420EX or 430EX?

[EnronRocks]

I am currently in the search for a flash. I have been looking on eBay, and have decided between a 420EX or 430EX. I know the 420EX is a older model, but I am also wanting to purchase a BG-E3 grip and battery, and currently have a budget set at $300.

So, my true question is should I say screw the grip and just invest in a nicer/newer flash, and if are the differences between the 420EX or 430EX going to be that noticeable?

Also I see a 540EZ for $127.75, would that be a good purchase or should I stick with a 420EX and or 430EX?

[viperx27]

the 540ez doens't have ettl, so you might as well go with a vivitar at that point.

[EnronRocks]

the 540ez doens't have ettl, so you might as well go with a vivitar at that point.

That would explain its low price?

In that case, I will stick with either the 420EX or 430EX.

[Psychobiker]

430!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jseivert]

I had the EXACT same question a couple of weeks ago and went with the 430. I'm happy I did.

To stay within your budget, would just an extra battery or 2 suffice or is the grip a necessity due to not having the time to swap batteries? Extra batteries are a lot cheaper than a grip.

[Bill Roberts]

If you're going to use it a lot then get the 430EX. If it's only for occasional use then the 420EX is perfectly adequate. Avoid the EZ series.

[rhys]

If you have $300 I'd like to point out that the 580EX2 is $329 with a discount code - brand new from B&H.

As for the grip - wait and you'll be able to get one later.

[FelixP]

550EX :P Glad I got one over the 430EX, extra power is good!

[viperx27]

Go with the 430.... I don't think the 420 will work with your camera (didn't work on my 300d).

there is no reason it wouldn't work with a 300d, let alone any body, canon or not (obviously losing ettl with non canon ef mount bodies)

[ghostman]

The 420EX does not have a manual mode. You'll want that if you're using the flash off-camera without ETTL.

[buto]

If you have $300 I'd like to point out that the 580EX2 is $329 with a discount code - brand new from B&H.

As for the grip - wait and you'll be able to get one later.

Someone else posted this in another thread. I'll be purchasing a 580EX soon.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=ps1107etgul&ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=product.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t

[lowcrust]

You'll regret buying the 420EX, I've heard many say that they did. If you must have a powerful flash and don't want to spend money, buy a cheap SunPak or Vivitar and some off camera equipment such as wireless transmitter/receiver. Can be had for a total of just 100 bucks. Then save up for the 580II once you feel the need for it.

Also, make sure you buy the OPTEKA grip, NOT the Canon original. It's very close in built quality and has the exact same form and function as the original for a fraction of the cost. I've noticed that they've recently gone up in price but they're still a bargain.

[EnronRocks]

You'll regret buying the 420EX, I've heard many say that they did. If you must have a powerful flash and don't want to spend money, buy a cheap SunPak or Vivitar and some off camera equipment such as wireless transmitter/receiver. Can be had for a total of just 100 bucks. Then save up for the 580II once you feel the need for it.

Also, make sure you buy the OPTEKA grip, NOT the Canon original. It's very close in built quality and has the exact same form and function as the original for a fraction of the cost. I've noticed that they've recently gone up in price but they're still a bargain.

So, would this be the grip your are speaking of? http://cgi.ebay.com/Opteka-Battery-Grip-for-Canon-EOS-Digital-Rebel-XT-XTi_W0QQitemZ300179436963QQihZ020QQcategoryZ15215Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Someone else posted this in another thread. I'll be purchasing a 580EX soon.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=ps1107etgul&ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=product.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t

I also am thinking about grabbing that, if not that I will get a 430EX. I have a friend who had the 420EX and we talked about it and all he could do is bash it, so that sealed the deal.

[lowcrust]

Yeah, that be it. I bought mine for a lot less than that on Amazon a year and a half ago, but like I said it's still a good bargain at less than half price. The only difference from the original is the slightly harder rubber on the grip on the Opteka. I use the original all the time (as it's on my best friends 400D/Xti) so I know what I'm talking about.

The 40D grip is another story.

[ben_r_]

Get a 580EX II now while they are still 329.99 at B&H! Figure the rest out later ;)

[EnronRocks]

Get a 580EX II now while they are still 329.99 at B&H! Figure the rest out later ;)

The 580EX II us $29.00 over budget, not including shipping, I didn't plan on spending that amount of money, so I doubt I will go that high.

I also need to get a vertical grip, my wrist is starting to kill me.

[Psychobiker]

I just bought both the grip and flash (430EX). Just finished shooting my mom's school play, no sore wrist, nothing, and some right gems of photos!

[EnronRocks]

I finally decided on a 550EX that I purchased off eBay.

[Zebceponaf]

I finally decided on a 550EX that I purchased off eBay.

Good choice, thats what I have, love it.

[Zebceponaf]

as far as grips go, I used to have an opteka grip for my xti and loved it too. wasn't quite like the canon grip but couldn't justify the price difference.

[Grentz]

Be careful with 3rd party grips...there are some pretty nasty horror stories around here about them (falling apart and such).

Even though you already purchased, I will weigh in.

I went through the 420 vs. 430 debate and went for the 420. Here is a good run down of the feature difference:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=113838

For me, I use my flash not a ton and always on camera. So most of the features did not effect me or I had no need for.

[hard12find]

You might consider the Sigma 500 super as well I know its not OEM, but I truly love mine...
Jim

[rhys]

I have a 420 and a 430.

If you use them as slaves, the 420 is the way to go - much easier to flick 2 switches and have it all set up right. With the 430 you have to battle menu systems that aren't very clear. IMHO the use of buttons and LCDs is a humungous step back into the dark ages.

[sixsixfour]

Get a 580EX II now while they are still 329.99 at B&H! Figure the rest out later ;)

the 580 is actually 359.95, not 329.99. ;)

[EnronRocks]

the 580 is actually 359.95, not 329.99. ;)

It was on sale with a coupon deal when he posted that link.

Also, I was reading somewhere about another company that made NB-2LH batteries that were reasonably priced? Does anyone recall that company? I do not want to buy Canon batteries, they are way to over priced.

[lowcrust]

I have a ton different third party batteries and they are all as good or better as the original Canon battery. The replacement batteries are called NB-2L (missing the last H in ither words) just so you know. Buy something with a little more juice in it, such as a 1100 or even 1800mA version. In the US a lot of people seem to use SterlingTek; http://www.sterlingtek.com

[flipteg]

i have 4 from Sterlingtek for my 10D... i think they're 2000mAh and they only cost ~$12USD each... i've went on trips taking about 600+ pictures in one day... with the 10D, the start up is really slow so i almost never turn off the camera within that day... i have yet to run down 1 battery in 1 day... the only reason i have 4 of the batteries is because i shot a wedding a few months ago... i underestimated the capacity of the batteries so ordered 4 just to be sure... needless to say, i couldn't even use up 1 on the wedding day with a reception...

[ben_r_]

the 580 is actually 359.95, not 329.99. ;)

Do yourself a favor and read this: Link (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=123198&t=676161)

[EnronRocks]

I have a ton different third party batteries and they are all as good or better as the original Canon battery. The replacement batteries are called NB-2L (missing the last H in ither words) just so you know. Buy something with a little more juice in it, such as a 1100 or even 1800mA version. In the US a lot of people seem to use SterlingTek; http://www.sterlingtek.com

SterlingTek is who I was thinking about. I got two NB-2LH from the SterlingTek eBay store for $19.99 plus $6.99 shipping. Both are 1700 MaH.

Now I need help wit a Diffuser, I found two on eBay. One looks of high quality, and I wanted to get your opinions on them.

This is the first one for $0.99
http://cgi.ebay.com/Flash-Diffuser-Bounce-Cover-for-Canon-550-550EX-540-EZ_W0QQitemZ320196676012QQihZ011QQcategoryZ64354QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The second one is $9.95
http://cgi.ebay.com/Flash-Diffuser-cover-for-Canon-Speedlite-550EX-540EX-et_W0QQitemZ320194757584QQihZ011QQcategoryZ64354QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The second one looks denser, but it could just be my eyes and or the pictures. Advice would be greatly appreciated.

[myself62]

i have a sigma ef-500 dg super and very happy with it.

[lowcrust]

SterlingTek is who I was thinking about. I got two NB-2LH from the SterlingTek eBay store for $19.99 plus $6.99 shipping. Both are 1700 MaH.

Now I need help wit a Diffuser, I found two on eBay. One looks of high quality, and I wanted to get your opinions on them.

This is the first one for $0.99
http://cgi.ebay.com/Flash-Diffuser-Bounce-Cover-for-Canon-550-550EX-540-EZ_W0QQitemZ320196676012QQihZ011QQcategoryZ64354QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The second one is $9.95
http://cgi.ebay.com/Flash-Diffuser-cover-for-Canon-Speedlite-550EX-540EX-et_W0QQitemZ320194757584QQihZ011QQcategoryZ64354QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The second one looks denser, but it could just be my eyes and or the pictures. Advice would be greatly appreciated.

Diffusers are overrated. You already have one built into your flash, if you need more plastic in front of the tube use something in the kitchen to begin with.