Camera Labs

Do I need an external flash if I were to shoot a building at night from a distance of about 80 metres? There'll be some streets lights and the building is slightly lit. Will a 430ex flash be strong enough to light up the whole bulding considering the distance? I'll be using a Sigma 18-200 os len.
Thanks.

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My guess is that the flash won't be strong enough but maybe the expert flashers can fill in the detail. If you have, or can borrow, a tripod take it along as well. That will allow you to keep the ISO, and so picture noise, down but the long exposure times may be an issue if there are people or vehicles passing and you aren't looking to introduce motion blur into the composition.

Bob.

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I aggree with Bob here. I doubt a flash would do you much good at that distance. Go for the tripod. Maybe a SPOT LIGHT though haha. Why not try a sunset shot? Or is that one a no-go>?

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No way to see much of an effect of the flash at 80m distance on the whole building!
but you should have tried for yourself
One can only learn...

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80m? I'd say no chance, unless it's very dark and you're shooting at the maximum sensitivity. You'll need to use natural / available light. If there's not much around, consider waiting for the next full moon.

Alternatively, consider wireless control over the flash and place it physically closer to the building - although it will only illuminate a small portion of it...

Thanks once again to all for the information.
I believe I'll try slower shutter speed, larger aperture with a tripod. I too think that using a flash a distance of 80 m is somehow impossible but at least I confirmed my doubt by asking.
Thanks again for replying

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You will never have what you like until you learn to like what you have