Which flash for Canon 7D?

Lens setup:
* 50mm/1.4
* 70-200/F4 IS (replacing the 2.8)
* EF100L IS macro
* 17-55 IS

Have a small 270EX but it is a little slow to load, so considering to get a better flash. I had the 550EX which I sold because I never put much effort into getting to know a flash, but with the kids I notice I definitely more light in certain situations. I also do some weddings and indoor (paid) stuff, so what would you advice for a flash?

The 600EX-RT will work just like a 580EXII with your 7D and, if Canon is inclined to update the firmware maybe even the radio features will work. More importantly, you'll have the proper flash when you upgrade to a 2012 camera.

Another option is to think about using YN-622 triggers and YN TTL flash units. Lots of bang for your buck with nice TTL control off camera which will be welcome trying to photograph kids or doing weddings.

But the 600 is pretty expensive, do I really need that? Or would a 430e Ii do fine?

430EXII is limiting, in my view. For kids it has limits to how it can be tilted and rotated for bouncing. I never want my flash head aimed at the subject so that's important to me. Also, no external power port which means no battery pack to reduce recycle time. That's just as important as being able to shoot a whole wedding without having to change batteries.

If you're willing there are off brand options. YN, and Nissin for example. Nice features, and lower price. But you have to add external triggers for off camera work.

dmward wrote in post #15276819
The 600EX-RT will work just like a 580EXII with your 7D and, if Canon is inclined to update the firmware maybe even the radio features will work. More importantly, you'll have the proper flash when you upgrade to a 2012 camera.

Another option is to think about using YN-622 triggers and YN TTL flash units. Lots of bang for your buck with nice TTL control off camera which will be welcome trying to photograph kids or doing weddings.

Besides Group Mode, what does not work on the 7D with a 600EX-RT while in Radio Mode?

Nick5 wrote in post #15277992
Besides Group Mode, what does not work on the 7D with a 600EX-RT while in Radio Mode?

That's about it.
The manual claims HSS and that sync has to be backed off, but I've not found that to be true with 5DII and I expect that's also true of 7D.
Naturally the radio only works with other radio enabled units. But the optical triggering works and the 600 will act as a slave to a 7D pop up.

dmward wrote in post #15278103
That's about it.
The manual claims HSS and that sync has to be backed off, but I've not found that to be true with 5DII and I expect that's also true of 7D.
Naturally the radio only works with other radio enabled units. But the optical triggering works and the 600 will act as a slave to a 7D pop up.

That is exactly right. I have never had a problem with sync speed of 1/250th and HSS not working either. The 600EX-RT and ST-E3 is a great investment.

So even for basic work and kids you still would go for the more expensive 600? I dont do off camera flash (yet) but is the 430 so limiting then?

lapino wrote in post #15278377
So even for basic work and kids you still would go for the more expensive 600? I dont do off camera flash (yet) but is the 430 so limiting then?

Your principle on camera limitation is that the 430EX II is 2/3rds of a stop less powerful compared to the 580EX II. The 580 and 600 can also act as commanders as can your 7D's built in flash. The 580EX II is capable of a 7° downward tilt; all other angles are common to both. The speedlites controls are markedly different. Many find the buttons on the 430EX II difficult to use. I believe the 430 is a good starting point for building a flash system on a budget. When you move up to multiple speedlites the 430 makes an excellent companion to a 580. You can also combine the 430 with a second 430 on a dual bracket for a more powerful result.

Another thing to consider is that the 430EXII is likely to be replaced with some radio based version. It makes sense for Canon to add a radio to the 430EXII. Apparently all (at least upper end) Canon cameras released in 2012 work with the radio capability. i.e. the M.

Its your money, but photographically you should consider off camera as the next logical step. Start with bounced on-camera. The extra power will be a benefit.

Bought the 430EX II. The 600EX is a lot of money and I think the 430EX will be enough for me to start learning more about flash photography. I can always add more if needed.

lapino wrote in post #15279426
Bought the 430EX II. The 600EX is a lot of money and I think the 430EX will be enough for me to start learning more about flash photography. I can always add more if needed.

Have fun and bounce that baby off the walls. The light not the unit

The 580EXII are the best bet for his price, you can add the Phottix Odin´s triggers, one of the best on the market.

lapino wrote in post #15276005
I also do some weddings and indoor (paid) stuff, so what would you advice for a flash?

Based on this I would buy the best flash you can afford and learn to use it well, otherwise I would have said get a 420ex and have fun playing!

My recommendation is to find either a 580ex II or 430ex II used or 2nd hand at a good price.

Otherwise, a new 430ex II will still be sufficient--albeit pricier than used prices and less flexible and powerful than a 580ex II.

If you decide to go for a third party flash unit, generally, a flash with a positionable and rotatable head is desirable for bouncing the flash.

As you become more adept with flash photography, radio triggers and powerful monolights may become desirable.