Cheaper alternative to 430 ex II?

[gregrocco]

I'm still new to DSLRs (had my XSi for about 6 months) and am currently planning to buy the 430 ex II, but since I am (like most people) watching my bottom line these days, I was wondering, is there a comparable, cheaper alternative?

Also, what is the difference between the 430ex and the 430ex II?

[chukdivad]

430EX (not EXII). If you can find one.

[40Dude6aedyk]

The Sigma EF530 DG Super is a less expensive speedlite than a 430EXII with way more features. I paid around $220 for mine.

[JackProton]

The 430EX II is nearly the same as the 430EX except it adds a metal hotshoe foot and recycles a bit faster and pretty much silently. The II also allows some features to be controlled through the camera with certain models.

I'd been watching prices for a few week and just recently picked up the 430EX II for $250 from Beach Camera through Amazon (5 minutes after I ordered, Amazon's price also dropped to $250). Seems to have been only a one day (hour?) deal unfortunately - price went back up to $275 later that day and has held there. For only $20 extra over the 430EX, the II looked like the best choice. I has actually been waiting for 47st Photo(http://www.47stphoto.com/item.asp?invky=4455224) to get them back in stock since they have the 430EX II priced at $244+shipping but have been out of stock for many weeks and customer service's estimate date of getting more stock was wrong. Anyways, in the meantime, I just tossed the 403EX and 430EX II into my Amazon cart and kept checking in until one dropped in price.

[msowsun]

If I were in your shoes I would pick up one of these for only $119.95 at Adorama: http://www.adorama.com/DC952AFCAN.html

The Digital Concepts 952AF/CAN is also marketed by Sakar. http://www.sakar.com/p-1227.aspx?categoryid=144

It seems to me that it is VERY good value for the price you pay.

http://www.sakar.com/images/resources/detail/952AF-CAN/sized/952af%20front%20-%20HR.jpghttp://www.sakar.com/images/resources/detail/952AF-CAN/sized/952%20AF%20back-%20HR.jpg

The Opteka EF-600 DG Super EO-TTL II Speed Blitz Flash is the same flash as well.

All the Amazon reviews are positive. The only minor negative is that it doesn't do wireless Infrared ETTL. (ETTL on camera only)

http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-EF-600-EO-TTL-Digital-Camera/dp/B001GD3Z02/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41A7f1vw0xL._SL500_AA280_.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51g3WsYCpfL._AA280_.jpg

[LostShootingStar]

Have you looked at any refurbished stuff? http://m08o1124znfu179.imageshacknow.info/img/2465/o09a0208gstn/POTNsmile.gif
http://m08o1124znfu179.imageshacknow.info/img/3218/n08d1214eybr/1by1.gif
http://m08o1124znfu179.imageshacknow.info/img/3200/n08d1214eybr/1by1.gif

[ZSutton]

If I were in your shoes I would pick up one of these for only $119.95 at Adorama: http://www.adorama.com/DC952AFCAN.html

The Digital Concepts 952AF/CAN is also marketed by Sakar. http://www.sakar.com/p-1227.aspx?categoryid=144

It seems to me that it is VERY good value for the price you pay.

http://www.sakar.com/images/resources/detail/952AF-CAN/sized/952af%20front%20-%20HR.jpghttp://www.sakar.com/images/resources/detail/952AF-CAN/sized/952%20AF%20back-%20HR.jpg

The Opteka EF-600 DG Super EO-TTL II Speed Blitz Flash is the same flash as well.

All the Amazon reviews are positive. The only minor negative is that it doesn't do wireless Infrared ETTL. (ETTL on camera only)

http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-EF-600-EO-TTL-Digital-Camera/dp/B001GD3Z02/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41A7f1vw0xL._SL500_AA280_.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51g3WsYCpfL._AA280_.jpg


I've personally heard nothing but bad things from these actually. I've been told by a couple of close friends to stay away from these both.

That being said, it comes down to you typically get what you pay for. The beauty of a nice flash unit is that they are built for a beating. They typically last for years, which is why everyone is still buying up the Nikon SB-28s, which are over 15 years old.

[brecklundin]

this place has some nice deals on used gear too:

http://www.keh.com/onlinestore/home.aspx

Specific flahes can be sorta hard to find there by browsing so here is a direct link to canon flashes:

http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/ProductList.aspx?Mode=&item=0&ActivateTOC2=&ID=61&BC=DC&BCC=3&CC=21&CCC=7&BCL=&GBC=&GCC=

[Mr_Bester]

If you ever plan on using an XXD camera, stay away from the Digital Concepts(Sakar) flash. It worked fine with my Digital Rebel(300D), but doesn't communicate with my 50D at all. I will be getting a 430 or 580 when I save up a bunch of cash.

[JackProton]

If you ever plan on using an XXD camera, stay away from the Digital Concepts(Sakar) flash. It worked fine with my Digital Rebel(300D), but doesn't communicate with my 50D at all. I will be getting a 430 or 580 when I save up a bunch of cash.

Did I hear somewhere that the 50D had problems with the Sigma flash too and Sigma had to update their firmware? Is Canon playing tweak-the-protocols again? No wonder some third party flash makers have started making their flashes with user updatable firmware. Pretty soon, we're going to have to have USB ports on our third party lenses too.

[Green Li]

Also, what is the difference between the 430ex and the 430ex II?
Here is a little article comparing the Canon 430EX and 430EX II:
http://photo.greenlightstreet.com/www/index.php?/publisher/articleview/frmArticleID/8/

http://photo.greenlightstreet.com/www/images/reviews/canon-430ex-vs-canon-430ex-ii/images-small/canon-430ex-vs-canon-430ex-ii-pre-2.jpg