FIrst flash 430 EX II or 580 EX II

Miamitreo wrote in post #12528782
So with the 580ex ll, is there a need for an off shoe cord or pocket wizard when using the flash hand held? If my thinking is correct I can hand hold the flash with the flash sensor facing the camera. Everything should work as usual??

In other words what is the advantage of an off camera cord over handheld flash with my kit?

60D and 580ex ll

I've been using a 430EX controlled wirelessly by my 60D pop-up flash (basically the same as 7D) since last October. I often hold the 60D in my right hand to shoot and hold the 430EX in my left hand above and partially to the side to get better off-camera lighting on the subject. Works perfectly every time. In fact, I'm so pleased with the 430EX that I just got a 430EX II so that I can do two-flash wireless set-ups using 60D wireless. I've done a couple hundred shots with these two flashes to explore A:B ratios, and they work excellently.

Incidentally, the line of sight requirement is not as big an issue as it might seem. Indoors in moderate size rooms you can often place your flash around the corner and still control it wirelessly due to reflections of the pop-up control flash. Outdoors, line of sight is important, but I've used it effectively even in sun on snow conditions at up to 25 feet. Worked perfectly every time.

^
Hugh's experience mirrors mine.

Great. I'll use the money on something else photography related (probably a think tank retrospective 20). I was uncomfortable spring for pocket wizards as I don't feel I'm at that level yet not to mention the extra equipment needed like stands etc.....

Thanks again

I don't ever expect to get expensive Radio flash controllers, as the 60D wireless does everything I want. I know I can't set a wireless flash up 80 feet away, but that doesn't bother me. However, you may want to get an inexpensive light stand at some point.

If you're shooting OCF with the flash in hand, then PWs would definitely be overkill if you've got a 60D/7D. On the occasions that I play with flash and my macro lens, I do the same thing (handhold flash out of frame, or stand it off to the side) and just use the on-board controller on the 7D.

What inexpensive flash do u recommend? Say less than $50-$75 ?

I don't believe anyone makes a flash that cheap that can be triggered wirelessly...I'm not even sure anyone makes ANY flashes, that will work on modern cameras, in that sort of price range. You're looking closer to the $160-200 range at a minimum, I think.

Sigma EF-610

580ex2 ftw

Miamitreo wrote in post #12531645
What inexpensive flash do u recommend? Say less than $50-$75 ?

Whoops. I forgot a word that probably makes a world of difference. I meant to ask about flash stands......

Just buy any simple tripod. You can get cheap ones that are too unstable to hold a 7D with a lens, but they are good enough for a flash.

Snydremark wrote in post #12533004
I don't believe anyone makes a flash that cheap that can be triggered wirelessly...I'm not even sure anyone makes ANY flashes, that will work on modern cameras, in that sort of price range. You're looking closer to the $160-200 range at a minimum, I think

I can trigger my modern camera with a Yongnuo YN 465 flash and RF-602 wireless triggers for $90

apersson850 wrote in post #12536272
Just buy any simple tripod. You can get cheap ones that are too unstable to hold a 7D with a lens, but they are good enough for a flash.

I've used cheap tripods for this too. The only thing I don't like is that they often don't give you the height you need if you are shooting people. I've made a few clamps to hold my flashes. Just a cheap clamp from the hardware store that has a hole to hang it up, and get a small ball head to mount there with a bolt. Flash attaches to that easily. costs me about $10 for the clamp, and then just buy the cheapest little head you can find. And they clamp almost anywhere.

Thanks for all the advice guys! I think I've decided to go with the 580 EX II. I really don't want to have to upgrade later. I'm not sure about this whole ordeal of them frying though. It's been made out to sound like that's something common O.O

Have yet to have any cooking issues with my 580