430 EXII or 580EX II w/ Canon 60d

As my skills continue to increase, and my photography requires more equipement, I'm wondering what will work best AND WHY, as far as flashes go with the Canon 60d. From what I read the 60d does have wireless flash capabilities so I can use it off of the hot-shoe. (correct me if I'm wrong!)

What would you go with and why?

Keep in mind I don't plan to use a flash often, but would like a capable flash when the need arises.

Thanks in advance.

I recently went through this decision process myself and ended up with the 580 EX II. It was a hard decision, but it really came down to figuring out that there are times where I will want the extra power output of the 580 over the 430 and I'd likely be kicking myself for buying the less expensive flash when I came up against one of those situations.

The point about power was driven home to me on a recent shoot when I was in an almost completely dark concrete room and wanted to take some detailed shots of electrical panels on the wall. With my Nikon SB-26 (didn't have the 580 yet) flash on full power bounced off the ceiling, I needed to set the ISO at 1600 to be able to set the aperture at f 11 to get the detail I wanted in the shot. I normally don't like setting my ISO that high and more power would have been appreciated. I'm sure there are times when I will want to use the flash to overpower the sun and the extra power will be useful for there as well.

Now if your budget is constrained, the 430ex II should work fine in most situations. I went back and forth between the two myself before deciding on the 580 since there is such a large cost difference.

Did you tried the ttl with 580 EXII off camera? How well it works?

I went with the 430EXII to pair with my 60D and have never felt a need for the additional power. In ETTL mode, it's pretty rare that I put it above 0EV.

I don't do a lot of outdoor photography, though, so I've never really needed to try to overpower the sun.

For ordinary use, the 430 EX II is fully adequate.
It's for more demanding applications you may want a 580 EX II. When shooting sports at night, for example, I appreciate the 580 EX II flashes.
This is with 7D + BG-E7 + EF-S 17-55 mm f/2.8 IS USM + 580 EX II on camera (as a master and for some fill), and then another 580 EX II + CP-E4 as a slave on the other side, as a main light.

I've got both. I use the 430 most times because it's lighter.

I went through the same decision making process and finally opted for the 430. I have a T1i and selected the 430 due to size and relativity to my camera. I then purchased a cable so I could use my flash off camera, which I love. However, with the 60D, you can use either flash off camera without a cable (which is really a great feature). So you can go with either. From everything I read, the 430exii will fill my needs just fine. But if you plan on shooting weddings, or in large areas, you might want the larger flash. I already owned the 270ex and in small areas, I hardly notice the difference between these two.

Guess it comes down to your needs and how much $$ you are willing to $pend

I am sure with either of them, you will be very happy.

I have never seen any numbers in lumens or watts or anything that shows the actual difference in power.

Can someone help me out there?

FredM wrote in post #12171838
I have never seen any numbers in lumens or watts or anything that shows the actual difference in power.

Can someone help me out there?

Half stop at most
http://www.robgalbrait​h.com …p?cid=7-10050-10598-10599

michgirl wrote in post #12171525
...But if you plan on shooting weddings, or in large areas, you might want the larger flash.

I am sure with either of them, you will be very happy.

If I plan on shooting a wedding, I think this decision would be easier

Thanks for the input, it sounds like the 430exII will do just fine. Again, I can't thank POTN members for their continued knowledge, I'm still such a newb

I reccomend NOT making your decision on the 60d's ability to remotely flash. As your skills increase youll realize youll want to use a RF methid of triggering, or corded.

ajstonestreet wrote in post #12173691
I reccomend NOT making your decision on the 60d's ability to remotely flash. As your skills increase youll realize youll want to use a RF methid of triggering, or corded.

Definitely not my main decision. Having that ability is nice, however.