first flash suggestions

[mosman12]

Hi, I am looking forward to buy a new flash for my 50D. will be doing some family events at night so instead of the harsh underpowered on-board flash. I have narrowed my choices to the 580exII and the 430ex II.

1. I found a used 580exII for 300$.
2. New 430ex II for 270$.

so price is not an issue, what concerns me is that if you guys suggest the 580ex II how do I know if it is in a good condition or perfectly functioning. Never used a flash before, so when looking to the 580ex II which I am about to check 2morrow, what should i be looking for to know that it is in a good condition... or do I go with a new 430exII

Thanks in advance

[nwa2]

The 430Ex is a nice flash, good compromise of power and size (no doubt the ex II is also excellent). I bought this as a first flash, my only regret is that it will not trigger wirelessly without a very expensive trigger.

The 530EX is supposed to be great, but it is physically much bigger.

[mritchy]

I don't know if you are willing to get the normal 430 EX, but I got it asmy first flash and loved it. Got it from here for $240:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-430EX-Speedlite-Flash-Cameras/dp/B000AO3L84/ref=pd_bbs_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1237836800&sr=8-3

Hope that helps

[ZSutton]

530EXII -- If its in good condition, that gets my vote

[mosman12]

530EXII -- If its in good condition, that gets my vote

and how should i know if it is in a good condition
never used a flash NEVERRRR

[ZSutton]

and how should i know if it is in a good condition
never used a flash NEVERRRR

Well if it fires, and show no abuse, I'd say its in good condition. Flash unit are built like tanks, and with the 530EXII being weather sealed, I expect no exceptions. So just fire it a few times, make sure its giving constant output, and buy if it is

[kokakaste2]

Just get 580 its awesome flash, you will end up with it sooner or later.

[ngrohosky]

what is the difference with the 580 ex and ex ii?? is it really worth the price difference? and what does it mean when the flash can be "master" or "slave". because i know the 430s cannot be a "master". but i dont even understand what tht means. help!

[snakekid]

interesting amazon has run out of 430ex they used to be sold by amazon for 200.

[kokakaste2]

what is the difference with the 580 ex and ex ii?? is it really worth the price difference? and what does it mean when the flash can be "master" or "slave". because i know the 430s cannot be a "master". but i dont even understand what tht means. help!

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/reviews/canon-580ex-ii-speedlite-flash-review.aspx have a read on 580ex II, think they explain whats new comparing to old 580ex

[mosman12]

thank you all for ur replies.. got all the info was looking for.

[canonnoob]

The 430Ex is a nice flash, good compromise of power and size (no doubt the ex II is also excellent). I bought this as a first flash, my only regret is that it will not trigger wirelessly without a very expensive trigger.

The 530EX is supposed to be great, but it is physically much bigger.

not true... what is your definition of expensive...? You can trigger them with anything from catus triggers to pocketwizards.. and thats low to high levels.