what flash to pick with a 7d?

i am looking to get a flash with my up coming 7d purchase, i have been looking at the 430EX II and the 580EX II

but my understanding of these flashes is very limited

i notice the price difference is big (so i am assuming that the functions much be more and better in the later flash, but that might be a flawed sense of reasoning)

can someone help me and give me reason to help justify the more expensive flash?

thanks for your help in advance!

-Russ

The 580 has more power and can be used as a master flash. However, since you have the 7D, you can use the camera as the master so saving money and buying the 430 makes sense.

thanks for the quick reply, great info also that makes it easy to save the money and put it toward a lens or something.

More power, better control dial, better sealing, internal sensor, sync connector, can use external battery, swivels 360 degrees, can function as a powerful master (the internal flash is very weak, when used for slave control).

I'll stop there, but mention that I have a 7D and three flashes. All are 580 EX II.

well you make a compelling case for the 580EX II

go with the 580 ex, the faster flash recycle will save your a## when shooting at high fps. that should be your key decider right there.

I have one of each and I REALLY like the 580 better in every way. it is only slightly heavier, but quite a bit larger. MULTI flash is cool, albeit useless for me right now.

If you can afford it, get the 580 EX II

well i think the 580 argument is strong and that is the way i am going, thanks for all the pushing in the right direction folks