420EX question

[The Moose]

I might be able to pick up a 420EX on the cheap soon. I've never really researched specific settings and all that with the Speedlites and I sort of just planned that I'd eventually get a 430EX II but I figured getting a 420EX cheap would work for me since it has to be better than the pop-up flash that I never use. But I've had a quick search through some websites and it seems that the AF assist beam only supports up to 7 points. How will this affect me? Should I skip the 420EX and just wait till I can buy a new 430EX II? Having a flash isn't important for me but I'd love to have the option.

[ebann]

I might be able to pick up a 420EX on the cheap soon. I've never really researched specific settings and all that with the Speedlites and I sort of just planned that I'd eventually get a 430EX II but I figured getting a 420EX cheap would work for me since it has to be better than the pop-up flash that I never use. But I've had a quick search through some websites and it seems that the AF assist beam only supports up to 7 points. How will this affect me? Should I skip the 420EX and just wait till I can buy a new 430EX II? Having a flash isn't important for me but I'd love to have the option.

You're right. It was a perfect match when I had my 10D with its 7 AF points. Bodies with 9 AF points might have trouble with the outer points but the center point works just fine. You may get it (I got 2 at $125 each shipped and pp'ed.) and then later get the 580EX to use as master.