Which flash is the best for me?

[Huukka]

I have 450d and I don´t have any other flashes, so wich is good and cheap first flash?

What are bigest differences about canon 430EX II and 580EX II? And how about Sigma EF-530 DG Super Canon EOS? I don´t know wich is the best flash for me?

[jblaschke]

The 580EX II is significantly more powerful and versatile. It can serve as a master whereas the 430EX II can only be a slave. Both offer TTL flash control, which means the flashes and camera talk to each other to get the proper exposure and illumination. The 430EX II is a good value. The 580EX II is even better.

That said, I have a 430EX and have yet to utilize its full capabilities. It'll probably be quite a while before I "outgrow" it, at which point I'll trade up to the 580EX II and have a nice slave strobe in my bag. Many folks here will say cut to the chase and get the 580EX II to start with, but if you're just starting out with little photography knowledge, that extra capacity would be wasted on you. I say go with the 430.

As for third party flashes, there are some good ones and some bad ones out there. Many have attractive (re: low) prices. I'm not very familiar with them, but will advise you to do your research and read reviews like a maniac before shelling out cash for a "bargain."

[bsaber]

^I agree with jblaschke. The 430ex II is a very good flash and for a beginner its great.

[Titus213]

I don't know that the 580EX II is 'significantly' more powerful than the 430EX II. In a single flash environment I wouldn't even consider it more versatile. Like all things, it comes at a price. The 580EX (II) will act as a master to an EX slave - but you still need two flash units to make this happen.

If you don't know which one to get I would suggest the 430EX or II. It's a very versatile flash with more than enough power for most casual shooting. You can compare the units specs here: http://photonotes.org/cgi-bin/flash-lookup.pl?flash1=canon580exii&flash2=canon430exii&flash3=canon430ex

[Lotto]

I am seeing the pre-order price for the 430EX II for $329. For that price, I'd rather go straight to the 580 II.

Like others, I suggest the original 430EX.

[midnight_rider]

I have the 430 ex not the 2nd model but the first. It is a great flash and very easy to use. They can be found for around 215 USD.

[912]

I bought a 430EX for my first flash. I love it. But i just bought a 580EXII today to use it as a master to my 430EX.

Ill agree with the other get a 430EX and once you learn it then upgrade and use it as a slave

[Huukka]

Thanks! This 430EX II seems to be best flash for me, but also this sigma is interesting. I need to search some user comments and think a while because it´s almost half cheaper than those canons are...

[nateut]

I'm kinda in the same boat as the thread starter, so I'll just add my comment/question here...

I've been debating the 430EX vs 430EX II for a week or so myself. I have never really used a flash before (on my first DSLR and hated the results on my older cameras). I'm not really sure the upgrades in the 430EX II are worth the additional $90 for a beginner like me who really doesn't know how much use it will get (at least initially while I learn how to use it properly). Anyone have any advice on the 430EX vs 430EX II decision; I figure I can always use it as a slave if/when I upgrade to the 580EX II (or whatever comes next).

[Skid]

I'm in the same boat, but my nature is that I always strive for the best, and well... struggle - but in the end I'm always glad that I jumped in feet first into the deep end - not the best method at all, but thought I'd share my point of view on it. I figure that if I understand the more advanced features sooner rather than later I'll enjoy it more? Probably a stupid way of thinking, but I guess I'm a geek! :)

I've been thinking about it for ages now, I've tried a 430, but not a 580 yet - my main "thing' is the recycle time.

[bsaber]

580ex II recycles faster than the 580ex and the 430ex. Not sure how it comes with the newer 430ex II though.

[Jpiano]

Great Thread now its time to get a flash!

[msowsun]

For a beginner (or anyone), it is nice to have ALL the flash functions displayed on the camera's flash menu.

This is only possible with the newer Digic III or Digic IV cameras. (40D, 50D, XSi, XS, 1d mk III, 5D mkII, G9, G10, etc.)

Of course you also need one of the newer flashes (430EX II or 580EX II)

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_40D/images/menus/Canon40D_external_flash.jpg

[Tony Yeung]

1. Sigma is not as strong as a 580, but very close, and is stronger than a Canon 430. You can always lower power on the Sigma 500/530 but you can't increase power with the Canon 430. I have even struggled at high noon shooting at full power with my Sigma. I can't imagine if I was using a Canon 430.

2. Canon 580 are ridiculously priced. Sigmas used are 150 or less shipped and paypaled! Both use ETTL 2 and I believe Sigmas recycle faster or equivalent. For the price of one Canon, you can get 2 Sigmas and have change left over, or even 3. I have scored a couple Sigma 500 "DG" Supers for 120 Shipped and Paypaled. 3 Flash > 1 Flash any day.

[yankees2519]

this is kind of an old thread, any word on the OP's final decision?

[tupper]

2. Canon 580 are ridiculously priced. Sigmas used are 150 or less shipped and paypaled! Both use ETTL 2 and I believe Sigmas recycle faster or equivalent. For the price of one Canon, you can get 2 Sigmas and have change left over, or even 3. I have scored a couple Sigma 500 "DG" Supers for 120 Shipped and Paypaled. 3 Flash > 1 Flash any day.

Equivalent to the 430 maybe, but definitely not the 580exII.

[JJD.Photography]

Good thread as I will be purchasing my first flash in the near future.

I'm in the same boat, but my nature is that I always strive for the best, and well... struggle - but in the end I'm always glad that I jumped in feet first into the deep end - not the best method at all, but thought I'd share my point of view on it. I figure that if I understand the more advanced features sooner rather than later I'll enjoy it more? Probably a stupid way of thinking, but I guess I'm a geek! :)

I've been thinking about it for ages now, I've tried a 430, but not a 580 yet - my main "thing' is the recycle time.

I think just as you do but do not consider myself a geek. :lol: It's why I went straight for the 200mm f/2.8L IS ;)

My first purchase will most likely be the 580EX II :cool: