topic Re: Which flash to get? in Gear Guide

Which flash to get for indoor sports events?

chaman — Tue, 27 May 2025 13:17:28 GMT

Hi, I’m a sport photographer but I’ve been asked to take photos of indoor events more and more and my lenses f stop just aren’t cutting it because i either have to raise the iso or use the in camera flash so I just decided to look for a flash to buy, I have a canon rebel t4i which flash would be the best for my buck for under preferably $200-150 or depending on any used ones.

Re: Which flash to get?

shadowsports — Sun, 25 May 2025 12:37:35 GMT

Greetings,

Try the EL-100 or 430EX III-RT. Given the cameras age, you can find older used options as well.

Re: Which flash to get?

deebatman316 — Sun, 25 May 2025 14:10:18 GMT

If you only need an on camera flash then wireless flash capabilities. Can be ignored unless you plan on buying more speedlites that have wireless capabilities. I have a mixture of old and new Canon speedlites and they all work fine. You can look on KEH.com, B&H Photo NYC Used Department or any other website that sells used gear. If looking for used gear stick with Canon because they can ensure compatibility. But a 3rd Party flash maker cannot. All Canon brand EX series speedlites such as 430EX III-RT, 580EX II, 420EX are all compatible. Just avoid very old speedlites ending in “EZ”. Those are designed for film cameras and are NOT COMPATIBLE with digital cameras. Also certain speedlites beginning with “EL” in the name are compatible such as the EL-1 & EL-100. Other EL series speedlites are INCOMPATIBLE and are designed for use on newer EOS R series cameras equipped with a digital hot shoe. Just be aware that speedlites released prior to the 580EX II, 430EX II & 220EX are NOT COMPATIBLE with the in camera flash menu. Which has been a feature in all cameras since 2007. When using older speedlites most settings must be set directly on the speedlite. The in camera flash menu will show items as grayed out or missing. Or tell you that the flash is incompatible. This is normal and should be ignored since the speedlite doesn’t support the newer technology that the camera has to offer. Below is an example picture of what the camera flash menu looks like when an older Canon speedlite is used. Most options are grayed or missing and the settings cannot be changed from the camera. The settings must be changed directly on the speedlite.

Re: Which flash to get?

rs-eos — Sun, 25 May 2025 14:33:34 GMT

When indoors, how far away will your subjects be? And, what lens will you be using?

Re: Which flash to get?

Waddizzle — Sun, 25 May 2025 21:45:56 GMT

Scratch that idea of using a flash.

As a general rule, photographing sports and using a flash don’t mix well together. You can momentarily blind the athlete, which can lead to an accident and an injury.

What lens)es) are you currently using? EF mount lenses are becoming scarce when it comes to purchasing brand new.

Instead of a flash you may be better served by buying a fast prime, f/1.8 or faster.