Do I need a 580EX ii if I already own a 430 EX?

I'm shooting my first wedding January 25th for a friend. I will primarily use the Sigma 24-70 f 2.8 EX DG on my 30D. For my zoom I'll use the Canon 70-200 f4L. Will I need the extra power of the 580 over the 430 when using the 70-200 f4? I haven't seen the room setup yet. They also aren't getting married in a church so light won't be an issue. I'm probably just looking for an excuse to get the 580 to use as a slave to the 430 for future use. The wedding would be a great excuse to convince my wife I need it LOL. Suggestions?

camo4x4atv wrote in post #6569011
I'm shooting my first wedding January 25th for a friend. I will primarily use the Sigma 24-70 f 2.8 EX DG on my 30D. For my zoom I'll use the Canon 70-200 f4L. Will I need the extra power of the 580 over the 430 when using the 70-200 f4? I haven't seen the room setup yet. They also aren't getting married in a church so light won't be an issue. I'm probably just looking for an excuse to get the 580 to use as a slave to the 430 for future use. The wedding would be a great excuse to convince my wife I need it LOL. Suggestions?

I know you need an excuse to get it so tell your wife that our patron saint Murphy said that you need a backup for everything you do at a wedding. So, a flash (580Ex I or II), another body & a kit lens for backup is a must.

On a serious note, your 430ex can probably crank out enough power at the long end of your 70-200 at F4 if you are willing to shoot high ISO, so you don't really need the 580 for it. But if you shoot weddings, as I said above, you need a backup set.

If I remember correctly, you can only use the 580 as the master, and the 430 slave, not the other way around.

Check out my gallery, www.noelmphoto.com/lie​zl , used a 24-70, and 70-200 2.8 on a stroboframe flash bracket and a 430ex flash gun. I think that the 430 is more than enough in most cases. the room was about 40ft x 40ft.

ABSOLUTELY! You NEED it!

(But more as a backup than the extra power. The 430 is fine...)

Thanks for all the advice! Yeah, I'm getting it. Always need a backup, didn't think of that reason.

I used just my 430EX for a few weddings and recently bought the 530EX II - you can tell the power difference and it is a huge improvement. I would suggest it. I now use the 430EX mounted with an umbrella.

Nicole Faith wrote in post #6572291
I used just my 430EX for a few weddings and recently bought the 530EX II - you can tell the power difference and it is a huge improvement. I would suggest it. I now use the 430EX mounted with an umbrella.

Thanks Nicole! Another good reason to buy the 580

you also get shorter recycle times and you gain off camera light options with the 580 II as master . I'm sure the batteries last longer also.

I ordered the 580 EX II from B&H, it gets here Wednesday! Can't wait to try it out with the 430EX as a slave.

I rented one that arrived today as back up for my 430...
I really like it. Nice, powerful unit. Check out the added features.

The 580 EX II came today. All I can say is "WOW!!!!" Great build quality, many advanced features and I love the slave/ master ability to use my 430 EX with. I have no regrets buying this. I guess the old saying is true. "You get what you pay for".