do I really need a 580EX?

[EOS mE]

currently i have a 430ex, while i think that's powerful enough of flash for me, but i still ponder the possibilities of the 580 strobe.

when do you need 580? is it much easier to work with flash using the 580?

[Cali_is_best]

not necessarily easier but, it of course is an upgrade and have a bit of more advantages over 480, Google this flash unit and I am sure I have seen a site where you could compare them side by side, there are some options that 580 offers and 480 don't.

[tim]

No, but the 580 gives you wireless master which can make a MASSIVE difference to reception photos.

[Rellik]

It also gives you more options to have it externally powered. Head tilts both ways, it's easier and faster to adjust FEC (and other settings) with the dial, and lastly built-in catch light panel. Plus what Tim said. :)

[Sp00ks]

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/eosfaq/ex_speedlites.html

[Toogy]

I certainly recommend it. You will be able to use it as a master and put your 430EX on a stand as a slave. Certainly helps during receptions, as Tim mentioned.

[picturecrazy]

As just a flash, the 430 should be more than adequate. But if you have more than one flash, at least ONE of them should be a 580 for the mastering abilities previously mentioned.

I have two 580 units, one on each cam, so I can master my two 430 units off either camera. But if you aren't interested in getting into off-camera lighting (which isn't a bad thing really, there are so many techniques for creative on-cam lighting) then getting 430's aren't a bad thing at all.

[Curtis N]

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/eosfaq/ex_speedlites.htmlGreat link, Spooks!

[EOS mE]

thanks everyone.. you guys make it sound like I really really need it. haha :lol:

[Banbert]

Bought one this week and will probably buy another before our next wedding so that we have 2 580's and 2 430's between me and my mate I shoot with.

Anyone use 430's/580'2 remotely much with Umbrella's or Lightboxes ? Just wondering what stands setups etc you used..... any info greatly appreciated.

[tim]

I use a 580EX master and 550EX slave. I usually point the 550EX into a silver umbrella (more efficient), sitting on my tripod with a clamp thingy. I screw a QR plate into the base of the "clamp thingy", it has a hole for an umbrella, and the flash mounts on top. I use a CP-E3 to power the 550EX, it speeds recharge times a LOT - from 7 seconds to about 2 seconds, give or take.

See this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1921861#post1921861) if you want to know what a "clamp thingy" is :p :)

[Banbert]

I use a 580EX master and 550EX slave. I usually point the 550EX into a silver umbrella (more efficient), sitting on my tripod with a clamp thingy. I screw a QR plate into the base of the "clamp thingy", it has a hole for an umbrella, and the flash mounts on top. I use a CP-E3 to power the 550EX, it speeds recharge times a LOT - from 7 seconds to about 2 seconds, give or take.

See this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1921861#post1921861) if you want to know what a "clamp thingy" is :p :)

Cheers Tim, so its probably worth saving my very cheap tripod after all (upgrading at xmas), even if its just to use as a flash and umbrella stand !

[woffles]

A tripod probably won't be tall enough to get the flash up where you want it. It might work for some situations but I shot one with a stand that was 9 or 10ft and was wishing it was a little taller.

[Banbert]

Hmm I guess, but any height of off camera flash would be a good start for us atm. Just been browsing Warehouseexpress.co.uk and cant find anything suitable for either way, think i will have to nip to one of the local camera shops at the weekend and see what they have/suggest.

[tim]

I have some Manfrotto tripod, I had it only 2/3 extended last weekend before it hit the roof of the reception venue. With the legs and center column extended it's about 6 feet high, and pointing the umbrella down gives it a bit more height. If I need anything bigger I have 13' light stands I can use, and i'd probably hook up the AlienBee units if I bothered to get the light stands out. Then again ETTL can come in pretty handy.

[Hank2122]

as tim mentioned, don't forget about the CPe3 unit. makes a BIG difference. the 430EX is not compatible with the CPe3 pack.