Ready for a 2nd light - recommendations?

[CosmoKid]

Looking for a 2nd flash for my set-up and flexibility is key. I have a 430 EX II so a 580 was my first reaction. Anything else I should consider that won't break the bank like the 580?

Uses:
- 2 light OCF
- a second shoe flash so I can have one mounted on both my bodies

I leave one body at home most of the time so if I can keep one mounted on my 40d my wife will be able to take some flash shots of my kids when I am not around.

ETTL is a big plus. I currently use Cybersyncs for my ocf but if I had the flexibility to mount a 580 on camera for fill and use the 430 as main that would be great too. I assume I could also use ETTL with an ETTL cord to the 580?

Any other shoe flashes work as a master with the 430?

[Muskydave22]

I would buy a 580ex or 550ex and a 24' ettl cord from flash zebra. That would be the cheapest way to go two light setup with ettl, buy the master flash would be conneced to the cord then triggering the 430ex with the canon IR system. If you want wireless ettl it will be a lot more expensive.

Dave

[JCH77Yanks]

+1 on that ^

[RPCrowe]

Posters often forget that a used 550EX is a viable and less expensive option to the 580EX (series) flashes when you want a master. You can sometimes get the 550EX for $200 or a bit more (depending on just how many competing 550EX auctions are on eBay).

Doubtless, the 580EX has several advantages over the 550EX but, the older unit can be had for about half the price of the new 580EX. When cash is short; the older 550EX is a full featured unit which can provide excellent light and can be used as either a master with 550EX, 580EX, 430EX or 420EX units as slaves or as a slave to another 550EX or a 580EX.

[10megapixel]

Posers often forget that a used 550EX is a viable and less expensive option to the 580EX (series) flashes when you want a master. You can sometimes get the 550EX for $200 or a bit more (depending on just how many competing 550EX auctions are on eBay).

Doubtless, the 580EX has several advantages over the 550EX but, the older unit can be had for about half the price of the new 580EX. When cash is short; the older 550EX is a full featured unit which can provide excellent light and can be used as either a master with 550EX, 580EX, 430EX or 420EX units as slaves or as a slave to another 550EX or a 580EX.

+1 ;)

I have two of them, I spent less than $250 bucks for the pair !

[CosmoKid]

550 EXs are all going for around $250 on eBay.

[RPCrowe]

550 EXs are all going for around $250 on eBay.

The prices will vary, depending on the luck of the draw. If there are quite a few 550EX models appearing at one time, the prices will be deflated. As with all eBay shopping, patience pays off when seeking a used 550EX. EBay shopping for used items is not like Walmart where all the prices are the same month to month. As an example of the price fluctuation, soon after Canon introduced the 24-105mm f/4L IS lens' many photographers began dumping their 24-70mm f/2.8L lenses and eBay was flooded with those models. I bid $750 for a mint condition 24-70L and got it because there were about ten of those lenses (two being offered by the professional from whom I purchased my copy) on eBay at the time I bought mine. It is simply the law of supply and demand.

There are several other sites, including ones on P.T.O.N. and Photocamel.com that list used items. The commercial brokers like KEH, often charge a bit more since they have to make a profit selling the used items.

You "CAN" get good bargains on used equipment on eBay but, these days it seems like it takes a lot longer to find the bargains in any used equipment. EBay seems to have been flooded with Chinese manufactured gear and the used items are taking a back seat. I am surprised that China has not come out with a TL or ETTL copy of the 550EX or 580EX. I have noticed, that there are Chinese flash units which can be used as slaves for either of the above units. However, these Chinese units run about the same price as used 420EX flashes and I would be prone to select a used 420EX rather than a new Chinese knock-off.

[10megapixel]

550 EXs are all going for around $250 on eBay.

Here on POTN and FM forums is the FIRST place to look;) Like mentioned above, E-Bay "Deals" are hard to find anymore.