Any decent flashes cheaper then 430exII?

[Choaf]

Amazon has the price of a 430exII for around $270 I was just wondering if there are any cheaper maybe even older models that are worth it. I am just an amateur and a student on a tight budget. I will be using just for portraits and that's about it.

What do you all think about the 270EX or the 220EX?

[yanr]

The 430EX (mark 1) is about <$200 used, and is very comparable to the 430EXII.

The 270EX doesn't allow you to swivel the flash head, and will be very limiting.

[Choaf]

Is the only difference between the 430ex and 430exII the recycle times? I have read the power is all the same.

[40Dude6aedyk]

I would see if a Sigma EF530 DG Super would meet your needs. There is a lot written up about it here and elsewhere.

[Choaf]

what is the main difference between the super and non super versions of the sigma flashes?

[friz]

I have been using a Metz 48. like it a lot. paid about 150 after rebate early spring.

[Choaf]

Where did you purchase the Metz from because now they are 224 at Amazon

[isaax]

Are you intending to use the flash on or off camera? If it's off camera and you don't plan on using ETTL then a Vivitar 285HV is a good buy for $89.

[friz]

Where did you purchase the Metz from because now they are 224 at Amazon
Can't remember but I think it was from a amazon retailer for a little over 200 and I got a 50 dollar rebate. Rebates might roll back around this fall.

[Choaf]

Are you intending to use the flash on or off camera? If it's off camera and you don't plan on using ETTL then a Vivitar 285HV is a good buy for $89.

I plan on using on camera mostly.

[tkbslc]

220EX is worthless - it does not bounce OR swivel. So basically it is a little more powerful version of your pop up flash.

270EX is not bad. it bounced, but does not swivel. This means it is hard to get creative and very hard to use bounced flash with your camera rotated portrait. Honestly, if you are looking at this flash, you should get the Sunpak RD2000. Same thing but $50 cheaper. I had one and it was not bad given the limitations I mentioned above. Good to get your feet wet, but you will want an upgrade before long.

380EX is basically the same as the 270EX but a little more power. Again, no swivel, just bounce

420EX is a 430EX without manual control. It has bounce and swivel like the 430, so it is a great flash to have. If you are going to use it on camera, it would be just as good as a 430, but would be hard to use off camera unless you use ETTL cord.

430EX vs 430EXII is not really that big of a deal. If you can get a good deal on the original version, don't hesitate. The II has a slightly faster recycle, a slightly better flash foot and access to in-camera flash menus. On the old version you have to control it through the menu on the flash itself - not a big deal at all.

I would say if you are on a budget, be patient and wait for a good deal on a used 420EX or 430EX.

[booja]

i got a mint used 550ex a week ago for 175

[mufutau55]

The SIGMA SUPER versions can be used in a wireless setup and also as either Master or Slave.

The regular version which is SIGMA ST cannot be used in a wireless setup not as Master or Slave. The ST version is only good as on-camera flash.

Personally, I will never buy the ST version but I do have 2 of the SIGMA EF-500 DG SUPER flashes and they work excellently.

Mufutau

what is the main difference between the super and non super versions of the sigma flashes?

[mkett]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem
This one on ebay is from KEH

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem
Another one for bidding

Personally I would get the 430ex. Even though others use the Sigmas I have heard about problems with them along with the good.
I have 2 430's and a 580 all mk1's. To me not worth upgrading for so little gain. Also have a Metz58af1 but expensive like 580.

I have found better luck with the canon strobes than others.

tried several sunpaks (various models) and none would work with the 40D although fine with the 30D.

Nissin is supposed to be decent also although no personal experience.

[Todd Lambert]

There's one over at FM: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/822081

[Lordkwaz]

the sunpak pz42x are good...and then i lost mine

[O3DigitalBath]

should add to this that the 403exII has 1/3 stop adjustments

[rx7speed]

The SIGMA SUPER versions can be used in a wireless setup and also as either Master or Slave.

The regular version which is SIGMA ST cannot be used in a wireless setup not as Master or Slave. The ST version is only good as on-camera flash.

Personally, I will never buy the ST version but I do have 2 of the SIGMA EF-500 DG SUPER flashes and they work excellently.

Mufutau

not only that but I believe the ST only allows power to drop to 1/16 under manual whiel the super goes to 1/128 at the lowest so more adjustment range, the super has the optical slave which so far has come in handy for me, the wireless thing as you said, and I believe a couple other little quirks. super is the best way to go I would say if you go sigma

[Choaf]

anyone have any suggestions about the Vivitar DF-383 there is one for sale in the forum and seems like a good deal to me. what do the experts think?

[MT Stringer]

what is the main difference between the super and non super versions of the sigma flashes?

Another thing that hasn't been mentioned is that if you use the ST model off camera, it will go to sleep after a period of inactivity and then you have to go push the test button to wake it up.

I have a Sigma EF-500 DG Super that has worked on a 20D, 30D, 40D and now the 1D MK III. It is at least as powerful as the 430EX but not quiet as powerful as the 580. But it is a lot more economical if you find a good one used.
Mike

[Psychobiker]

And pick up a Yongnuo YN460/Vivitar 285 for pennies and try some off-camera stuff too!

[rx7speed]

Another thing that hasn't been mentioned is that if you use the ST model off camera, it will go to sleep after a period of inactivity and then you have to go push the test button to wake it up.

I have a Sigma EF-500 DG Super that has worked on a 20D, 30D, 40D and now the 1D MK III. It is at least as powerful as the 430EX but not quiet as powerful as the 580. But it is a lot more economical if you find a good one used.
Mike
how much of a difference price between the 500 and 530 super? the 530 is more powerfull then the 430 and just the tiniest smidge less powerfull then the 580 if power is the goal.

[RPCrowe]

Neither the 220EX nor the 270EX is a full featured flash unit. I have and enjoy my 270EX for what it does and will often use mine as a fill flash or to light very small areas using a Joe Demb FlipIt Junior diffuser/reflector. It cannot be used as a slave, cannot swivel, casts a shadow when used with a 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens with lens hood (when shot at wider focal lengths). It is also close to the axis of the lens and will cause glow eyes when shooting dogs.

What does it do well? It is a darn light-weight flash that has a low profile. This allows me to carry one mounted on my camera all the time and simply flip it on or off as the occasion demands. It has almost an instantaneous recharge (especially when used as a fill light at -2 f/stops). It can also use HSS so I don't have to keep my shutter speed below 1/250 second when shooting outdoors.

IMO, this is a specialty flash for an EOS camera but, can be a pretty good all-around flash for the smaller G-series. It sure beats the heck out of the G-series built-in flash and doesn't overwhelm the camera with size and bulk!


A used 420EX is an entirely different matter. This is a full featured flash which can both swivel and tilt. It is only slightly less powerful than the 430EX and takes only a bit longer to recycle.

As with the 430EX, the 420EX can be used as a slave with a master 550EX or 580EX but, neither the 420EX nor the 430EX can be used as a master.

I have a 550EX, 420EX and 270EX... I will often carry the 270EX on my camera and have a 420EX in my shooting vest for times when I need a more powerful flash. The 420EX is lighter in weight and smaller in size than the 550EX.

[lazer-jock]

A used 420EX is an entirely different matter. This is a full featured flash which can both swivel and tilt. It is only slightly less powerful than the 430EX and takes only a bit longer to recycle.

As with the 430EX, the 420EX can be used as a slave with a master 550EX or 580EX but, neither the 420EX nor the 430EX can be used as a master.

I have a 550EX, 420EX and 270EX... I will often carry the 270EX on my camera and have a 420EX in my shooting vest for times when I need a more powerful flash. The 420EX is lighter in weight and smaller in size than the 550EX.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that the 420 had no manual power controls on it, just ETTL.

[Todd Lambert]

thats correct - no manual in the 420.