Suggestions for multi-flash setup needed

[gwc1023]

I have spent a ton of time here reading over old posts and the stickies, and I think I am *starting* to have a bit of an idea re: flash lighting, but obviously I know I have a lot to learn and am looking forward to it.

I will have around $300ish for Christmas to spend and I'd like to get some sort of flash/lighting. I am getting confused with all the varying advice in different posts and I thought if I explained my situation and what I'm planning to do I could get some specific advice.

I do not have anything other than built-in flash right now, so I would like probably a Canon flash, likely 430EX. I have been doing a little bit of outdoor portraits for friends and would like it for this as well as bouncing indoors.

I would also like to experiment with some indoor portraits using off-camera flash since we have six months of the year where no one wants to go outside, lol! This is where I get confused...I would have the 430EX, I have an old Pentax AF200S that I think I could connect somehow, and maybe buy another one...Sunpak? And what cords would I need to connect everything (cheaper and more reliable to use wired rather than wireless, correct?)? Should I try to get an umbrella/reflector rather than additional flash?

Thanks - hopefully somebody's all ready for Christmas and is just sitting around waiting to answer a question like this! ;)

[Mole]

I can't answer all your questions but look here http://strobist.blogspot.com/ they can. Just about anything you need answered for this you can find here.

[sixsixfour]

430EX + off camera shoe cord. should put you inside a $300 cap and let you experiment with off-camera flash while providing adequate power.

[rhys]

How about some Vivitar 283s or metz 45s from KEH and then some remote triggers?

[beep]

sigma 500 super is a great flash unit

[rhys]

sigma 500 super is a great flash unit

But communications with Canon's ETTL2 system can work sporadically so if you later go for a Canon flash then you might have problems.

[Mark_48]

Hi Dawn,

I'd suggest if you can swing it, go for the 580EX II. Not sure what they go for in Canadian dollars, but I've seen it priced around $359(with US rebate) and $330 at certain online dealers for limited times. The 580EX has a few more features and versatility than the 430EX and can act as a "master" to fire Canon Speedlite slaves which the 430EX can not do. May give you more flexability in a multi-flash setup. With the PC connection on the 580EX II to the camera you could use a standard PC cord to get the flash well away from the camera (flash in manual and no ETTL control). With an Off Camera Shoe cord you can maintain ETTL to about 2' off the camera.

Here's a comparison between the two flashes at www.photonotes.org
http://photonotes.org/cgi-bin/flash-lookup.pl?flash1=canon430ex&flash2=canon580exii&flash3=*

Also take a look at this thread on lighting with a single strobe. Some of the stuff is pretty impressive for using a single light.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=412392&highlight=sfaust

I'm going to PM you regarding the 580EX II....

[atomick]

Just wanted to underscore that I think the plan of one ETTL-II flash and other totally manual flashes is a great core setup. I've got a 580EX, a 430EX, a used Nikon SB-26 and a used Nikon SB-28...I'm ready to sell the 430EX as it's comparatively underpowered and I just don't use it that often...off-camera, the ETTL II capability's a bit lost for me, making it not such a good value.

One hint about that setup, though: it's possible to only fire the 580EX with the camera (hotshoe, PocketWizard, or off-camera cord) and remotely trigger all three of the other flashes without wires (via Canon wireless IR for the 430EX, and via built-in optical triggers in the SB's).This only works indoors 100% of the the time (low ambient light) and it requires line of site between the 580EX and 430EX, but it's simple and it works. Add in radio triggers and all bets are off - good times and crazy setups!

Just another perspective while you consider your options.

[gwc1023]

Hi Dawn,

I'd suggest if you can swing it, go for the 580EX II. Not sure what they go for in Canadian dollars, but I've seen it priced around $359(with US rebate) and $330 at certain online dealers for limited times.

I'm going to PM you regarding the 580EX II....

Thanks for the PM....

What is the difference between the version 1 580ex and the new one??