Do I need a 580EX ii if I already own a 430 EX?

[BPL]

I'm shooting my first wedding January 25th for a friend. I will primarily use the Sigma 24-70 f 2.8 EX DG on my 30D. For my zoom I'll use the Canon 70-200 f4L. Will I need the extra power of the 580 over the 430 when using the 70-200 f4? I haven't seen the room setup yet. They also aren't getting married in a church so light won't be an issue. I'm probably just looking for an excuse to get the 580 to use as a slave to the 430 for future use. The wedding would be a great excuse to convince my wife I need it LOL. Suggestions?

[viet]

I'm shooting my first wedding January 25th for a friend. I will primarily use the Sigma 24-70 f 2.8 EX DG on my 30D. For my zoom I'll use the Canon 70-200 f4L. Will I need the extra power of the 580 over the 430 when using the 70-200 f4? I haven't seen the room setup yet. They also aren't getting married in a church so light won't be an issue. I'm probably just looking for an excuse to get the 580 to use as a slave to the 430 for future use. The wedding would be a great excuse to convince my wife I need it LOL. Suggestions?

I know you need an excuse to get it so tell your wife that our patron saint Murphy said that you need a backup for everything you do at a wedding. So, a flash (580Ex I or II), another body & a kit lens for backup is a must.

On a serious note, your 430ex can probably crank out enough power at the long end of your 70-200 at F4 if you are willing to shoot high ISO, so you don't really need the 580 for it. But if you shoot weddings, as I said above, you need a backup set.

If I remember correctly, you can only use the 580 as the master, and the 430 slave, not the other way around.

[NoelM]

Check out my gallery, www.noelmphoto.com/liezl , used a 24-70, and 70-200 2.8 on a stroboframe flash bracket and a 430ex flash gun. I think that the 430 is more than enough in most cases. the room was about 40ft x 40ft.

[collierportraits]

ABSOLUTELY! You NEED it! ;)

(But more as a backup than the extra power. The 430 is fine...)

[BPL]

Thanks for all the advice! Yeah, I'm getting it. Always need a backup, didn't think of that reason. :)

[Nicole Faith]

I used just my 430EX for a few weddings and recently bought the 530EX II - you can tell the power difference and it is a huge improvement. I would suggest it. I now use the 430EX mounted with an umbrella.

[BPL]

I used just my 430EX for a few weddings and recently bought the 530EX II - you can tell the power difference and it is a huge improvement. I would suggest it. I now use the 430EX mounted with an umbrella.
Thanks Nicole! Another good reason to buy the 580 :)

[Sylvester XxX]

you also get shorter recycle times and you gain off camera light options with the 580 II as master . I'm sure the batteries last longer also.

[BPL]

I ordered the 580 EX II from B&H, it gets here Wednesday! Can't wait to try it out with the 430EX as a slave.

[poloman]

I rented one that arrived today as back up for my 430...
I really like it. Nice, powerful unit. Check out the added features.

[BPL]

The 580 EX II came today. All I can say is "WOW!!!!" Great build quality, many advanced features and I love the slave/ master ability to use my 430 EX with. I have no regrets buying this. I guess the old saying is true. "You get what you pay for".