What flash for me.

Looking to add a flash to my gear....

For amateur, fun, family photo use at best, what would you recommend?

I've heard the 480 perhaps?

SouthFlorida_Tron wrote in post #13360577
Looking to add a flash to my gear....

For amateur, fun, family photo use at best, what would you recommend?

I've heard the 480 perhaps?

The Canon 430EX II is about one stop less powerful than the 580EX II. If you plan to get only one flash, I'd get the 430EX II as it is a only $270 new at B&H. If you plan on multiple flashes, I'd start with the 580EX II and then get a second when you decide you need two. But for your use, I'd go for the 430EX II. These flashes will determine the amount of light that should be emitted for any given shot. Most times, it will be correct, and you can compensate for those times when it is incorrect with a setting (called Flash Exposure Compensation).

As you may be aware, other manufacturers make flashes like these for Canon cameras. There are also manual flashes which will not determine how much light needs to be emitted, and you must manually set the power yourself.

Do you have a budget?

Look at the yongnuo 565ex on this board.

Very good flash, very good price.

Didn't really think about a budget, but don't want to go to crazy on just a flash as I don't use it often.... Only bust it out for night time party shoots for friends in doors etc..... And I won't be using more than one at any time as I shoot for fun at best, so just looking to go a step up from on board flash which i hear is weak sauce.

^^Definitely look into the Yongnuo 565ex then...

I'm one of those "canon only" geeks though lol...

^^Why?

Dunno, just am... Could've gotten the vello grip for my cam but got the canon.

I did look for he flash, couldn't find it, link me?

The 430EX II is screaming out for you to buy. Good price and will work well with your camera. If you decide it is not for you and want the 580 EX II you will easily sell it again without losing too much money.

I just ordered a 580EXII, my first flash, to go with my 60D. Is there any other accessories that I should buy? I am a novice. I'd like to take pictures for family, for food, also for possible objects to sell on ebay.

Thank you very much.

MGiddings Photography wrote in post #13361412
The 430EX II is screaming out for you to buy. Good price and will work well with your camera. If you decide it is not for you and want the 580 EX II you will easily sell it again without losing too much money.

Cool, what are the big differences?

Power?
Control?

Yes. See post #2…

580 can act as a Master for multiple slave flashes, 430 cannot.

Jane2000,
I have a 60D as well and use flash frequently. Try using it off camera with wireless control from the 60D pop-up. Works great over the distances Canon stipulates. You might want to get a small softbox, like the Lumiquest Softbox III or the Cheetah Qbox, and an inexpensive light stand. This gives you a lot of flexibility for both portraits and fill flash.

Thank you very much for your information, which is very helpful.

HughR wrote in post #13361554
Jane2000,
I have a 60D as well and use flash frequently. Try using it off camera with wireless control from the 60D pop-up. Works great over the distances Canon stipulates. You might want to get a small softbox, like the Lumiquest Softbox III or the Cheetah Qbox, and an inexpensive light stand. This gives you a lot of flexibility for both portraits and fill flash.

So for purely fun use, non pro or business use, go with the 430exII?