Looking for a flash. Please HELP!!!

[stewartsj3]

I'm getting ready to purchase a flash and decided to turn to the gurus out there for some advice.

I am looking at the 430 EX. And I actually had some questions about the 550EX compared to the 430EX. I was looking around and saw that the 550EX can function as a master unit. Will it work as a master of the 430EX or will it only control other 550EX's?? I think I read that somewhere, but it might have been misinterpreted...

And along with this, I assume that the 430 EX can only function as a slave or stand-alone and not as a master of any sorts. I also noticed that the 430EX was smaller and had faster recycle times, which is a bonus. And because of that, I assume it's not as strong as the 550EX.

The reason I am thinking of the 430EX is that I don't think that I need the extra bulk or that much more power. I shoot mainly outdoors, don't do big events like weddings or anything of that nature. I just need something to throw some light onto the subject when we shoot just before sundown.

I would love to get the 580EX-II but can't afford it at the moment, unless someone has a great deal they could give me :)

Any advice on the subject matter would be greatly appreciated.

[stewartsj3]

I'm getting ready to purchase a flash and decided to turn to the gurus out there for some advice.

I am looking at the 430 EX. And I actually had some questions about the 550EX compared to the 430EX. I was looking around and saw that the 550EX can function as a master unit. Will it work as a master of the 430EX or will it only control other 550EX's?? I think I read that somewhere, but it might have been misinterpreted...

And along with this, I assume that the 430 EX can only function as a slave or stand-alone and not as a master of any sorts. I also noticed that the 430EX was smaller and had faster recycle times, which is a bonus. And because of that, I assume it's not as strong as the 550EX.

The reason I am thinking of the 430EX is that I don't think that I need the extra bulk or that much more power. I shoot mainly outdoors, don't do big events like weddings or anything of that nature. I just need something to throw some light onto the subject when we shoot just before sundown.

I would love to get the 580EX-II but can't afford it at the moment, unless someone has a great deal they could give me :)

Any advice on the subject matter would be greatly appreciated.

Also, is there a way to use the 430EX off-camera? Can it be triggered with a wireless transmitter or something along those lines?

[Vermin87]

You are correct in all your observations about the 550ex and the 430ex.

From my own experience, the 430ex has some trouble overpowering the sun when you shoot at sundown...depending on your range from your subject. I'd recommend the 550ex if that is what you need the flash for. It does have more power.

[Vermin87]

You can use the 430ex off-camera if you have the right adapters and chords, or you can add an optical slave to it. It will only work in manual mode though. One other option is getting an off-shoe camera cord and then modifying it to be extended in length. Then you retain the ETTL function of the flash.

[stewartsj3]

So if I had the 550EX, would it function as a master to a 430EX (if I had both)?

[msowsun]

So if I had the 550EX, would it function as a master to a 430EX (if I had both)?

Yes, it will work with all other Canon flashes with slave capability. (420EX, 430EX, 550EX, 580EX)

And also the Sigma 500 Super and 530 Super.

[j2photography]

Also, is there a way to use the 430EX off-camera? Can it be triggered with a wireless transmitter or something along those lines?

cybersync triggers will do that task. they're very reliable and they're also cheap, at 130 for a transmitter and receiver.

in order to make it work, you're going to need a pc to hotshoe adapter, which flashzebra has in stock for 11 dollars.

cybersync provides the necessary cords needed to operate your flash. only downside is you have to really understand the flash because you'll be shooting in manual.

[stewartsj3]

Yes, it will work with all other Canon flashes with slave capability. (420EX, 430EX, 550EX, 580EX)

And also the Sigma 500 Super and 530 Super.

cybersync triggers will do that task. they're very reliable and they're also cheap, at 130 for a transmitter and receiver.

in order to make it work, you're going to need a pc to hotshoe adapter, which flashzebra has in stock for 11 dollars.

cybersync provides the necessary cords needed to operate your flash. only downside is you have to really understand the flash because you'll be shooting in manual.

Thanks for the tips. I'm still not sure which one I'll end up with. I have found a place that has the 550EX for slightly more than the 430EX at just under $300 (the 430EX is $215 at the same place) o I'm not sure what I'll do. I want one of them, that's for sure.

Any other advice anyone could give or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

[j2photography]

if the 550ex is "slightly more" than the 430 ex, then get it.
i believe the 550ex also has a pc port, so that means you won't need to get the pc to hotshoe adapter. and i'm almost pretty sure that the 550ex will have a greater output than the 430, so you might as well get it if you can shell out the extra cash...

and if you ever wanted to expand, you can buy the 430 ex and use canon's IR system to trigger the 430 with the 550ex. granted, it has a distance limitation, it's good for like, indoor family parties and stuff..

[msowsun]

i believe the 550ex also has a pc port, so that means you won't need to get the pc to hotshoe adapter. ..

No, only the new 580EX II has a PC port.

[j2photography]

thats what i thought.
and the pc port fking sucks!!
bahhh i wanted to cry after seeing the amount of suck it had. lol. i had to like, super tight rubber band it to ensure the pc cord stayed in.

[msowsun]

The 580EX II and all the xxD cameras have a "Screwlock" PC port that should solve the problem of the sync cord not staying connected. Get a male to male "Screwlock" PC sync cord. http://www.flashzebra.com/screwlock_pc_fivemeter/0034.shtml

http://www.flashzebra.com/pics/0034_390.jpg