do I really need a 580EX?

currently i have a 430ex, while i think that's powerful enough of flash for me, but i still ponder the possibilities of the 580 strobe.

when do you need 580? is it much easier to work with flash using the 580?

not necessarily easier but, it of course is an upgrade and have a bit of more advantages over 480, Google this flash unit and I am sure I have seen a site where you could compare them side by side, there are some options that 580 offers and 480 don't.

No, but the 580 gives you wireless master which can make a MASSIVE difference to reception photos.

It also gives you more options to have it externally powered. Head tilts both ways, it's easier and faster to adjust FEC (and other settings) with the dial, and lastly built-in catch light panel. Plus what Tim said.

http://www.bobatkins.c​om …eosfaq/ex_speed​lites.html

I certainly recommend it. You will be able to use it as a master and put your 430EX on a stand as a slave. Certainly helps during receptions, as Tim mentioned.

As just a flash, the 430 should be more than adequate. But if you have more than one flash, at least ONE of them should be a 580 for the mastering abilities previously mentioned.

I have two 580 units, one on each cam, so I can master my two 430 units off either camera. But if you aren't interested in getting into off-camera lighting (which isn't a bad thing really, there are so many techniques for creative on-cam lighting) then getting 430's aren't a bad thing at all.

Sp00ks wrote in post #2337628
http://www.bobatkins.c​om …eosfaq/ex_speed​lites.html

Great link, Spooks!

thanks everyone.. you guys make it sound like I really really need it. haha

Bought one this week and will probably buy another before our next wedding so that we have 2 580's and 2 430's between me and my mate I shoot with.

Anyone use 430's/580'2 remotely much with Umbrella's or Lightboxes ? Just wondering what stands setups etc you used..... any info greatly appreciated.

I use a 580EX master and 550EX slave. I usually point the 550EX into a silver umbrella (more efficient), sitting on my tripod with a clamp thingy. I screw a QR plate into the base of the "clamp thingy", it has a hole for an umbrella, and the flash mounts on top. I use a CP-E3 to power the 550EX, it speeds recharge times a LOT - from 7 seconds to about 2 seconds, give or take.

See this thread if you want to know what a "clamp thingy" is

tim wrote in post #2354311
I use a 580EX master and 550EX slave. I usually point the 550EX into a silver umbrella (more efficient), sitting on my tripod with a clamp thingy. I screw a QR plate into the base of the "clamp thingy", it has a hole for an umbrella, and the flash mounts on top. I use a CP-E3 to power the 550EX, it speeds recharge times a LOT - from 7 seconds to about 2 seconds, give or take.

See this thread if you want to know what a "clamp thingy" is

Cheers Tim, so its probably worth saving my very cheap tripod after all (upgrading at xmas), even if its just to use as a flash and umbrella stand !

A tripod probably won't be tall enough to get the flash up where you want it. It might work for some situations but I shot one with a stand that was 9 or 10ft and was wishing it was a little taller.

Hmm I guess, but any height of off camera flash would be a good start for us atm. Just been browsing Warehouseexpress.co.uk and cant find anything suitable for either way, think i will have to nip to one of the local camera shops at the weekend and see what they have/suggest.

I have some Manfrotto tripod, I had it only 2/3 extended last weekend before it hit the roof of the reception venue. With the legs and center column extended it's about 6 feet high, and pointing the umbrella down gives it a bit more height. If I need anything bigger I have 13' light stands I can use, and i'd probably hook up the AlienBee units if I bothered to get the light stands out. Then again ETTL can come in pretty handy.