580EX II or off camera strobe?

[MGphotography]

I tried to find a thread that already talked about this but couldn’t find one. So i apologize now if it has already been addressed. I want to invest in lighting. But i have a very tight budget. so my question is if you could only afford to buy one or the other would you buy the 580EX II, or a strobe system like the alienbees B800 flash unit and a stand, umbrellas, ect.? Thank you all for you time and advice.

Mike

[Livinthalife]

Depends on what you are doing.

I would go with a on camera flash, as you can take it anywhere, more convenient, and compact.

[Lotto]

How about a 430EX instead and add the stand, umbrella, and a sync cord, for the same price of the 580EX II, you can have on and off camera setups :)

[MGphotography]

How about a 430EX instead and add the stand, umbrella, and a sync cord, for the same price of the 580EX II, you can have on and off camera setups :)

I thought about that but decieded that if i am going to spend the money on a flash that i should go ahead and get the 530EX right away, rather than wanting to upgrade later.

Thanks for all of your advise so far.

Mike

[Livinthalife]

You can get the Sigma 500 DG super for the price of the 430EX and the power of the 580 and still get all that other stuff ;)

[PacAce]

Depends on what you are doing.

I would go with a on camera flash, as you can take it anywhere, more convenient, and compact.
I agree. The answer all depenends on your primary use of the flash or strobe. If all you ever want to do is studio work, the an AB would be the logical answer. But if you want a portable flash for most of your work which is outside a studio but want to do occassional studio work, then the 580EX would be the better choice.