430EX v. 580EX

[kbreit]

I am thinking about getting a flash with my birthday money coming to me soon. The two candidates are the 430EX and the 580EX. For a relatively amature photographer, what are the advantages of both? I don't have a really narrow focus of photography. Basically, I want a flash to make it easier to shoot indoors (or maybe some night photography?) during the winter when it's harder to get outside.

What would people suggest? What are pros and cons of both?

[StealthLude]

430ex is a better match with your camera.

Unless you need the features of the 580ex. Master/Slave setup, custom functions, and support for 45 AF points, if you ever plan on buying a pro body camera. Wide angle coverage is also nice to have with a 580ex.

I bought a 580ex because of my 10-22 lens, I needed wideangle coverage, + i also use mine as a master. I have one 420ex flash, and soon plan on buying another 430ex as a background light.

[kbreit]

I do have a Tokina 12-24mm lens. What is the widest angle that the 430EX would get on that lens?

[basroil]

430 and 580 both have a 14mm diffusal panel. 12mm on 1.6 crop is more than 14mm, so you're fine with either. i have a 430ex and xt and it works great, even when bounceflashing on a 50 foot ceiling

[jarheadson]

Just out of curiosity, why isn't the 550ex ever taken into consideration?

[jfrancho]

Just out of curiosity, why isn't the 550ex ever taken into consideration?It's out of production.

To the OP. Go ahead and get a 430. When you're ready to get more complicated, get another 430 and a 580, and some clamps. Fun stuff. Check out the strobist (http://strobist.blogspot.com/) to learn more.

[joegolf68]

Please, everyone say the 580EX is much better. Mine will be here tomorrow, or Wednesday. I took the same type survey here and flipped a coin (and then gave up the coin for the extra cost) as I would rather overbuy, then under-buy. From all I've heard though, the 430EX will work for ya without a doubt.

[jarheadson]

It's out of production.

Well, then that would make sense.

[liza]

Please, everyone say the 580EX is much better. Mine will be here tomorrow, or Wednesday. I took the same type survey here and flipped a coin (and then gave up the coin for the extra cost) as I would rather overbuy, then under-buy. From all I've heard though, the 430EX will work for ya without a doubt.

Okay, I will. The 580EX is better. But it isn't what a hobbyist with a Rebel XT needs.

[jcw122]

kbreit, to help you decide, I'd also suggest looking at how or if you will expand in photography. You said your an amateur photographer, but that doesn't always say much to what your needs are, or might be in the future if you decide you want to do something different, or more.

-Will you ever be expanding photography into something more than being an "amateur photographer"? Are you wanting to get better at photography, or are you just having fun for now? I ask because having better equipment for when you need it later would be nice, rather than buying the 580EX later.
-Will you ever be getting into People Photography? Flashes are very very useful here
-What kind of photography will you be doing indoors? Mostly candids of friends/family, or will you be trying to setup actual shots?

I'd suggest checking out review sites comparing the 430EX and 580EX, make special note of the features the 580EX has over the 430EX, then decide.

It took me a big while deciding also, but I went with the 580EX. Take your time in your decision.

[kbreit]

Thanks for the reply jcw122. Good questions. Some of the issue is that I don't know the answer to many of those questions. Will I take it past being an amateur photographer? Maybe. I need to see if I have a knack for any particular types of photography and wish to pursue it. I'm mostly having fun with photography but always am trying to get better at anything I do.

Will I be getting into people photography? Actually, that is a field I am interested in, even if there are lots of people doing it. Someone has to take pictures of the 6b people :)

I'd probably be doing some candids of friends/family/animals indoors but I wouldn't be surprised to see myself setting up actual shots either be it of people or otherwise.

I read a review and the 430EX sounds good for me for now. Any other inputs based on my replies?

[jfrancho]

I can only speak for myself. I bought a 430 a little less than a year ago, now I have a 580 and two 430s. I don't think getting the 580 would have been an advantage. I never felt that the 430 wasn't enough, and I still go with the 430 when I need just a shoe mount flash.

[kbreit]

jfrancho, what type of photography do you do? Judging by your gallery, a bunch of portrait stuff. Looks like some of the things I'd like to do.

[jfrancho]

PJ, small venue live music, catalog/commercial, bad, etc.

I do a little portrait stuff, though not as much as I'd like. I have a shoot coming up for 120 portraits. That'll be fun.

[rick j]

I have just ordered the 580ex I was in the same boat as you but finally thought if I buy the 420 how long till I say I wish I had the 580??

[jfrancho]

I have just ordered the 580ex I was in the same boat as you but finally thought if I buy the 420 how long till I say I wish I had the 580??The 420 is a far cry from the 580. The 430 is very similar to the 580.

[jcw122]

Glad I could help kbreit,

One point about the 580EX, if new generations of flash units come out after it, there's a good chance it'll still have a good selling price, or be sought after. The 550EX is still popular with many, and that's a good sign the 580EX will be popular for a long time, even if it does become 2nd generation (if it ever does).

This is just a guess, I thought of that just now.

Again, good luck w/ your decision.

And yes, I'm biased to the 580EX, love this thing!

[kbreit]

Most people are saying the 430 would be fine but then a few say the 580 is where it's at. I am thinking that with this coming from birthday gift money, I'll see how much I get. If I get enough to cover the 580 I could get that. Otherwise I'll stick with the 430. There's a $130 difference on Amazon between the two.

Thanks!

[jfrancho]

That's the right attitude - SPEND!!!! Just kidding. When I went to add to my lighting system, I weighed getting a ST-E2 and a 430, or just a 580. I ended up getting a 580, a second 430, and somehow a 100mm macro ended up in the bag :).

[dave_bass5]

Im also looking for more light.
I have had a 420EX for over a year and it does all i need but i could do with a bit more light. I have borrowed a 550EX and it seems a bit brighter and i like the difuser on it.
so im now looking to either get a 580EX (but dont need all the features) or a 430EX but am wondering if its worth the extra cost over my 420EX.
any thoughts guys? im only doing snaps, kids at home sort fo thing. no studio work

[jcw122]

Most people are saying the 430 would be fine but then a few say the 580 is where it's at. I am thinking that with this coming from birthday gift money, I'll see how much I get. If I get enough to cover the 580 I could get that. Otherwise I'll stick with the 430. There's a $130 difference on Amazon between the two.

Thanks!

Also check www.pricegrabber.com for prices at different places, I use it alot.

[jcw122]

HEY! Don't forget that Canon now has new rebates out! There is a rebate for both the 430EX and 580EX!!

You get $15 off the 580EX, or $10 off the 430EX w/ the rebate.


http://images.pricegrabber.com/rebates/69695.pdf