Flash for a 5d2

Heyo,
I currently have a low end Bower flash, and it doesn't fire from my new 5d2. I've been looking into a new flash anyway, this is the perfect reason. I'd like to spend 300 or less. I simply don't know enough to just go buy one, and I don't have many places local to me to go play with them. I know I can get a used 550exii, but I don't know if I need that versus the 430exii. I shoot indoors a lot, not in studios. I want a versatile flash without breaking the bank.

Any of the EX Flashes will work with your digital camera. The 500 Series and now the NEW 600 can be used in Master/Slave Mode (along with the 600 also having Wireless Radio capabilities) and typically have the most power output. As the 500 Series Flashes progressed, the recycle times got slightly faster as well as several "whistles and bells" being included. The 400 Series can only be used in Slave Mode and typically have a lot less power output than the 500 Series. And again, as the 400 Series Flashes progressed, the recycle times got slightly faster as well as several "whistles and bells" being included.

Canon 550EX
Canon 580EX-I
Canon 580EX-II
Canon 600EX-RT

Canon 420EX
Canon 430EX-I
Canon 430EX-II

The Loft Studios wrote in post #15284904
Any of the EX Flashes will work with your digital camera. The 500 Series and now the NEW 600 can be used in Master/Slave Mode (along with the 600 also having Wireless Radio capabilities) and typically have the most power output. As the 500 Series Flashes progressed, the recycle times got slightly faster as well as several "whistles and bells" being included. The 400 Series can only be used in Slave Mode and typically have a lot less power output than the 500 Series. And again, as the 400 Series Flashes progressed, the recycle times got slightly faster as well as several "whistles and bells" being included.

Canon 550EX
Canon 580EX-I
Canon 580EX-II
Canon 600EX-RT

Canon 420EX
Canon 430EX-I
Canon 430EX-II

I have no idea where you copied that from, but thanks? I guess?

i used to have a 430 exII which i loved and coud be picked up for a little over $200 now, used i think.

im kind of looking for flashes too and have looked at yongnuo flashes just to havea flash.

the 600 series seems sweet, but i have no clue how to use a flash so im thinking of going back to a 430 ex ii

I have a 550EX that I bought new when it was first released...I still use it and recommend it as it is an excellent flash...The 430EX II, 580EX II, and 600EX are
also good though.

The 550 is almost as powerful as the 580 and 600, the 430 is less powerful...All the functions of the 550 work but must be set on the flash...The 430, 580, and 600 can be set through the camera's menu system...The 600 also includes a radio triggering feature.

rrblint wrote in post #15285422
I have a 550EX that I bought new when it was first released...I still use it and recommend it as it is an excellent flash...The 430EX II, 580EX II, and 600EX are
also good though.

The 550 is almost as powerful as the 580 and 600, the 430 is less powerful...All the functions of the 550 work but must be set on the flash...The 430, 580, and 600 can be set through the camera's menu system...The 600 also includes a radio triggering feature.

So I can get a 550ex for 175ish, or for 125 more I can get a 580. Is the difference that drastic?

The main difference is the 30% faster recycle of the 580EX-I compared to the 550EX... along with a completely, more intuitively built rear menu system. Also, the 580EX-I has a few Custom Menu Settings unlike the 550EX along with being able to control the 580EX-I flash through the camera's menu setting.....

Typically, a used 550EX will go for about $150-$175 used and a 580EX-I will go for about $250-$275 used and a 580EX-II will go for about $325-$350. Basically about $100 difference between each model.....

Now here is where I throw in my *shameful* plug..... I have two Canon 550EX Speedlites for sale. Both come with the Original Box, Leather Pouch, Table Stand, Manual, and Warrantee Card. Selling for $175 ea. (includes PayPal Fees and Shipping). I also have a Canon 580EX-I for sale. Comes with just the Leather Pouch and Table Stand. Selling for $250 (includes PayPal Fees and Shipping). All flashes are in excellent working condition and have the normal scuffs and scratches that one would probably see from a flash of this age.

I think I'd rather get a 580exii and grow into it. More research!

Excellent choice.....

I bought a 430 EX about a year ago and it's the only off camera flash I have. It's been a year and it's still going strong! The recycle time can be a little slow sometimes, which is frustrating. But overall, I use it constantly and now I couldn't imagine doing my photography without it.

picsbyamanda wrote in post #15289101
I bought a 430 EX about a year ago and it's the only off camera flash I have. It's been a year and it's still going strong! The recycle time can be a little slow sometimes, which is frustrating. But overall, I use it constantly and now I couldn't imagine doing my photography without it.

Would you upgrade if had the choice? Would you buy a 5xx if you went back in time?