which flash

[ninjaboy]

i intend to buy a flash unit for my 30d but which one i know the higher the price the better. But 430ex is half the price of 580ex . do i really need the 580 what can it do that 430 cant are pics better ,will i use it much or should be using flash more often .
Opinions please
Cheers shane

[JCH77Yanks]

From what I've read on these forums, the general opinion is that if you are a hobbyist, go for the 430ex... if you are a pro and need the extra power and features the 580 is the way to go.

[Curtis N]

Where do you live?
In the US there are discounts available on the 580EX II and the difference isn't so great.
See this thread.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=417380

Here's a chart of the specs of both units.
http://photonotes.org/cgi-bin/flash-lookup.pl?flash1=canon430ex&flash2=canon580exii&flash3=*

[ninjaboy]

I live in the uk so we get hammered for price ,looking at the spec i think it has to be the 580 although only a hobbie i know it would anoy me not being able to swivel head 180 .Also would like to experiment with family portraits at some point . Cant beleive you can get for that price over there that half price over here just depends on shipping costs and tax i guess.
Cheers shane

[ninjaboy]

having just read another thread on the 580 what are peoples views of the metz 58 or is there anothere flash i should be considering
Cheers shane

[Curtis N]

The 430EX will swivel 180 degrees one direction but only 90 the other direction. It's generally not a big deal.

In the product reviews sticky there is a very nice review on the Metz 58 from PacAce. There are other threads about it too. A search will find them.