differnces between 580 & 430

[terpam]

I imagine that this subject has been broached here before, but I cannot find a thread. Are there substantial differences between the 580 & 430, such as power output. Or are the differences simply bells and whistles. I do mostly just everyday photography, i.e., no pro work at this time...no studio. Does the differences justify the extra $100.00 + in cost?

Thanks,

Terry

[DavidW]

Probably the biggest difference is that the 580EX can be a master or slave flash in a wireless setup; the 430EX can only be a slave flash. The 580EX has higher maximum power, but only by 0.43 stops. The precise maximum power difference depends on the zoom position of the flash, but it's somewhere in the third to half stop range throughout.

There are some features on the 580EX that aren't on the 430EX. The 580EX has a socket to plug in an external high voltage battery pack, which is useful if you need maximum recycling speed, whereas the 430EX doesn't have this connector. The 580EX has stroboscopic flash facilities and the 430EX doesn't (though how many people use the stroboscopic flash capabilities?). The 580EX has FEB (flash exposure bracketing), the 430EX doesn't.


The difference between the 430EX and 580EX isn't as much as it was between the 420EX and 580EX. Unlike the 420EX, the 430EX has manual power adjustment when used standalone or as a slave. The user interface on the 430EX is greatly improved compared to the 420EX - it's very similar to the 580EX. This means that you can easily set FEC on the flash.

The 430EX has the ability to rotate the head both ways - it was one way only on the 420EX, though the 430EX doesn't go to 180 degrees both ways unlike the 580EX (you can only turn the 430EX 90 degrees clockwise, looking from the back of the camera in landscape orientation). I doubt this is much of a limitation in practice, though.


The 580EX is undoubtedly the better flash - but you have to ask yourself whether you'd notice the difference. If you want a simple flash - E-TTL optionally with FEC or manual flash, with the availability of FP flash (high speed sync) and second curtain modes, the 430EX will do everything you want. assuming you're not in a situation where the extra third to half a stop of power is going to be critical.

If you want to use wireless multiple flash setups, or you are shooting in an environment like an event where you're firing the flash repeatedly, you'll probably want at least one 580EX in your bag. I have a 580EX, and I'm happy with it, though if I decide to buy any extra Speedlites, I'll probably struggle to justify the extra expense of 580EX over 430EX units.



David

[terpam]

David,

Thak you for your reply. It was very helpful.

Terry

[bignoodleboi]

man that helps alot too david... i'm new at this and I couldn't find anything about the difference... thanks :D

[TheSteveMadden]

The 580EX has higher maximum power, but only by 0.43 stops. The precise maximum power difference depends on the zoom position of the flash, but it's somewhere in the third to half stop range throughout.


Actually (and somebody will correct me if I'm wrong), I believe the 580 puts out almost an entire stop more light than the 430. GN 58 vs 43 (in meters). What this means is that at 100% power, ISO 100, Flash zoomed all the way to 105mm, a subject 10.75 meters from the flash would suggest an aperture of f/4 on the 430EX (43/10.75) and f/5.4 with the 580EX (58/10.75). Almost one stop, since f/5.6 is closest.

I just returned a borrowed 580EX this morning and own the 430. Two other differences were useful to me on the 580. First, there is a small pull-out chatchlight panel which is useful when bouncing. You can do the same with a white card and a red rubber band, but it's not as convenient. (The red rubber band can be left on the flash to make it look better :) ).

Another feature of the 580EX is that it has a flash range scale which also shows the minimum flash distance. The 430EX only shows the maximum effective distance. If your doing fill flash outdoor portrait work (wide aperture) and getting up close, you can sometimes have too much power, even at minimum flash power/mimimim iso and need to either back off or diffuse.

That being said, the 430EX is an extremely capable flash and an IMO, an ideal first flash, as you can add the 580 or ST-E2 later and it will be compatible. I found the weight of the 430 much better with a small camera, the 580 is considerably heavier, which I really noticed when handholding in portrait orientation.

[jrsforums]

A good comparison....
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-430EX-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx

John

[TheSteveMadden]

Thanks for the great link, John! An interesting paragraph in the review mentions that you can get faster refreshes using rechargable NiMH than Alkalines. I would have thought it was the other way around as the NiMH batteries have slightly a lower voltage. I'll have to give it a try.

[jrsforums]

Thanks for the great link, John! An interesting paragraph in the review mentions that you can get faster refreshes using rechargable NiMH than Alkalines. I would have thought it was the other way around as the NiMH batteries have slightly a lower voltage. I'll have to give it a try.

Batteries are not my expertise. However, I believe I read that it has to do with lower internal resistance.....anyway NiMh is the way to go. Get a good charger...one that will charge each battery individually. Thomas Distributing is a good source.

For home (due to the "brick" adapter) you could look at the Maha MH-C401FS or the LA CROSSE BC-900. For travel I use the Kodak MAX K2000 (no brick or cord). Actually I have all 3, plus the Maha MH-C204W, which is a good world traveller, but charges in pairs. My choices were based on reading of multiple input and reviews (Google is our friend ;) ) from people much smarter than me on the subject.

John

Oh....slow charging is better for battery life than fast....unless, of course, you need them real fast...