580EX II + 420EX sufficient?

[Megapixle]

I'm lost when it comes to off-camera lighting, please forgive me.

Would you consider a 580EX II + 420EX sufficient for a beginner doing weddings? If so, what would the typical setup be like? 580 mounted on the camera, and the 420 on a lightstand, bounced into an umbrella? I'm pretty sure the 420 doesn't have manual controls, how big of a problem will that create?

Aside from pricey PocketWizards, I guess my only choice in firing the off-camera flash is IR?

Is it possible to have both flashes off-camera? Maybe use a PC cord to connect to the 580, which fires the 420 via infared?

I would mainly like to figure out my best options for formal group shots at the reception, with the group size ranging anywhere from 2-30ish people.

Thanks for your help!

[laimis.s]

yeah, 580 and 420 is more than enough really :) have a read on http://strobist.blogspot.com/ and you will see that two strobes is all you need ;) tomorrow im shooting a wedding with a 580 II...wel see how it goes :)

if you want the 580 off camera, and use E-TTL mode, then i suggest you buy a Off-Shoe Camera Cord (not a sync cord), and have the 420 on a tripod with IR.

you could also buy one of those cheap Gadget Infinity radios, which is a cheap equivalent of pocketwizards. theyr $34 from ebay. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=007&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=170124960760&rd=1&rd=1

[Wedding Shooter]

At least get the 430 over the 420 - you can than use manual exposure on the 430 if you grow into it later on.

[AlexMa]

Sounds like he has the 420 and is going to get a new 580II

[Phil V]

There's no such thing as a 'typical' use of flash - my typical is 'for emergencies only' - other people 'typically use entire portable studio systems'.
My advice for someone shooting weddings is simple. Do what you know how to do best- someone elses wedding is no place for experimentation. Wedding photography is about 10% photography skills, the instant you try to complicate your workflow, you'll detract from the important things.
Ask yourself if it's better to get a picture of 30 happy people shot in natural light or 30 p!55ed off people who've been waiting 5 minutes for you to work out your flash ratios?

[Megapixle]

Thanks everybody for the advice. Alex is right, I already have the 420 and am buying the 580. My sweet wife bought me the 420 as a gift (not knowing any better), so I have to make the best of it. :)

~mp

[AlexMa]

I have 2 420's and a 580

They work well enough for me.

580 is on a bracket and the 420 on stands into umbrellas.