Canon Speedlite 430EX II or 580EX II???

[SpeedkingXSi]

I have a XSi ... using 18-55mm IS, 50mm 1.8, 24-70L
I can't decide which to get...with the lenses I have right now

I know that 430 is only slave unit and 580 can be a master n' slave but I also will need to get stand, umbralla, controlling unit first if I was going to do off camera flash shoots

also does the 430 head not turn 360degrees like the 580 just up and down?

[gonzogolf]

The 430 is one stop less powerful than the 580exII. It does rotate side to side, but won't do a full 360.

[jeppoy]

if money is not an issue, go with the 580EX II...I see you're a member of MM so might as well throw in a canon battery pack so your flash won't have to deal with recycling, single umbrella kit for $100 (consist of manfrotto mini stand, wescot umbrella, manfrotto flash umbrella adapter) and a pair of Pocketwizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5. You will have the power, flexibility, ease of use and range. It may sound expensive now but if you go the cheap route, you'll end up upgrading anyway...

[Muskydave22]

If you don't need wireless, a 24' ettl cord from flash zebra works great espcially if you have a 580ex and a 430ex then you can use the cord to trigger the 580 and that will trigger the 430 with line of sight. Cheap two light set up with ETTL.

Dave

[exodusfman800]

I love my 580EX II. You'll wish you'd spent the extra if you get the 430EX II.

[gonzogolf]

I love my 580EX II. You'll wish you'd spent the extra if you get the 430EX II.

Yeah I followed the common path, bought the 430ex, it was great but the 580exII was better. If you think you are serious about flash photography its worth the extra. If your flash use is casual, the 430ex is a great flash.

[mg550]

I have the 580 EX II. I don't regret spending the extra money on it. I like having the extra power and features.

[czeglin]

I've got a 580EX II and I think I'm going to be getting a second one, rather than a 430EX II, as a slave. The relevant features for me are:
-higher power
-PC port
-aux power input
-swivel 180 deg horizontal both directions
-far better ergonomics (control wheel vs. those hard to press buttons) And the buttons on the 580EX II press more easily than those on the 430EX II.

[gonzogolf]

Plus you dont have the frustration of your big expensive powerful flash sitting on the camera mastering while the lesser camera us actually out there producing light. Its a stupid way to look at it, I know, but it bugged me greatly.

[vegaspyx]

Go with the 580EX II.

[SpeedkingXSi]

Canon Speedlite 430EX II ordered!!! XD

[egordon99]

Canon Speedlite 430EX II ordered!!! XD

Took you long enough ;)


Enjoy!

[dmoney30]

I had the 430 EXII and it was night and day the changes in my pictures. I'm going to get a 580 though and try some off camera flash photography.

[mikejet]

Always go big. Always go 580 EX II.

[egordon99]

I had the 430 EXII and it was night and day the changes in my pictures. I'm going to get a 580 though and try some off camera flash photography.

You can also spend $40 on a set on wireless triggers and get started that way. Much cheaper than a 580EXII (although a second flash can come in handy in many situations)

[aperkins]

In MHO the 580EX II higher candle power really helps w/ longer shots plus it can serve as both master or slave for multi speedlites. If or when you pick up a second unit.

If it's not too late I'd change your order. You won't regret it.

[Erik_L]

Lovin' my setup. 580 is a beast!

[liupublic]

Have no budget issue = 580ex.

Don't have any room in the bag = 430ex. (or get a bigger bag+580ex)

I could not get two 580ex w/ my budget so I got two 430ex instead.