'm still going to part $650 of my hard earned savings for the FL-50
microcosm
Senior Member
I think all the posts only mean to say this... The FL-36 is a competent flash, except when you need more range and fast recycling speeds.
The FL-50 will satisfy the demanding professional, but then again, it still loses out to flash units like Nikon offerings and Metz because it cannot handle the heat from "machine-gunning" as well as the aforementioned flashheads. This is where the Nikon shines from my previous experience. In fact, I still set the Nikon to auto and use it on my E-1 when I am covering events. Weird eh? I like the colour from Nikon flash too. But this is a personal preference. On Auto mode, the Nikon SB28DX serves me well.
The FL-50 will satisfy the demanding professional, but then again, it still loses out to flash units like Nikon offerings and Metz because it cannot handle the heat from "machine-gunning" as well as the aforementioned flashheads. This is where the Nikon shines from my previous experience. In fact, I still set the Nikon to auto and use it on my E-1 when I am covering events. Weird eh? I like the colour from Nikon flash too. But this is a personal preference. On Auto mode, the Nikon SB28DX serves me well.
SB28DX can be used on E series?
Or is there adapter that one need to get to fully make it functional to work on E?
Any flash with low trigger voltage can work with the camera if TTL and FP are not needed. TTL and FP works only with FL-36/50.
microcosm
Senior Member
You can use the SB28DX on Auto and Manual mode. You do not need any adapters. The SB28DX is a low voltage unit that will not fry your E. (Using "E" sounds like we are talking about the drug)... then again, the "E" keeps us happy... like the drug... LOL. :bsmilie:
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