i heard there is a way to turn the flash bulb off but keep using the laser beam to focus?

Question

This is in regards to a Canon Speedlight 550 EX flash. Any ideas?

Answer 1

If i remember right there should be a button on the back that turns the flash and preflash off, and lets you use the AF Assist Beam



Linked to area AF (45 focusing points), effective from approx. 0.6 to 10 meters / 2 to 33 feet at the center and 0.6 to 5 meters / 2 to 16 feet along the periphery (in total darkness).