New 430EX II or Refurbished 580EX II for Canon 60D

I have realized with help from fellow POTN members that I need flash indoors for shooting kids indoors with 60D + 15-85mm over fast prime. I am selling my brand new never used Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and slightly used Canon 85mm f/1.8 to make some cash room for new off camera flash.

Now my question is that I got a great deal on Canon 580EX II refurbished flash from Canon's sale this week. I also have a brand new unopened 430EX II. Any idea on quality of refurbished 580EX II flash directly from Canon store ? I have ordered lens from them and they are virtually brand new, but I don't know what is usual refurbish protocol for flashes. The difference in cost is not that significant between new 430EXII and refurbished 580EX II.

I understand 580EX II is pretty advanced stuff over 430EX II, but wasn't sure if refurbished vs new is kind of an important factor. Thanks in advance for everyone's opinion.

I would keep both, they are more similar than not. The 580exII can be a master, it adjusts in 1/3 stops where the 430exII adjusts in full stops (unless you are using FEC then you have 1/3 adjustment on the 430exII).

The 430EXII is between 0.2 and 0.6 stops less bright than the 580EXII See comparisons here 430EXII rotates 180° in the counter-clockwise direction only (90° clockwise) The 580exII is 180 both ways. You can add the weather seal to the 430exII from the 580exII.

The 430exii will make a great slave for your 580exII. Also 2 speedlights and a reflector makes a pretty decent kit. I would buy a 30" ttl cord from Syl Arena and keep both.

Refurb is like new from Canon, it's that simple.

akfreak wrote in post #14178513
I would keep both, they are more similar than not. The 580exII can be a master, it adjusts in 1/3 stops where the 430exII adjusts in full stops (unless you are using FEC then you have 1/3 adjustment on the 430exII).

The 430EXII is between 0.2 and 0.6 stops less bright than the 580EXII See comparisons here 430EXII rotates 180° in the counter-clockwise direction only (90° clockwise) The 580exII is 180 both ways. You can add the weather seal to the 430exII from the 580exII.

The 430exii will make a great slave for your 580exII. Also 2 speedlights and a reflector makes a pretty decent kit. I would buy a 30" ttl cord from Syl Arena and keep both.

Refurb is like new from Canon, it's that simple.

Via the 430 ex II Manual:
Pg 19
M: Manual Flash
You can set the flash output from 1/64 power to 1/1 full power In 1/3-
stop Increments
Use a hand-held flash meter to determine the requlred flash output to
obtaln a correct flash exposure Settlng the camera's shoot~ngm ode to
<Av > or <M> is recommended


Here is the FEC you're talking about:
pg 14
Flash Exposure Compensation
In the same way as normal exposure compensation, you can set
exposure compensation for flash. The flash exposure compensation
amount can be set up to +3 stops in 113-stop increments. (If the
camera's exposure compensation is in 1/2-stop increments, flash
exDosure com~ensationw ill be in 112-stop increments.)

Man... if you're just shooting kids the 430ex ii is fine. I shoot with it in gigs and I get good images using it.... doesn't eat battery as much as the 530ex ii

If you get started with Off Camera Flash with one flash, soon you will want two.

Once you get two, pretty soon you will want 3. That's a good stoping point... Some may argue 4 to use 2 as hairlights, but that's expensive...

Keep the 2 and start saving...

2 flash units in not a bad thing at all. One main and one fill/kicker/hair/backg​round light.... if you can afford it, then keep both.

Thanks for the feedback. I will definitely keep 580EX II then where I got good bang for the buck. I'll have to think on another flash. I am just starting out, so I hope to grow from 580 and beyond.

If you can't afford to keep both, or you would rather trade one in for a different piece of gear, then obviously the 580 would be preferred if there is no difference in cost. If you got a warranty with the 580 then it's a no-brainer. Even without a warranty I would keep the 580, but I'm a risk-taker by nature.

Well I just got a 430 ex II refurb this week and it look brand new and im loving it.

good thread

Immaculens wrote in post #14181455
good thread

Yeah I wanna follow it.

Daship wrote in post #14181176
Well I just got a 430 ex II refurb this week and it look brand new and im loving it.

Hopefully my 580EX II which I saw was delivered today at home is in good condition.

I would strongly suggest buying cheaper flashes for your second, third, or fourth flash, if you are on a budget.

You need a TTL flash for when you have it on the camera, but those manual flashes will save you a lot of money.

The Canon TTL infrared master/slave set-up is a pain, and not very reliable. That's really the only reason I could see anybody (on a budget) wanting to get more than one Canon flash.

Honestly I got two LP 160's (2 x $160) before I got my 580 ($450), and I am very glad I did. The only reason I got a 580 was to shoot indoors at weddings, when there isn't time to mess with a manual flash.

As the op has a 60D, he can trigger either the 580 or 430 wirelessly off camera using the pop-up flash on the 60D. I regularly use two 430EXs wirelessly off camera with my 60D, and it works perfectly indoors in reasonably sized rooms. Line of sight is not that important in these cases, as the pop-up control signal reflects around corners. Outside, line of sight is important, but it works very well up to about 25 feet as Canon claims. Thus, you have no need of the master control on the 580EX.

Contrary to mltn, at least the pop-up Canon wireless control works exceptionally well (I can't comment on the infrared control).

I too have a 60D and the newish 320EX - Love the wireless... likely will get a reflector next, and then the 430EX II - or YN565EX II which is wireless... provided you get one that works out of the box...

just a note that newbie flash guys like me ALWAYS appreciate these 'Fundamentals' and 'getting started' threads... thanks again to any experienced folks chiming in...

HughR wrote in post #14182219
As the op has a 60D, he can trigger either the 580 or 430 wirelessly off camera using the pop-up flash on the 60D. I regularly use two 430EXs wirelessly off camera with my 60D, and it works perfectly indoors in reasonably sized rooms. Line of sight is not that important in these cases, as the pop-up control signal reflects around corners. Outside, line of sight is important, but it works very well up to about 25 feet as Canon claims. Thus, you have no need of the master control on the 580EX.

Contrary to mltn, at least the pop-up Canon wireless control works exceptionally well (I can't comment on the infrared control).