420ex 430ex

[bfraser316]

I'm looking into buying the xsi and want to get an external flash. I hear the 430 and 420ex are very good . I shoot skateboarding and want a nice flash. I beleive these come with a wireless adapter for a tripod and such but let me know what you think.

[Sports_Dude]

No wireless adapter is included. Needs a master such as ST-E2 or 580EX.

[zelseman]

First, flash choice really depends on what all you are going to use it for.
If you are strictly going to use it for skateboarding off camera then I would go with a Vivitar 285. Then pick up some ebay cactus triggers and you will be good to go.

[jylitalo]

I'm looking into buying the xsi and want to get an external flash. I hear the 430 and 420ex are very good . I shoot skateboarding and want a nice flash. I beleive these come with a wireless adapter for a tripod and such but let me know what you think.

420EX can be good if and ONLY IF, you are going to use it on-camera or off-camera with Canon ST-E2, RadioPoppers and/or new PocketWizards that can do eTTL. With "dummy" triggers like Skyport, Cactus, eBay, etc. 420EX will always fire at full power.

I would suggest that you start with 430EX (or 430EX II) instead of 420EX, because 430EX allows you to manually set how much power you want to use, it has faster recycle speed, etc.

[ghostman]

If you're looking for a cheap off-camera flash and wireless trigger system, get a Sunpak, Vivitar or another powerful flash that lacks ETTL. Then get cheap ebay triggers. You can find some really flashes on ebay if you know what you're looking for. Some have auto modes which automatically adjust light by detecting light through a sensor on the flash.

If you want the full ETTL functionality on-camera and off-camera, Canon 420EX, 430EX, 550EX, 580EX... are all good. Also look into the Sigma flashes for Canon. For off-camera, you'll need one of the new-breed radio triggers from RadioPopper and PW, the ST-E2 or get an off-camera shoe cord and lengthen it... a lot.

If you want full ETTL functionality on-camera but can deal with manual power settings off-camera, remove the 420EX from your options. The remaining 430EX, 550EX, etc. flashes will work well for this. The 420EX lacks manual settings.

[StanNJ1]

Hey Bfraser I have both the 420EX and the ST-E2 listed for sale. Both units are in excellent shape and were rarely used. Price is pretty good too.


http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=666331 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=666331)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=666324 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=666324)