The thought of using external flash can be intimidating for beginner photographers, but learning flash photography is crucial to advance in your photographic pursuits. If you’re new to flash photography, it’s a good idea to start with simple speedlights before diving into the world of strobes. When it comes to speedlights, you have manual and TTL (through-the-lens) flash.
So, which one should you choose? The easy-to-use but expensive TTL speedlights or inexpensive manual ones? Let’s compare.
What Is the Difference Between TTL and Manual Flash?
If you shop for speedlights, you can find some with functions like TTL and others without. TTL speedlights send a pre-flash to gather the light information in your scene through the lens, thus the name through-the-lens. Then, they fire the flash at the right intensity necessary for correct exposure. This is like having an auto mode on your flash. You can just attach the speedlight to your camera and start shooting.
And similar to exposure compensation, you have flash compensation to tweak the flash intensity to your liking. You can either reduce or increase the amount of flash power. TTL speedlights also have functions like high-speed sync, which can be handy for shooting fast-moving subjects.
With a manual speedlight, you have to adjust the light intensity based on some trial and error. A light meter can be a helpful tool, but generally, you can take a picture, check the histogram, and modify the flash power. As you can see, this will work well only in a studio setting but not so much in a dynamic situation.
Manual speedlights are cheaper compared to TTL flashes. you may get a good-quality manual one for less than $100, whereas a TTL flash can set you back by a few hundred dollars.
Reasons to Choose TTL Flash
Now that you know the difference, let’s look at the advantages of using a TTL speedlight.
Ease of Use
The main reason you should opt for a TTL speedlight is convenience. You don’t have to overthink or fiddle with different settings—just point and shoot. The flash unit will work with your camera and nail the exposure every time. The TTL system will meter perfectly whether you use it on your camera or as a remote flash on a light stand.
As a new photographer who has yet to develop an eye for ideal light, a TTL flash can make your life easier.
Perfect Lighting for Events and Weddings
Having TTL will ensure you never miss a shot when you’re in rapidly changing situations like weddings and events. Imagine tweaking the flash power after every couple of pictures. You will not only miss critical moments, but you can also annoy your subjects.
If you’re in a place where the light changes constantly or if your subjects are on the move, having a TTL flash can make a huge difference.
For Capturing Motion
Most TTL flashes, especially ones from name brands, also come with high-speed sync (or HSS). With HSS, you can shoot at a higher shutter speed than the flash sync speed. You can use TTL and HSS together to freeze motion with fast-moving subjects. See ourguide on HSS in flash photographyto learn more.
For shooting theater, dance, nightclubs, or insects, you must use a TTL flash with HSS for optimal results.
When to Go for Manual Flash
Although TTL flashes have a few advantages, they may not be suitable for all photographers. Here are some scenarios when you may want to use a manual flash.
Budget Conscious
A TTL flash can be expensive, so a manual one is the way to go if you’re on a tight budget. For instance, a manual flash from Neewer, such as the NW600 above, costs well under $100, and it can be an excellent tool for learning flash photography and improving your skills. On the other hand, a basic Nikon TTL speedlight costs around $250.
If you’re an expert inshooting with manual modeand know how to get perfect exposure, you’re able to use a manual flash. You can save money and get some other photography gear rather than shelling out money on a feature you don’t use often.
Still Subjects
Do you mostly work with still subjects? Are you comfortable taking test shots and fine-tuning your lighting? Then, you can go for a manual flash. There is no reason to buy a TTL flash for the sake of it. Instead, get a couple of manual flashes so that you can learn more lighting techniques.
Portraitlighting techniques like Rembrandt, clamshell, and cross lighting work well with two-light setups.
More Creative Control
Some photographers like to use manual flash for complete control. Manual flashes have eight increments to adjust the intensity. you may go to full power starting from 1/128th, 1/64th, and so on. You can purposefully underexpose or overexpose an image for different moods. This may not be possible with a TTL flash.
Manual flash can be straightforward to control if you’re using multiple flashes that are triggered optically. For example, you may leave the key light in half power and the fill light in 1/4th or lesser. You may be unable to adjust them precisely with a TTL flash.
Consistent Exposure
TTL flash can change the intensity between shots and can be unreliable. With manual flash, you can adjust the flash output accurately, so your final images from the session look similar. This is crucial if youfocus stack your photosor create animation or time-lapses with them.
Better Battery Life and Recycle Time
As there is no need for a pre-flash and calculating flash power, manual flashes use less battery, so you may enjoy extended shooting sessions without changing batteries. Manual flashes also recycle faster for the same reason.
Choose a Flash That Works for You
Manual and TTL flash are both great tools to push your creative boundaries and accelerate your photography. But think carefully before buying one. If you want a versatile speedlight that works for different subjects and don’t mind spending extra money, go for a TTL speedlight.
Do you want more creative control and accurate results with a limited budget? Then, a manual speedlight is the right option for you. No matter which one you choose, ensure to practice. Knowing your tools is essential to advance in whatever you do.
