Need some help... 430ex and 580ex Flash

I currently have (1) Canon 430ex flash unit and look to be buying 2 more flashes. I know I need at least (1) more Canon 430ex flash unit, but I cant decide if I should get 2 of them or (1) Canon 430ex flash unit and (1) Canon 580ex flash unit.

Is it worth spending the extra $ on a 580ex? Id like to be doing a setup like this. Can someone help me decide. Thanks.

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You could use the 580 as master and thereby get remote flash on your two 430! It is indeed more powerful and have the option for external battery! so IMO, yes go for the 580

depends on your budget. i would say get 2 cheap flashes and get a set of wireless triggers/receivers and have a 3 flash set up like in the pic all for what you would pay for 1 580. if you want something more powerful you can also use on camera i would say go with the 580

str8addicted wrote in post #5770983
depends on your budget. i would say get 2 cheap flashes and get a set of wireless triggers/receivers and have a 3 flash set up like in the pic all for what you would pay for 1 580. if you want something more powerful you can also use on camera i would say go with the 580

Well I already have one 430ex and a ST-E2 transmitter. So Im debating on buying another two 430ex's or one 580ex and 1 more 430ex.

But do I really need a 580? What are the benefits besides power?

I don't see any advantages of 580s for you. You don't even need 430s, you'd be just as well off with cheap manual flashes and simple radio slaves for shots like this. Though with the really cheap slaves they don't trigger if you're closer than 1 meter to the receiver.

Orlandoech wrote in post #5771078
Well I already have one 430ex and a ST-E2 transmitter. So Im debating on buying another two 430ex's or one 580ex and 1 more 430ex.

But do I really need a 580? What are the benefits besides power?

refresh rate, power, flexability, being able to use it as a master, better controls.

if you already have something in mind to trigger your flashes i don't see a reason to get a 580. i'm no expert and i'm just in the process of getting my off camera flash set up together.... after countless research depending on what your shooting having dependable triggers/receivers are more important then having highend flashes. you could get the same results with a 3 $65 flashes or 3 580ex's

str8addicted wrote in post #5771545
refresh rate, power, flexability, being able to use it as a master, better controls.

if you already have something in mind to trigger your flashes i don't see a reason to get a 580. i'm no expert and i'm just in the process of getting my off camera flash set up together.... after countless research depending on what your shooting having dependable triggers/receivers are more important then having highend flashes. you could get the same results with a 3 $65 flashes or 3 580ex's

Thanks for the info. What do you recommend for wireless trigger? Im currently using a Canon ST-E2, is that capable enough you think?

depends on your budget...if your making money off your photography and you need every shot to count and you can afford them... Pocket Wizards are a good choice... if your a hobbyist and money is tight i would suggest the Catus or a version of the cheap hong kong trigger/receiver set up. you can get 1 trigger and the receivers shipped for under $75... some love them other hate them... i'm enjoying mine so far but i've only used them indoors... also do a search on skyports....

i'm not to sure on the Canon ST-E2. i'm sure some1 else can speak on them but i know it's price tag made it a non option for me...

Just a reports on ebay trigger I purchased recently.
For Indoor, I have no problem with it. Indeed excellent. 3 sunpack and all fires.
But when it goes outdoor, it's terrible. Most of the time only one fire. Thought mine was broken. Then back to the house, try it, and all 3 fires.