580EX II upgrade from 430EX?

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Hi all,

I have a small window (next few hours!) to decide whether I should get a 580EX II or not. I have a 430EX and it works pretty well for my purpose currently, however I _think_ I will want more power in the future where I'll be shooting indoors w/higher ceiling or shooting.

Alternatively I have been looking at a "good flash diffuser", but that seems to be a bit of oxymoron. i.e. unless I'm going to use a reflector behind me and shoot against that, it's unlikely to get a nice diffused light. In other words, it may be sensible to use bounced light where possible, and if only thing avail are high ceilings then I may need 580EX. (of course that's provided that these ceilings are nice and white & flat!)

Also, if I were to really require a controlled light situation, I don't think any hot-shoe flash with diffuser will do; light source still too much like a point-source. Then I'll have to pull out my light stands and umbrellas... I'm willing to do that I guess.

What do you think?? Is 580EX upgrade thing just a bit of distraction from what I'm really looking for? Could be another excuse to spend money!!

I will wait for 7 responses - if I get 4 yes, I'll go ahead and get 580EX. :)

[ben_r_]

I have both and the 580EX II is definitely a nicer flash all around. Regarding a diffuser: I use the StoFen Omni Bounce diffuser mostly because it does a decent job and is small and very portable but on top of that something the 580EX II offers thats not an option with the 430EX is the build in reflector card that slides out of the flash head. I use that most of the time as long as I have a white and low ceiling to work with. It looks to me a lot better than a diffuser in most cases. Also the 580EX II has a PC Sync port built in (unlike the 430EX) so if you do bust out the umbrella and stand its a little easier and quicker to interface to. Lastly the 580EX II is a lot more powerful than the 430EX and that power is noticeable almost immediately.

[H8Monday]

I have both and the 580EX II is definitely a nicer flash all around. Regarding a diffuser: I use the StoFen Omni Bounce diffuser mostly because it does a decent job and is small and very portable but on top of that something the 580EX II offers thats not an option with the 430EX is the build in reflector card that slides out of the flash head. I use that most of the time as long as I have a white and low ceiling to work with. It looks to me a lot better than a diffuser in most cases. Also the 580EX II has a PC Sync port built in (unlike the 430EX) so if you do bust out the umbrella and stand its a little easier and quicker to interface to. Lastly the 580EX II is a lot more powerful than the 430EX and that power is noticeable almost immediately.



Everything Ben said :D

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That's 2:0 for 580EX upgrade! Anyone else FOR or AGAINST? Clock is ticking!

[stoneylonesome]

Just got the 580EX II last month and so far it's great, especially compard to my old 420EX, of course Im still learning this one. So much more control, this monthes Shutterbug Magazine has a review on the flash if you are interested.

[AB8ND]

I vote for the upgrade, all of the above plus the 580ex II has a pc connections if you want to go off camera with a Pocket Wizard.


Jack

[Scott-LYP]

We have the 580EX II, 580 EX and the 430EX... The 580EX II is such an improvement over the 430EX and even the 580 EX... it would be an easy call. Go for the 580EX II!

There are so many nice improvements like the quick release attachment compared to the screw and the quick release battery compartment compared the 580EX. Plus the light output is substantially better then the 430EX. Plus you can always get more creative with the 430EX used as a slave...

[antonello]

not sure. The difference in power will only be relevant if you bounce to the ceiling (better if you bounce 90 degrees). There you get more power and also a faster recycling. The 580II is fast (recycling) but it won't be that much faster than your 430EX.

It's all relative, a good flash do depend on how good the photographer actually is.

A 420EX was a little slow but perfectly usable (for me).

the picture on my avatar was taken with a 420EX bounced 90 degrees, actually.

I'd say to keep the 430 unless you shoot news and need 8fps with the flash :)

if not then I'd give to the metz 58 a chance, because the thyristor technology can make a difference, sometimes.

[wickedik]

I have both and the 580EX II is definitely a nicer flash all around. Regarding a diffuser: I use the StoFen Omni Bounce diffuser mostly because it does a decent job and is small and very portable but on top of that something the 580EX II offers thats not an option with the 430EX is the build in reflector card that slides out of the flash head. I use that most of the time as long as I have a white and low ceiling to work with. It looks to me a lot better than a diffuser in most cases. Also the 580EX II has a PC Sync port built in (unlike the 430EX) so if you do bust out the umbrella and stand its a little easier and quicker to interface to. Lastly the 580EX II is a lot more powerful than the 430EX and that power is noticeable almost immediately.


+1 for the 580exII. BTW my 430ex has the built in reflector card that slides out of the flash head, I thuogh all the 430ex's have them.

[ben_r_]

+1 for the 580exII. BTW my 430ex has the built in reflector card that slides out of the flash head, I thuogh all the 430ex's have them.
Huh? Are you sure youre not thinking of the wide angle panel? Thats different than the reflector panel. The 580EX II has two panels that can be pulled out of the flash head. My 430EX only has the wide angel panel.

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Thanks to all ya photogeek bastards, I've pulled the trigger on a 580EX II!! Must resist looking at POTN forum!!!

Thanks again for your advice! :)

[ben_r_]

Thanks to all ya photogeek bastards, I've pulled the trigger on a 580EX II!! Must resist looking at POTN forum!!!

Thanks again for your advice! :)

Ha! Good luck holding back! That flash was only the bigging... Wait till you catch the infamous L fever. Its something fierce.