430ex vs. 580ex

[Erica E321]

I shoot mainly bands and have two weddings coming up. Also I do artsy self-portraits and kids portraits for family and friends which I have indoor studio lights for. I have only a Sigma 28-80mm lens and a Rebel XT. For my non-digital I shoot with a Canon AE-1 and use the Vivitar 285HV. So I'd like something that is similar to that.

I'm torn between the two flashes. But how much difference is there really? I know the 580ex has more power.

thanks!

[Familiaphoto]

The 580 will give you more power, but more important to me is that it is capable of being a master so it can control another 580 or 430 should you pick one up in the future.

[Curtis N]

Compare here:
http://photonotes.org/lookup/

[Erica E321]

Thanks! Ok I checked the photonotes before but it still didn't help me much. Which one is more like the Vivitar 285 HV?

Oh and would you recommend a battery grip if I get the 580EX II because of the size and weight?

[Kevin034]

Thanks! Ok I checked the photonotes before but it still didn't help me much. Which one is more like the Vivitar 285 HV?

Oh and would you recommend a battery grip if I get the 580EX II because of the size and weight?
battery grip is a good idea in general, makes the camera easier to hold. Get a E-1 hand strap as well, takes the pressure off of your neck.

[Curtis N]

These flash units are very different from the Vivitar 285HV and other automatic units from days gone by. They are dedicated units. The flash metering system is part of the camera body and the camera tells the flash what to do.

If your Vivitar is one of the newer low voltage units, you can use it on your RebelXT and it will work as well as it ever did with film. For more info on the differences in the technology, I recommend reading The EOS Flash Bible (link in my sig).

[Erica E321]

Ok thanks, although I'm still not sure what to do. My vivitar is like 10 years old.

[Andrushka]

well, i think its one of those things, if you can afford the 580ex - then why not?

I personally have a 430EX & 420EX, both work great, but if i could swing it i would definitely have a 580ex... so...

[ejicon]

I know this is a year old thread, but I wanted to add that the 580 EX also can be couple with an external battery pack and the 430 can't. This is very important for wedding photographers and people not wanting to switch batteries too often.