My flash dilemma

Ok so I have the oppurtunity to buy a 420EX for $125, or just go ahead and buy a 580.

I've been using the 420ex and enjoy it, but fear that the 580 far surpasses this outdated technology.

I imagine I won't be using all the features yet, but want the best pics I can get.

I mostly shoot models outdoors, cars, etc.

Let me know what you think!

Thanks
~J

There are only two things i can think of that make the 580 better. One, you can use it as a Master to trigger a slave, and two, it is a little more powerful... 58 meters instead of the 420's 42 meters. So if these are features you think you need then you might want the 580. But, if you are shooting posed models at 42 meters or closer then the 420 will be fine. Even if you decide to add another flash later you can still choose to trigger with radio slaves and use full manual flash, which is preferable when you have consistant subject to light distances anyway.

If your subject will be moving and changing distance to the light source dynamically then you might be better off with an ETTL system which means you need to think about master/slave if you add more lights later.

I see.


So I can still buy another flash and use both of them?

The 420EX isn't outdated technology. It will work as well with today's cameras as it did the day it was introduced.

But if you already have one 420EX, I can't think of any advantage to having a second one unless you have a second body to mount it on or another flash with E-TTL master capabilities.

I don't own anything right now.


Question is, buy this 420, or buy 580?


I'm leaning towards 420 for now, 580 later.


420 will go slave to 580, right?

Yes, the 420 can be a slave for the 580 master. it can also be set up to be used with a radio trigger like Skyports or Pocket Wizards.

A lot of people get lost in the technology web. Just remember that light is light. Once the flash is triggered it's all the same. The main difference is going to be how much power they deliver vs how much you need. Most flashes on the market today, and most old used flashes out there are perfectly fine for what most people need in terms of power.

I bought a 420 years ago that I still use as a slave to my 580 that I purchased more recently. The one thing that I don't like about the 420 is the lack of manual control - but for that price its a great tool!

Decided to keep 420EX

Thanks!