Flash Help -- Easy Answer!!?

Hello, i am going to be getting an ett-l flash soon! I have a few simple questions im sure you lighting geniouses can help mw with.

1- I am considering a canon 430ex / 430ex ii -- What are the main differences between the two? Besides faster recycling time with the ex ii? And would it be worth spending more money for the ex ii?

2 - Are their any 3rd party flashes that are equally if not better than the 430ex series for the same or less price that are ett-l compatible?

Note -- Im ONLY looking for ett-l flashes since im too lazy to put the time in to learn manual... haha

PS - Ill mainly be using the flash i end up buying for:
- Shooting raves / concerts
- Product shots
- Portraits

Thanks!!!

1. Compare flash unit specs and features here:
http://photonotes.org/​lookup/

2. You get what you pay for.

3. When you photograph raves, concerts and other performing arts, leave the flash at home. Visit the Performing Arts sections here for tips.

Curtis N wrote in post #12728352
1. Compare flash unit specs and features here:
http://photonotes.org/​lookup/

2. You get what you pay for.

3. When you photograph raves, concerts and other performing arts, leave the flash at home. Visit the Performing Arts sections here for tips.

I always bring my camera body and an extra lens with me to raves but i always see people with external flashes. And the photos will become better with one anyways.

Thanks

Soda-Pop wrote in post #12728296
Are their any 3rd party flashes that are equally if not better than the 430ex series for the same or less price that are ett-l compatible?

There are the Yongnuo ETTL flashes - YN465, YN467, YN468, etc. and the Nissin Di866, Nissin Di622, etc. and the Metz flashes, and the Sunpak flashes, probably some more I can't think of.
I've been using the Yongnuo YN465 ETTL flash for several years, $65 - and works great!

Soda-Pop wrote in post #12728639
I always bring my camera body and an extra lens with me to raves but i always see people with external flashes. And the photos will become better with one anyways.

"the photos" of what? People? Maybe. The performers? Not likely. Listen to Curtis's advice.

Go to speedlights.net. Compares several brands for power and performance. I would put in a +1 for the Nissan 622 mk II. Very pleased with it's performance during my last wedding.

Some differences:

1. The Mark ii has a metal shoe and the Mark i has a plastic shoe. This might make the Mark ii somewhat sturdier - especially if you use larger modifiers.

2. The Mark i can be put into slave mode by a simplke flick of a switch. You need to go into the menu to set the mark ii up as a slave. Version one is easier.

3. Quick release on the Mark ii

Thanks everyone.

Also, i guess i didnt include this, its a RAVE. Dark room, with nothing but lazers and strobes lights flashing around. Im going to be doing candid shots of people so a flash IS mandadtory to have when i go to shows.

Soda-Pop wrote in post #12728296
Note -- Im ONLY looking for ett-l flashes since im too lazy to put the time in to learn manual... haha

Thanks!!!

Actually in the long run manual is far easier that TTL. haha back at you

RPCrowe wrote in post #12731431
Some differences:

1. The Mark ii has a metal shoe and the Mark i has a plastic shoe. This might make the Mark ii somewhat sturdier - especially if you use larger modifiers.

2. The Mark i can be put into slave mode by a simplke flick of a switch. You need to go into the menu to set the mark ii up as a slave. Version one is easier.

3. Quick release on the Mark ii

mk ii can be set as slave by holding one of the buttons on the back, i forget which.

also mk ii has 2nd curtain flash sync, which is critical for party type shots imo

scroller52 wrote in post #12745262
mk ii can be set as slave by holding one of the buttons on the back, i forget which.

also mk ii has 2nd curtain flash sync, which is critical for party type shots imo

Both the 430EX, and 430EX II have 2nd curtain flash sync switches.

The 420EX doesn't have a switch, but 2nd curtain flash sync can also be selected on the camera body.

http://photonotes.org …/index3.html#en​ablesecond

digital paradise wrote in post #12742654
Actually in the long run manual is far easier that TTL. haha back at you

Well, id rather get an ettl flash so i dont have to screw around with settings while im in a dark room... lol

scroller52 wrote in post #12745262
mk ii can be set as slave by holding one of the buttons on the back, i forget which.

also mk ii has 2nd curtain flash sync, which is critical for party type shots imo

Almost all cameras have a 2nd curtain flash, and a lot of flashes have that feature as well.

msowsun wrote in post #12745315
Both the 430EX, and 430EX II have 2nd curtain flash sync switches.

The 420EX doesn't have a switch, but 2nd curtain flash sync can also be selected on the camera body.

http://photonotes.org …/index3.html#en​ablesecond

exactly

Soda-Pop wrote in post #12755692
Well, id rather get an ettl flash so i dont have to screw around with settings while im in a dark room... lol

Both ETTL an manual have their uses. It is good to have both.