430 EXII - 580 EXII

[Luvntravln]

Which would you buy and why; why wouldn't you buy the "other one"?

[SurplusCorn]

580 has master abilities, and the 430 can only be a slave. I would get the 580, then if you get a 430 later, you can do slave/master. 580 is also brighter/faster...

[panthersdan]

I don't own either, but read these two reviews for one person's opinion (the last paragraphs of each spell it out):

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-580EX-II-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-430EX-II-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx

[msowsun]

Which would you buy and why; why wouldn't you buy the "other one"?
__________________
40D; EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM; EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM; 16-35 2.8L II; 180mm Macro f23.5L USM; EF 24-105mm f/4L IS US; Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX



I bought the 580EX II because it has WAY more features that sometimes come in very handy.

The only possible reason not to get the 580EX II is that it is slightly larger and heavier than the 430EX II. (maybe you can't hold the extra 85 grams or 3 ounces):confused:

Price should not be a factor when you are talking about only a $150 difference between the two. Even your average beginner probably has a body and 2 or three lenses worth $1,000. Why not spend an extra $150 to get the best?

The average "Enthusiast" probably has well over $3,000 invested in lenses so it would make very little sense to scrimp on your flash.

Get the 580EX II. :)

Here are the additional features you get with the 580EX II over the 430EX II:

http://photonotes.org/cgi-bin/flash-lookup.pl?flash1=canon430exii&flash2=canon580exii&flash3=*

More Flash Power (GN58 vs GN43)
Threaded PC socket
External AutoFlash Exposure Sensor
Weather Sealing
Control Wheel
Pull-out catchlight panel (white card)
Flash head tilts downwards
Flash head swivels full 180° both left and right
stroboscopic (MULTI) flash
Master/Slave Capability
Flash exposure bracketing (FEB)
High voltage input port
Rapid-fire mode
"Save Energy" override control
AF focus assist cover 45points. (430EX II only covers 9)

[Green Li]

Which would you buy and why; why wouldn't you buy the "other one"?
This is popular subject :)
I would recommend getting Canon 580EX II if not on a really tight budget.
Here is a detailed comparison: Canon Speedlite 430EX II vs. Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
http://photo.greenlightstreet.com/www/index.php?/publisher/articleview/frmArticleID/20/

http://photo.greenlightstreet.com/www/images/reviews/canon-430ex-ii-vs-canon-580ex-ii/images-small/canon-430ex-ii-vs-canon-580ex-ii-4.jpghttp://photo.greenlightstreet.com/www/images/reviews/canon-430ex-ii-vs-canon-580ex-ii/images-small/canon-430ex-ii-vs-canon-580ex-ii-11.jpghttp://photo.greenlightstreet.com/www/images/reviews/canon-430ex-ii-vs-canon-580ex-ii/images-small/canon-430ex-ii-vs-canon-580ex-ii-13.jpg

[pnmd]

430EXII if you want maximum range using ETTL and the new Pocketwizards ;)

[digitalh3lix]

i own both and I usually carry the 430exii around for normal on the go shoots. The 580exII is mostly used for strobist things. The 430ex is just smaller so it seems more convenient.

[Sean]

580EX II. Save up an get it.

[TaDa]

I have 580exII and 430ex. The 580 is used more because its more powerful, quicker recycle times, and also the built in bounce card. Drives me nuts that the 430ex doesn't have one built in.

[jylitalo]

Which would you buy and why; why wouldn't you buy the "other one"?

I think it depends on whether or not you are planning to use eTTL with flashes or whether you are going to use them on manual settings and use eBay, Skyport, etc. for triggering them.
If you are planning to use them on manual settings, I would probably go for 430EX would probably be my choice, because at the moment you can get 2x 430EX II flashes at the price of one 580EX II and I really would like to do cross-lighting with two flashes.
I haven't yet up my mind, but I might actually sell my 580EX II and use money from that to purchase two 430EX flashes (I already have ST-E2 to work as master, if I want eTTL) instead of buying second 580EX II. At the moment, I am just waiting to see whether or not we are going to get cashback campaign in Europe (during this Spring) or not.