First Flash - which one?

Hey

I shoot mostly out door and have been using the pop up flash inside. I would like to buy a real flash but will likely be used very infrequently. What do you recommend? I'd like to stay at $250 or less preferably.

Thanks - Randy

430EX is a great begginers flash. About 1 stop less light than the 580EX, but still feature full. 580EX has the full swivel of 180 degrees in each direction, which is worth the extra cost alone IMO.

YEP +1 for the 430 EX. You can get a used one in the forum for about $175 to $200.
The 430EX is the right size. Great flash for ETTL or manual shooting.

The 580EX II also has a PC port, which may be important later, should you decide to delve into off-camera lighting. The 430EX works great otherwise (it was my first, too).

What's the difference between 430 ex and 430 exII?

habenero wrote in post #7783222
What's the difference between 430 ex and 430 exII?

This is a quote from another member, who has a good understanding:-

EX2 has weather sealing, metal hotshoe, faster recycle time, 180 deg swivel, 1/3 stop increments in manual mode, 1st and 2nd curtain sync, and a quick locking mechanism instead of the screw thread..

Wow - thanks!

I personally picked up a 430EX II a couple of weeks ago, I was debating between that and a 580EX II - I didn't need all the features of the top end, as at the moment, I'm still learning (and getting to grips with flash lighting, the correct and creative way is a new ball game if you don't already have experience) I couldn't be happier, it works well for me and if I get it off camera, it'll provide new opportunities for shots, hell just being able to bounce the flash, is great. If you can get a 430EXII It's decent for a first flash.

that's what I am leaning towards