550ex questions

[witharebelyell]

was thinking I was looking at a 430ex as my first flash
580 prob is more than I need - could grow into it...

came across a 550ex on craigslist for $200

cant seem to find a lot of info on this
do i bother or go with the "common" 430/580 options

can anyone tell me if this would be a good option in the $200 range
accessories, features etc

thanks - i did a search - didnt find a lot
thanks

[AxxisPhoto]

If the flash is in good shape, that's a great price. I've had my 550EX for 3 years now and absolutely love it. The E-TTL works like a champ, and I always get consistent results.

[witharebelyell]

am i reading correct in that its options for adjustments/swivel etc are limited??

[bobbyz]

1/2 stop adjustments. Separate buttons for up/down and sideways. Restricted on right side to 90 deg.

[benesotor]

I used a 550 for a wedding, it's a decent flash and gave nice results. It is however quite big and bulky, and not that maneuverable.

I personally would go for a 430II for that reason, 'cause I only ever use the ETTL mode anyway.

[bobbyz]

Well 430ex can't take external battery packs like 550ex. So I would prefer 550ex for that case alone if shooting events/weddings.

[witharebelyell]

bobbyz it takes a battery pack as opposed to AAs?
the bulk is something to consider...
grrr
may just wait for a 430 to show up
i dont NEED anything too high tech yet and bulky may be frusterating
if it takes a bettery pack insteada burnin thru AAs - that may be a great feature... if you could confirm, that would make me sound less idiotic when inquiring with this seller...

[Titus213]

bobbyz it takes a battery pack as opposed to AAs?
the bulk is something to consider...
grrr
may just wait for a 430 to show up
i dont NEED anything too high tech yet and bulky may be frusterating
if it takes a bettery pack insteada burnin thru AAs - that may be a great feature... if you could confirm, that would make me sound less idiotic when inquiring with this seller...

No, it can take an external battery pack. It runs on 4 AAs. The 550EX is a bit bulkier in appearance. There are two separate buttons to adjust the head, one for tilt, one for swivel. I like mine and it works just fine. I do tend to grab the 430EX for quick simple stuff. But the 550EX can act as the master in that master/slave relationship and has a greater manual adjustment range.


http://photonotes.org/cgi-bin/flash-lookup.pl?flash1=canon550ex&flash2=canon580ex&flash3=canon430ex

[snakekid]

I got my 580ex off craigslist for $210. look around for a used 580ex

[CyberDyneSystems]

550 is still pretty much 95% the falsh that the 580ex II is..

It is built like a 1968 Chrysler!

[MT Stringer]

The battery pack mention for the 550 EX is this one (http://www.flashzebra.com/products/0155/index.shtml). I have two packs, one for the 580EX II and one for the 540EZ.

If you are shooting an event, just put it on your belt and shoot away. In a pinch, I put it in my pants pocket and got after it.

Hope this info helps.
Mike

[AxxisPhoto]

How about one of these: Quantum Battery Pack (http://www.qtm.com/?page=3121&sub_page=additional_features&qmode=c) I've used one with great results for a while now.

[DStanic]

The 550ex is way more flash for the money over a 430ex. I have both.

pros:
-more powerful
-serve as master/slave
-connector for battery packs (I use a CP-E3, works great for weddings etc.)

cons:
-quite large on a Rebel (although you'll get used to it, especially if you have a grip)
-swivel/tilt adjustment is not very smooth to operate compared to newer flashes

I bought my 430ex AFTER because I thought it would be nicer to use, however I may end up selling it and upgrading to a 580ex(II?) and keeping the 550ex because it's still a great flash and I love the features. For the price you can't beat it!

[tim]

430 -> 550 = approx one stop more power

[mickeyjuice]

550 is still pretty much 95% the falsh that the 580ex II is..

It is built like a 1968 Chrysler!

Which won't necessarily save it if you drop yer bag :-(

(Mine's got an unusable screen now. Oh well...)