420ex vs. 550ex

[Barnsie]

Here's my current mental excercise. I've been wearing out my mouse tracking the shipment of my 10D. It's supposed to be here on Tuesday! While I've been waiting, I'm considering what accessories I can afford right off the bat.

I've decided that I'm comfortable with my 3 lenses until I've played with the camera for a while (15-35, 35-135, 70-210). I need a flash. I have 2 430EZ's with my EOS 630's but I really want to be able to use the e-ttl instead of just manual.

I'm trying to decide between the 420ex and the 550ex. It's mostly just a money question. I want the 550, but I'm wondering if I can get by with a 420 and get bg-e3d grip as well. I understand that I'd be loosing the "transmitter" functionality with the down grade, but my intent would be to pick up a 550ex when I've got more money. Then I could still use the 420 as a slave if circumstances warranted, correct?

I am just an amateur. I primarily take photos of vacations, the kids, the dogs, sporting events, etc. I very rarely do anything that I'd consider studio-ish. Would I really miss the extra power of the 550? Is there anything else that I'd regret about buying the 420 instead of the 550?

I guess the follow up question, is what do you think about the BG-E3D? Is it a worth while purchase? I like the feel of it in general, and figure the extra battery can't hurt...

Thanks,

CB

[mrbobco]

hi barnsie...

i say go for the 420 and bg ed 3...i have had two 550 ex's and recently sold one (i bought a few studio strobe units so it wasn't necessary to have that overkill) i can't say that i ever really needed the wireless function of the 550 (although, well...yes i did have an st e2 for a little while too) and i spend the majority of my time shooting pets, children, etc...i think you'll also like having that extra shutter button when you tilt the camera sideways (and seeing that the 10d is intelligent enough to KNOW you tilted the camera sideways i've been using it even more frequently)

i think you'll be fine (powerwise) with the 420...

just my .02 worth :)

bob

[spark]

I am having both Canon 550Ex and the 420EX, which I agreed that 420EX is just fine. Is all about functions and display and of course your usage......cheers....