Agreed, in the main I use manual flash to maintain both consistency and control. That said there is certainly a place for TTL also, however I'd suggest anybody utilising TTL ensure that they only set their camera settings manually and not in any of the suto/semi auto settings. Here's why, your camera has a tough enough time calculating TTL when it already knows what the ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed will be in advance. Using any of the semi automatic modes ( auto ISO, Shutter priority, Aperture priority ) is asking for problems because now you are asking the camera to make additional choices on the fly alongside that of the TTL. With so many variables its not going to work well. So if you use TTL, definately at the very least use full manual settings for the camera. One thing I will add is that the joy of the Godox system along with the X pro trigger is you can convert TTL settings to manual with the push of a button! This can be a boon for run and gunners who want an approximate idea of their flash settings but don't have time to take several test shots. Just fire in TTL and if it looks good just convert that setting to Manual via the trigger and voila you have the best of both worlds. This feature is I believe pretty unique to the Godox system and couldn't be simpler however it's restricted to the X pro trigger at this time, their other triggers don't offer this functionality ☺
Thanks Spyros...you reaffirmed my thinking ..I never understood the benefit of TTL and thought I must be missing something, but turns out that I haven't ! As a side note, I think shooting flash in manual gives me more of a sense of accomplishment when done correctly...been following you for a while and this kind of straight talk keeps me coming back
I was ready to give up on flash altogether because of TTL. Then I tried manual flash and now it’s super simple and fun to learn flash photography...Stupid TTL. 😂
Thanks Spyros for this video. My take away is: no ttl for me. Manual is the way 2 go. Now when I buy a flash, I don't need to buy one with ttl. U just got a New Subscriber...ME. Cheers & thanks again.
What is good about manual flash is that it is almost an extension of the exposure triangle. I can add or subtract a stop of light, or 2/3 etc by adjusting the flash power. So if it isn’t quite right, I can adjust ISO, even the shutter speed (within the camera’s capability) and aperture. If I change one setting I can adjust the other. I don’t really use TTL that much because from watching channels like yours, everyone shoots manual most of the time.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. Short sweet and to the point. Thank you for clarifying the differences between the two. Manual all the way. More creative and consistent that way. That’s where all the craft is.
I enjoyed your video Spyros. I haven't used manual flash in 15 years. The TTL on my Nikon speed lights have been very accurate and the times it hasn't, I can usually fix in post. I haven't really used manual flash since my film shooting days but I will try and get back to using manual once I get a hand held meter. Thanks!
I'll say this, if it works for you, there's nothing wrong with that. I certainly encourage you to shoot manual flash again just to reacquaint yourself, but if it ain't broke... 😊
Great video! I use Manual Flash only when I have control of the environment and when I want to use Flashes in a "creative way" but for events and rush shoots, (90% of the time) TTL gets the job done. BTW I'm subscribing just because of that Boku no hero academia figure ✌
@@Rakesh11503 multi mode and you can fine tune in with the camera exposure compensation if you are in aperture priority or if you are in manual mode you can adjust the ttl values -+. New triggers also comes with an option called TCL with can be useful if you want to go from ttl to manual in run and gun situations.
I shoot a lot in nightclubs and use rear sync with manual flash. I'm either 1/16 flash power for close up or 1/8 for groups...it never fails once you have done a bit of trial and error proving in a venue.
You first say that TTL can be a problem when the scene changes and the camera misreads it; then you say it's best for variable situations??? To me, TTL with +/-adjustment of the flash power is preferable.
I know this video is a bit old. Do you rely on a light meter if not using TTL, if not I assume a lot of trial and error shots to get the right exposure.
Yes, he doesn't say how he gets the manual level correct. If he is using trial and error you can do that with TTL too, biasing the exposure to get the effect you want. He sounds like a studio guy where everything is fixed, and he admits TTL is better for event photography.
I strictly shoot in TTL with it actually mounted on the camera's hot shoe because I shoot in different conditions (smoke, rain, fog, snow, etc) because I volunteer my photography experience to the local fire department at their fire calls, training, special events, etc
This is such a short and sweet video; thank YOU! You've earned a subscriber in me :) I have a technical question: while experimenting with TTL vs. Manual mode, I realize that TTL mode take so much longer to recycle to a point I missed a lot of shot shooting indoor events, as the flash didn't fire half the time. Any suggestions for such scenario? As you mentioned in your video, one could use TTL for such run-n-gun situations. Thank you.
Convinced by this video to go manual. Would you advocate a flash meter to set up though? I’ve bought a used meter as recommended by a guy who ran a portrait workshop I attended recently
I recently shot a wedding and could not believe how many shots I missed due to finicky ETTL. I think I missed a whole series of shots because the flash/camera wanted to do it's own thing. Tell you the truth I have better luck with thrysitor flash technology from the 1980's. This type of flash would automatically shut of as soon as the subject was properly exposed. It doesn't always work, but It is a little more reliable than ETTL, or iTTL etc (IMHO). One thing about Manual Flash is that if you are at a wedding you really don't have the time to constantly make complicated Guide Number/Distance calculations. You also don't have the liberty of using a flash-meter. In a studio yes, at a wedding unless you have years of experience forget about it ! I mean think about this the flash manufacturer tells you that your flash is rated at 200(feet) at 105 mm focal length with ISO 100. that 200 is your guide number. That's fine and dandy if you want to shoot the entire wedding at ISO 100 and 100mm (focal length), but if you change any of these settings(such as focal length) your Guide number changes dramatically ! Then you got to keep making these Guide No./Distance calculations at a busy wedding. Actually your best bet if lighting allows is to boost your ISO to as much as you can or is reasonable and shoot under natural light. Use flash sparingly only if you have to.
I totally agree with your video. The only time I would use TTL off camera is when I need to get lower power from my strobes/flashes because you can't get that low with manual...
When trying to focus in very low light, I either use the IR flash aid that my Godox X Pro trigger has. If I don't have that handy, I will use a flashlight (I always pack a flashlight), or, I will manually focus.
Great explanation! I'm moving to all in-studio work and have been weighing on whether to go TTL or not. Do you find your godox ADs are strong enough for studio work for lighting groups? Or am I going to need bigger strobes?
Thank you!!! Glad you found it helpful! I LOVE the AD200 flashes, and if you’re talking about a group like a family. (5-10 people or so), using the AD200s will absolutely get the job done!
Why not manually select ETTL flash exposure compensation value (ex: -1 stop or + 1 stop ettl)? So it will always be one stop minus or one stop plus exposure or to whatever you want artistically? So it will always be precise even if the light changes? Because ETTL always looks for zero exposure value wherever you point it, then dials in any compensation for your artistic preference
Sorry, Spyros. The correct answer is..... it depends :) Sure, I'll take manual every day of the week if I control everything. If I'm running and gunning with different lighting in various place, TTL.
I say Manual. TTL only works for me when pointed directly, which not good for live subjects causing blinking and is generally rude. Modifiers throw off the calculation too much. It is so much faster to dial manually. Also saves some $$. I use Youngnuo 560IV and trigger.
I've still got permanent burns on my fingers from changing spent flash bulbs on my Argus potato masher (Me no grok this fancy TTL stuff) ;-D I'm leaning towards a cheaper pair of TT600 flashes and an X-pro trigger for documenting historic timber frames and the like.
Happy name day my friend!!!! :) i have a specific problem with my flash kit. i use a meike system flash (meike MK910 for the flash and meike MK-GT600 for the trigger and receiver) . The problem is, either I have in TTL or manual mode, my flash fires twice. I haven;t figured out how to disable it. I tried to disable it through my camera menu (Nikon D7100) but it just doesn't work. Any thoughts how to disable this pre-flash? thank you in advance. Greetings from Greece. Nicholas.
I’m definitely no expert, but it seems to me that many UA-cam photography vloggers repeat what you say at 3:36, that TTL is good for changing “run and gun” scenarios... but it directly contradicts what you say earlier that when things are changing you’re at the mercy of TTL and have to fight your camera to get the lighting you envision. If you know the guide number, you know what flash power and aperture to use at typical subject distances. I’m struggling to understand why TTL is ever needed, and worth the huge price difference.
As you say, he contradicts himself, and admits TTL is better for events. The Guide Number is only useful to evaluate exposure for direct flash, and that's only if you know the subject distance. For anything else (bounce flash, flash through a softbox) it is not practical, you need a flash meter or trial and error. This guy's advice is only good for fixed studio situations.
Nothing here about how to _set_ the manual level. Flash meter? Chimping with trial & error? Manual is OK in a fixed studio situation but a faff otherwise. Artistically, you can always bias TTL exposure anyway. Quote : @0:49 _Manual flash is better_ Quote : @3:31 _TTL is very good for variable situation photgraphy_ ❓
Which side are you on? Manual or TTL?
Exactly!!! I want the same control over the flash that I have over the camera.
manual all day everyday. TTL never seems to be on my side of the creative spectrum. I want this, ttl wants that.
I have to say I am both, when I do events I go TTL when I do portraits I go manual...
@@incomprensible01 I am the same 👍
I believe there are flashes that allow us to choose either of these modes.
I’ve just unpacked my first ever flash (AD200 Pro). I was wondering between TTL and Manual. You instantly sold me on manual!!!
Agreed, in the main I use manual flash to maintain both consistency and control. That said there is certainly a place for TTL also, however I'd suggest anybody utilising TTL ensure that they only set their camera settings manually and not in any of the suto/semi auto settings. Here's why, your camera has a tough enough time calculating TTL when it already knows what the ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed will be in advance. Using any of the semi automatic modes ( auto ISO, Shutter priority, Aperture priority ) is asking for problems because now you are asking the camera to make additional choices on the fly alongside that of the TTL. With so many variables its not going to work well. So if you use TTL, definately at the very least use full manual settings for the camera. One thing I will add is that the joy of the Godox system along with the X pro trigger is you can convert TTL settings to manual with the push of a button! This can be a boon for run and gunners who want an approximate idea of their flash settings but don't have time to take several test shots. Just fire in TTL and if it looks good just convert that setting to Manual via the trigger and voila you have the best of both worlds. This feature is I believe pretty unique to the Godox system and couldn't be simpler however it's restricted to the X pro trigger at this time, their other triggers don't offer this functionality ☺
Thanks Spyros...you reaffirmed my thinking ..I never understood the benefit of TTL and thought I must be missing something, but turns out that I haven't ! As a side note, I think shooting flash in manual gives me more of a sense of accomplishment when done correctly...been following you for a while and this kind of straight talk keeps me coming back
Thank you Dan!!! I’m glad you enjoy my videos!!!
I was ready to give up on flash altogether because of TTL. Then I tried manual flash and now it’s super simple and fun to learn flash photography...Stupid TTL. 😂
Right!!! Manual FTW! 😂😂
Right STUPID TTL😂‼️
I’m doing a graduation shoot Monday and I’m definitely using manual🙏‼️
Thanks Spyros for this video. My take away is: no ttl for me. Manual is the way 2 go. Now when I buy a flash, I don't need to buy one with ttl. U just got a New Subscriber...ME. Cheers & thanks again.
What is good about manual flash is that it is almost an extension of the exposure triangle. I can add or subtract a stop of light, or 2/3 etc by adjusting the flash power. So if it isn’t quite right, I can adjust ISO, even the shutter speed (within the camera’s capability) and aperture. If I change one setting I can adjust the other. I don’t really use TTL that much because from watching channels like yours, everyone shoots manual most of the time.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. Short sweet and to the point. Thank you for clarifying the differences between the two. Manual all the way. More creative and consistent that way. That’s where all the craft is.
Man! Your video is brilliant, absolutely zero bullshit and 100% facts on the table. I was searching for all this information for weeks : D
Dude thank you so much for the advice. I was gonna buy ttl but now I'm gonna buy manual thanks
You are welcome!!! Thanks for watching!
I enjoyed your video Spyros. I haven't used manual flash in 15 years. The TTL on my Nikon speed lights have been very accurate and the times it hasn't, I can usually fix in post. I haven't really used manual flash since my film shooting days but I will try and get back to using manual once I get a hand held meter. Thanks!
I'll say this, if it works for you, there's nothing wrong with that. I certainly encourage you to shoot manual flash again just to reacquaint yourself, but if it ain't broke... 😊
Thank you so much for this explantation!!! Please do a video on using the Godox V1 with Xpro trigger. Thank you!
Man, you are so very clear with your explanations!
Thank you!!! I try to keep it clear and easy to understand. 😊
Great info. Think of TTL as "auto mode for your flash". Love this part "the camera and the flash are stupid". Lol. I'm sold on manual now. Thanks man!
Great video! I use Manual Flash only when I have control of the environment and when I want to use Flashes in a "creative way" but for events and rush shoots, (90% of the time) TTL gets the job done.
BTW I'm subscribing just because of that Boku no hero academia figure ✌
What metering mode do you use when on TTL?
@@Rakesh11503 multi mode and you can fine tune in with the camera exposure compensation if you are in aperture priority or if you are in manual mode you can adjust the ttl values -+.
New triggers also comes with an option called TCL with can be useful if you want to go from ttl to manual in run and gun situations.
I shoot in Manual...because that's how you taught me! :D
That's the spirit! :D
I'm 51 years old and I'm having "Hot Flashes. I wish I could control them.
😂😂
Bahaha I love this woman!
I shoot a lot in nightclubs and use rear sync with manual flash. I'm either 1/16 flash power for close up or 1/8 for groups...it never fails once you have done a bit of trial and error proving in a venue.
You first say that TTL can be a problem when the scene changes and the camera misreads it; then you say it's best for variable situations??? To me, TTL with +/-adjustment of the flash power is preferable.
Totally agree.
He contradicts himself. His advice is OK for fixed studio situations, not for events.
I know this video is a bit old. Do you rely on a light meter if not using TTL, if not I assume a lot of trial and error shots to get the right exposure.
Yes, he doesn't say how he gets the manual level correct. If he is using trial and error you can do that with TTL too, biasing the exposure to get the effect you want. He sounds like a studio guy where everything is fixed, and he admits TTL is better for event photography.
This is freaking amazing and so helpful in my decision! Thank you, Spyros!
Has to be Manual for me .. Great content 📸👍I am still learning LOL
So am I! Learning every day! :)
OMG Thank you so much for helping me understand!!!! Subbed!
Best TTL video‼️, everybody saying “use ttl blahbah”
Go Godox I have 2 AD200 and 2 V860II and the X1 and XPro triggers. Love them
I REALLY love the Godox system!!
If you had many outdoor family portraits to do at once despite the weather changing I guess manual still will be your best bet then?
I strictly shoot in TTL with it actually mounted on the camera's hot shoe because I shoot in different conditions (smoke, rain, fog, snow, etc) because I volunteer my photography experience to the local fire department at their fire calls, training, special events, etc
This is a great explanation!!
This is such a short and sweet video; thank YOU! You've earned a subscriber in me :) I have a technical question: while experimenting with TTL vs. Manual mode, I realize that TTL mode take so much longer to recycle to a point I missed a lot of shot shooting indoor events, as the flash didn't fire half the time. Any suggestions for such scenario? As you mentioned in your video, one could use TTL for such run-n-gun situations. Thank you.
Thanks it makes me sure to choose manual flash.
Convinced by this video to go manual. Would you advocate a flash meter to set up though? I’ve bought a used meter as recommended by a guy who ran a portrait workshop I attended recently
Can i take a Godox Ad300 Pro wthiout controller?
I recently shot a wedding and could not believe how many shots I missed due to finicky ETTL. I think I missed a whole series of shots because the flash/camera wanted to do it's own thing. Tell you the truth I have better luck with thrysitor flash technology from the 1980's. This type of flash would automatically shut of as soon as the subject was properly exposed. It doesn't always work, but It is a little more reliable than ETTL, or iTTL etc (IMHO). One thing about Manual Flash is that if you are at a wedding you really don't have the time to constantly make complicated Guide Number/Distance calculations. You also don't have the liberty of using a flash-meter. In a studio yes, at a wedding unless you have years of experience forget about it !
I mean think about this the flash manufacturer tells you that your flash is rated at 200(feet) at 105 mm focal length with ISO 100. that 200 is your guide number. That's fine and dandy if you want to shoot the entire wedding at ISO 100 and 100mm (focal length), but if you change any of these settings(such as focal length) your Guide number changes dramatically ! Then you got to keep making these Guide No./Distance calculations at a busy wedding. Actually your best bet if lighting allows is to boost your ISO to as much as you can or is reasonable and shoot under natural light. Use flash sparingly only if you have to.
TTL is still good for on camera indoor. No?
I totally agree with your video. The only time I would use TTL off camera is when I need to get lower power from my strobes/flashes because you can't get that low with manual...
What about trying to focus on extreme low light?
When trying to focus in very low light, I either use the IR flash aid that my Godox X Pro trigger has. If I don't have that handy, I will use a flashlight (I always pack a flashlight), or, I will manually focus.
Great explanation! I'm moving to all in-studio work and have been weighing on whether to go TTL or not. Do you find your godox ADs are strong enough for studio work for lighting groups? Or am I going to need bigger strobes?
Thank you!!! Glad you found it helpful! I LOVE the AD200 flashes, and if you’re talking about a group like a family. (5-10 people or so), using the AD200s will absolutely get the job done!
Why not manually select ETTL flash exposure compensation value (ex: -1 stop or + 1 stop ettl)? So it will always be one stop minus or one stop plus exposure or to whatever you want artistically? So it will always be precise even if the light changes? Because ETTL always looks for zero exposure value wherever you point it, then dials in any compensation for your artistic preference
Good question. This guy says nothing about how he gets his manual settings right. Probably a studio guy where everthing is fixed.
Sorry, Spyros. The correct answer is..... it depends :) Sure, I'll take manual every day of the week if I control everything. If I'm running and gunning with different lighting in various place, TTL.
Oh... you covered exactly what I was saying.... I'll, uh, be over there.
I do the same thing with manual and TTL
Right! It's all about understanding how it works and harnessing it for the situation. :)
Manual!!!
I was just wondering if ttl was worth it for events
Good refresher!
Thanks Bill!
Thanks for making up my mind. Go now to Aliexpress to get tt600
Thank you for the video
I always thought I was dumb when trying to use ttl. When I'm trying to light just the subject and underexposing the rest, it just went full power.
Am in between I can do both manual and ttl, however I usually do ttl using flash compensation......
I believe TTL can be useful on days where the sun keeps going in and out of the clouds.
Thankyou, well explained, I am a wiser man...
I say Manual. TTL only works for me when pointed directly, which not good for live subjects causing blinking and is generally rude. Modifiers throw off the calculation too much. It is so much faster to dial manually. Also saves some $$. I use Youngnuo 560IV and trigger.
So how do you know what power to set the manual level?
Where can I get the shirts?
I'm working on the shirts!
Great !! Thanks
I've still got permanent burns on my fingers from changing spent flash bulbs on my Argus potato masher (Me no grok this fancy TTL stuff) ;-D
I'm leaning towards a cheaper pair of TT600 flashes and an X-pro trigger for documenting historic timber frames and the like.
Huge question, im shooting with Automatic Settings on my Dslr (rookie) would a TTL be better for me??
Yes
@@lexlayabout5757 haha 2 years later! Thanks tho bro!!! Reminded me of those days! Now I know how to shoot fully Manual 🙏🏽 took me long enough lol
Happy name day my friend!!!! :) i have a specific problem with my flash kit. i use a meike system flash (meike MK910 for the flash and meike MK-GT600 for the trigger and receiver) . The problem is, either I have in TTL or manual mode, my flash fires twice. I haven;t figured out how to disable it. I tried to disable it through my camera menu (Nikon D7100) but it just doesn't work. Any thoughts how to disable this pre-flash?
thank you in advance. Greetings from Greece. Nicholas.
i needed this!
Love the Deku pop!
I've been known to be a flasher... ( Manual btw )
😂😂😂
Thx for info , light that background of your set, dude! And lower the light in front.
I’m definitely no expert, but it seems to me that many UA-cam photography vloggers repeat what you say at 3:36, that TTL is good for changing “run and gun” scenarios... but it directly contradicts what you say earlier that when things are changing you’re at the mercy of TTL and have to fight your camera to get the lighting you envision.
If you know the guide number, you know what flash power and aperture to use at typical subject distances. I’m struggling to understand why TTL is ever needed, and worth the huge price difference.
As you say, he contradicts himself, and admits TTL is better for events. The Guide Number is only useful to evaluate exposure for direct flash, and that's only if you know the subject distance. For anything else (bounce flash, flash through a softbox) it is not practical, you need a flash meter or trial and error. This guy's advice is only good for fixed studio situations.
Good info.
What I need to know now, is how to meter for flash, rather than trial and error - which works fine, but is time consuming...
He never says how he gets his manual settings correct.
I love you. Thank you lol
Manual flash for me
Manual FTW!!!
I think TCM is the winner
I prefer manual.
Nothing here about how to _set_ the manual level. Flash meter? Chimping with trial & error? Manual is OK in a fixed studio situation but a faff otherwise. Artistically, you can always bias TTL exposure anyway.
Quote : @0:49 _Manual flash is better_
Quote : @3:31 _TTL is very good for variable situation photgraphy_ ❓
Title should be: Bash TTL
He never says how he gets his manual settings right. Sounds like he is only a studio guy.
Manual, always.
Manual. Period.
Tnz
other friends
Your adorable!
Really exhausting listening to you. Too much yelling for my taste.