Flash query

[airshaq20]

I have never used a flash before (except for the built-in flash in my 30D - which i use about 1% of the time).

Looking at the Canon lineup, seems like the 430ex and the 580ex are the popular ones.

My question is, why would someone like me would consider one or the other aside from the price? I will be using it mainly for portraitures of my kids, family, etc. and maybe some for macro using my 100mm macro lens.

Is the 430ex good enough? What does the 580ex have that the 430ex doesn't?

TIA

[BrandonSi]

Basically the 580EX has more power, and can light a much larger area. It also allows the head to be turned up, down, left and right, I believe the motion range is limited on the 430EX. If it's your first flash and that's all you're using it for I would definitely go with the 430EX. Also check out the FAQ's in the forum here, as well as this link..

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=228308

[Mark_Cohran]

Go with the 430EX if you think that you're not going to use the flash much and you're primarily going to stick with the subjects you listed. If you plan to grow into flash photography, in the long run, you'll be better off with the 580EX.

Mark

[Curtis N]

What does the 580ex have that the 430ex doesn't?This page (http://photonotes.org/cgi-bin/flash-lookup.pl?flash1=canon430ex&flash2=canon580ex&flash3=*) has a fairly comprehensive list of specifications and features.

This page (http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/eosfaq/ex_speedlites.html) also has a nice table.

[airshaq20]

Thanks all. You guys are a big help!