Help Me Pick Out First Flash

I am just starting out and just got a Rebel XTi. I am wanting to do some local weddings in town and want a decent flash for it. I am looking at the Speedlite 430EX. Is this a good one?

Is there anything else I should get with a flash?

Any help is appreciated.

I have a 430EX and am pretty happy with it, but if you have the extra cash, I'd get a 580EX.

bishop13 wrote in post #5575131
I have a 430EX and am pretty happy with it, but if you have the extra cash, I'd get a 580EX.

What is the biggest difference between the two? What would make you want to upgrade?

And do I need to get anything else with the flash? Battery pack or will the battery I have work?

Power, mostly. I'm plenty happy satisfied with the 430's output, but there has been times when I wished I had just a little more juice. I also like the flexibility of being able to remote trigger using the 580, but its not a 'deal-breaker' feature for me.

bishop13 wrote in post #5575191
Power, mostly. I'm plenty happy satisfied with the 430's output, but there has been times when I wished I had just a little more juice. I also like the flexibility of being able to remote trigger using the 580, but its not a 'deal-breaker' feature for me.

ok..so do I need a battery pack? If so, which one do you use?

And thank you for your help!

You don't need a battery pack. The 430EX runs off of four AA batteries. Get some good rechargeables, and you should be good to go. May want to get eight of them so you have an extra set if you run out of juice.

Right...no battery pack required for either the 430 or 580...they both run off AA batteries. I use Duracell 2650 mAh rechargeables with no problems and you can get quite a few shots off before draining the batteries.

bishop13 wrote in post #5576071
Right...no battery pack required for either the 430 or 580...they both run off AA batteries. I use Duracell 2650 mAh rechargeables with no problems and you can get quite a few shots off before draining the batteries.

awesome! so you put in batteries in the flash correct? It does not drain from the camera battery?

ten1437 wrote in post #5577053
awesome! so you put in batteries in the flash correct? It does not drain from the camera battery?

Yep.

Here are the user manuals for the 430 and 580 if you wanna take a look before plunging in...

580EX...
http://eosdoc.com/manu​als/?q=580EX


430EX
http://www.groovydos.c​om/Tom/430EXManual.pdf

Thank you so much!

get the 580 for greater power and flexibility ... or a decent second hand 550

I have a 580 and Metz 58 I like the Metz allot better. Metz are great flashes.

i agree with getting rechargeable batteries.

get 8 as someone mentioned.
battery pack is optional

if you're even considering a metz, this persuaded me to stick with canon
https://photography-on-the.net …=467923&highlig​ht=metz+58

the 430 is good but whether its better than a 580 is beyond the scope of what i know.

since im here, take a moment and read through this thread
https://photography-on-the.net …=448254&highlig​ht=metz+58

hope you find one that you're comfortable with. i think its all about knowing about your flash and how to use it.
but what do i know

so good luck

I own both and the Metz is more accurate exposure wise and it does all the same stuff the Canon does. Metz makes flashes. Flash has never been Canons strong point.

If you buy the 580EXII NOW you'll have the option of using an external battery pack. The head swivels any direction you want compared to a 430EX.