Which external flash unit for 17-40mm?

I have two choices so far – 430EX or 580EX II.

Not having read extensive reviews of the two flash units above I am gonna go for user advice on this board.

I will mainly use the flash for occasional indoor portrait shots with my 17-40mm.

By the way, 'Hello' to everyone. I am new to this board.

Start with the 430EX II and move onto the 580EX when you want to get wireless in my opinion.

Is the coverage the same between 430EX and 580EX II? My local shop doesn't have the 430EX II plus it doesn't qualify for the rebate at the moment.

Pete-eos wrote in post #5968514
Start with the 430EX II and move onto the 580EX when you want to get wireless in my opinion.

I have a 40D if that helps determining my need.

Afraid I can't answer anything to technical , I use the 430EX I and it more than covers my needs, if there is a rebate on the I go for that. It's a very capable flash and can often keep up with 6.5 fps bursts! I'd ask this in the flash section for more detailed answers.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdis​play.php?f=35

I think the 580 should be significantly stronger.

I currently use the 430 with the 17-40 without ever wishing for more, but make sure you use the lens without the hood because it causes shadows.

They both work pretty well. 580 is higher power, more features, but also bigger. If you can afford a 580 and don't mind the size, get 580. Otherwise, 430 is just as good in most case.

eel

Get the 580II. It runs barely $400. (I paid $500 when it came out)

Add another or a 430 when you want to shoot off camera. I have used my 580II/580/430 with my 17-40, coverage is good for all of them when shooting at 17 (on a crop).

I've used a 430EX on a 5D with the 17-40 mounted with not too many problems at all, but you do need to stow the lens hood somewhere else. The 430EX is great for general use, but of course the 580EXII is better. I may sell the 430EX to fund a 580EXII in the future

I just got my 580EX II today, and I really like it!!!...It's replacing my old full featured Olympus FL50 which I sold when I jumped to Canon, but ti be honest If was not already used to having this type of flash unit I would start with the 430EX...

Thanks every for your opinion. And thanks to madhatter04 and JCheungPhoto for pointing out the hood issue.

I've read many people use the Canon EW-83D hood on the cropped body, will this hood present the same shadow casting problem with the flash unit?

When you say that the 580EX II produces more power, I assume that means it provides more coverage? I will mostly use it to do portraits shots indoor with the 17-40 so I think I will be pretty close to the subject. Would you say the 430EX is enough? I am a total beginning when it comes to external flash so I can't even fathom myself positioning the flash off the camera and trigger it remotely .

more coverage means distance. For indoor shooting, the casual shooter and those who don't want the extra weight will like the 430EX. It's a very capable flash that has gotten me through a couple weddings and portrait shoots.

I'd go with the 580 EX or EX II. This way, when you get more advanced, you can get another flash, that will be controlled by the 580. It does get heavy though, once on board a camera, with the 17-40. I have a 5D and use that combo often (5D + 17-40 + 580EX) and it's not light...hehe.

Of course, there's always the Sigma flashes, as well as the Sunpak ones...so, you could look into those, as well.

Good luck in your decision.

I'd say go with 580 EX II; the flash delivers decent output and you may find it useful to have that extra light available some day. The flash is not that big as you may think. Here is a sample shot done with 580; the area in the image is illuminated pretty much only by the 580 EX II mounted on my 35mm SLR; there were no other lights out there except tiny candles on the ground... 580 made it look like daylight..almost. I also considered 430 ex before, and I'm glad that I picked up 580...

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