430ex and 430ex II

[vivala1210]

Is there a big difference among these two flash unit? I'm planning to buy one but not sure if i should spend another 65 bucks for 430ex II.

[potnuser]

Is there a big difference among these two flash unit? I'm planning to buy one but not sure if i should spend another 65 bucks for 430ex II.
Here is a 430EX vs 430EX II article: http://photo.greenlightstreet.com/www/index.php?/publisher/articleview/frmArticleID/8/
Hope this will help you to make the decision.

[msowsun]

Get the 430EX II. If you have one of the newer Digic III or IV cameras that support the in-camera flash menu, you should really get the newer flash to go with it. ( 40D, 50D, XSi, XS, 5D mkII, etc)

Using the in-camera flash menu is so much easier and probably will lead to a greater understanding of what you are trying to accomplish.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/msowsun/photo%20stuff/Canon_external_flash.jpg

If that isn't enough, here are a few more reasons:

1) Metal Hotshoe
2) Quick release mechanism
3) Silent recycle
4) Faster recycle
5) FEC adjusted in 1/3 stop increments
6) Nine Custom Functions (vs 6 on 430EX)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/msowsun/photo%20stuff/430EXIICustomFunctions.jpg

[nufan]

But is the woreless mode completely gone on the EX II or just the external switch? I don't have 580 but would like to have the slave capatability.

[PacAce]

But is the woreless mode completely gone on the EX II or just the external switch? I don't have 580 but would like to have the slave capatability.

No, the slave feature is not gone. You just get to it a different way (by pushing a button for a couple of seconds instead of just flipping a switch). However, the wireless capability isn't really going to do you any good without a master like a 580EX or an ST-E2.