430ex vs 580ex

I know nothing about flashes. I was wondering if there is a big difference between the two? The 580ex is the first version, not the II.

The 430ex I or II?

Oh, sorry. Just says 430ex so I suppose the I

e.omega wrote in post #7426916
The 430ex I or II?

compare the guide number thats how you can tell power. plus you can use the 580 to trigger 430s

The 430EX has a guide number of 43 metres, and the 580EX a GN of 58 metres, at best.

Apart from the extra light, the 580EX can be used as a master to control another Canon-compatible flash.

Of course, the best would be to get both!

I have both. I have no idea how to use either. I'm looking to part with one as I have no need to keep both... just haven't figured out which I am keeping yet.

CliveyBoy wrote in post #7426962
The 430EX has a guide number of 43 metres, and the 580EX a GN of 58 metres, at best.

Apart from the extra light, the 580EX can be used as a master to control another Canon-compatible flash.

Of course, the best would be to get both!

Ah! You might be glad to have kept both, once you discover the versatility they give you.

I suggest that you spend time reading through Lighting 101 and 102 at:
http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com/2006/03/lightin​g-101.html

I found the first four paragraphs of Lighting 102 - 3.1 was one of those "Aha!" moments for me.

I can't justify keeping both One has to go. I don't use flash often. I need to figure out if it's worth it to me to keep the 580ex or just stay with the 430ex.
Thanks for the link, looks like interesting read!

CliveyBoy wrote in post #7427139
Ah! You might be glad to have kept both, once you discover the versatility they give you.

I suggest that you spend time reading through Lighting 101 and 102 at:
http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com/2006/03/lightin​g-101.html

I found the first four paragraphs of Lighting 102 - 3.1 was one of those "Aha!" moments for me.

caroleigh wrote in post #7427582
I can't justify keeping both One has to go. I don't use flash often. I need to figure out if it's worth it to me to keep the 580ex or just stay with the 430ex.
Thanks for the link, looks like interesting read!

Carol,,keep the 580EX..

The difference in power between the two would be amplified when bouncing the flash or using an umbrella, keep the 580.

If you are not using flash often,keep the 430.It is smaller.

Keep the 580. There are things the 430 cant do that the 580 can. And the 580 is not that much bigger.

I have both the 430 and 580 version 1's and like you, I don't use either very much. However, I am starting to learn about the new doors that will open once I learn how to use these together. If you don't need the money, then keep both. If you onlt want one, then keep the 580.