Canon 550EX

I have been interested in expanding my speedlite\flash\strobe​\lighting techniques\setup for a while now and I think I have finally come to a conclusion.
I am thinking about buying a used 550EX to use as a master to my 430EX. I mainly want to first experiment with off camera flash, along with, possibly, growing in my portrait skills by adding the extra flash\light for that bit more of a way to make the photo pop.

The reason why I am leaning towards the 550EX is because: I am 15, and I don't have a job (I work as an assistant photographer, but that is only occasional and on those occasions it does not pay much). So I am looking for a decent flash that can be used as a master, but still be within my budget.

After reading around it sounds like the 550EX is actually better than the 430EX in a few ways:
- Wider range of power
- Master OR Slave

There are also a few cons\downsides to the 550EX such as a slower recycle time (compared to my 430EX). But since this flash will only be used when wanting to use both of the light sources, I don't need quick\rapid recycle time. When I need fast recycle time I can, and will only use my 430EX.


Anyway... I was just wanting some other opinions on this idea\plan! Thanks!

And another option for decreasing the recycle time on the 550EX, should the need arise, is to use the CP-E3 or CP-E4 external battery pack.

You realise how chunky the 550 is?

Next to a friends 430 my 550 is massive, but apart from that I have no problems...well except it won't work on a GR Digital...irrelevant really

The 550 is more difficult to control than a 580. I don't even know how to do it to be honest, though I could probably work it out. I would strongly recommend a used 580EX v1, which is even better than the v2 for master/slave control. The 550 makes a great standalone flash or slave though, especially with a battery pack.

How about getting cheap Sunpak 383 units? The recharge time is kinda long, but with an external sealed lead acid battery they charge very quickly. You have to work in manual flash, but that's quite a good skill to have anyway.

The 550EX is a powerful and versatile unit that should serve you well. Up until a few years ago, it was the best flash in Canon's lineup.

You may also want to consider a hotshoe adapter and PC cord which would allow you to get both flash units off-camera.

tim wrote in post #5767112
How about getting cheap Sunpak 383 units? The recharge time is kinda long, but with an external sealed lead acid battery they charge very quickly. You have to work in manual flash, but that's quite a good skill to have anyway.

Can the Sunpak flashes trigger my 430EX? That is the main goal with my plan...

Tumeg wrote in post #5767280
Can the Sunpak flashes trigger my 430EX?

No, but the 430EX in manual mode can trigger the Sunpak 383, if you connect an optical slave to it.

Optical slaves are available for less than $20.

Get the 550ex. This is what I got to go with my 430ex and it works fine. I also got an offshoe cord and did the extention mod on it. I now use both flashes off camera with stands and run a manual flash head off the sync port to light up the background and it all works fine. With the offshoe cord you still retain ettl and can control flash output from the camera.(only the 2 on stands)

Martin

Another vote for the 550EX. I love mine (at least as far as on-camera flash goes).


Timothy
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