Canon 380EX FLASHGUN

tkbslc wrote in post #12139883
The 420EX is the swivel version of the 380EX and also a great option if you don't desire manual controls (which it sounds like the OP doesn't)

for reference:
220EX - small and no bounce or swivel, avoid
270EX - tiny bounce only flash
380EX - larger bounce only
420EX - same as 380EX but swivels, too
430EX - like 420EX but adds manual controls
550EX/580EX - pro level full features highest output flashes.

There is more to the 420EX than just the swivel head. It also has slave capability and more power. There is a good chance that any new Canon camera you might upgrade to will have Master capability so it would be smart to get the 420EX or 430EX. So far the 7D, 60D, and T3i all have this master capability.

I can't confirm the following, but Photonotes.org says the 420EX AF assist covers 3, 5, or 7 AF points in the viewfinder while the 380EX only covers the center AF point: http://photonotes.org …lash2=canon420e​x&flash3=*

The 420EX also supports "modeling light".(but only in slave mode)

Good additional info, Mike, thanks.

I had one with my Elan IIe as well. ETTL, introduced me to High Speed Sync.
I've let a backup photographer use it with my 40d with great results.
It does not work with my pocketwizard mini/flex.
Old technology, I guess. But a decent backup if needed.

mkville wrote in post #12138597
The 380 was my first flash, it did me well for what it was, it did introduce me to lighting and help understand it, but it had it's limitations like mentioned earlier. I used it on my 40D at the time and it worked for me, please note it's a full manual flash and doesn't have ETTL. At the very least I would look at a 430 EXII instead.

Mark

It's actually the other way around. It's E-TTL only, there's no way to control anything on the flash itself. That and the lack of twist aside, it's an alright flash. I'd really look for a 430EX instead, though.

Thank you guys for all the info, im going to look at a Sigma flash EF-500DG Super this morning which i have been offered at a reasonable price is this a better option than the 380

corrected I got that info backwards, thanks for cacthing that guys

grandadraymond wrote in post #12141877
Thank you guys for all the info, im going to look at a Sigma flash EF-500DG Super this morning which i have been offered at a reasonable price is this a better option than the 380

I started with a 380EX, and like others have mentioned, it is a decent flash to work with. My next flash was a 580EX II, and it was a lot better in just about every way for me. I then picked up a Sigma EF-500 DG Super as you mentioned for a backup, and it has basically all of the same bells and whistles as the 580EX II (no setup of the flash features from the camera menu, a little less power, etc.). I will say that if you're into all of the fancy features on these flashes (and I suspect you're not), the menu system on the Sigma can be a little confusing to some. If you just want to put the flash on the camera and take pictures (rotating the head to bounce the flash for better results), then the Sigma will be a great flash for you.

Ive settled on a second hand Canon Speedlite 550EX now thank you...Ray