580EX ii Vs.430 EX ii

Which would be the better flash to get if I am working with a 7D body and 24-70mm 2.8 Lens, if i am taking portaits and concert photography? I feel as though the 580EX ii is clearly better but I am on a tight budget and if i could make full use of the 430EX ii then i would. But i need some or insight thank you.

More output on the 580 so farther reach, don't know about other features

580 ex ii also has a PC port for remote trigger which would be good for some off camera flash portrait shots

alphatango wrote in post #9709071
580 ex ii also has a PC port for remote trigger which would be good for some off camera flash portrait shots

The 7D can fire remote flashes.
is this still an issue?

I just switched over to a Canon 7D from Nikon, and I'm shopping for a flash too.

Sam6644 wrote in post #9709088
The 7D can fire remote flashes.
is this still an issue?

I just switched over to a Canon 7D from Nikon, and I'm shopping for a flash too.

Oh, sorry...I missed the part about the 7D

I posted a thread with this exact same question a few days ago. I was concerned that my 580EXII has difficulty firing when combined with a Pocket Wizard Plus II; there's a huge issue with interference on that combination. According to the folks over at Pocket Wizard (via a flickr conversation), they've verified this and have said the 430 has less of an issue...but alas, all I have are two 580 EXs!!!

Sam6644 wrote in post #9709088
The 7D can fire remote flashes.
is this still an issue?

I just switched over to a Canon 7D from Nikon, and I'm shopping for a flash too.

One of the reasons I bought the 7D was the flash commander, it's not lived up to my expectations, but the camera has in all the other areas. I would get the 580EXII because it can act as a master, the flash output and the head swivel. The head swivel comes into play more than you may think.

PhotoMatte wrote in post #9710875
I posted a thread with this exact same question a few days ago. I was concerned that my 580EXII has difficulty firing when combined with a Pocket Wizard Plus II; there's a huge issue with interference on that combination. According to the folks over at Pocket Wizard (via a flickr conversation), they've verified this and have said the 430 has less of an issue...but alas, all I have are two 580 EXs!!!

I have never heard of an issue with PW Plus IIs with the 580 EX II -- are you sure they weren't referring to their ETTL product? Those do have some interference issues.

Yes, the issue is definitely with the PW Plus II. I've had it within 10 feet of the camera and it's not worked. I went onto a flickr discussion and a rep from PW said the 580EXII has the highest instances of radio interference of any of Canon's speedlites. There is no ETTL with the PWII so that can't be it.
Are you saying the new Flex and Mini PWs have the same issues?

PhotoMatte wrote in post #9711076
Yes, the issue is definitely with the PW Plus II. I've had it within 10 feet of the camera and it's not worked. I went onto a flickr discussion and a rep from PW said the 580EXII has the highest instances of radio interference of any of Canon's speedlites. There is no ETTL with the PWII so that can't be it.
Are you saying the new Flex and Mini PWs have the same issues?

Didn't know that about the PW II. I know Flex and Mini did at release, which is why I went with RPs.

I was trying to save money when I bought the 430 EX instead of the 580. Now, I regret that decision. The 430 is a great flash, don't get me wrong, but there are times when I wish there was more light output and you're severely limited as far as creative flash techniques. I'm saving for a 580 EX II now. I wish I'd just spent a little more up front. Good luck with your decision!

I have a 7D and both a 430 and 580. The 7D is working great as a master for off camera flash both in manual and ETTL modes. I normally don't pick one over the other for use on camera.

430 also has swivel head (see other comment)
it is a very good flash
if you tight on budget the 430 will do 95% of your need while the 580 98%

I started with a 430 II and never regretted it. Even after adding a 580 II to the mix, I still go for my 430 more than the 580. The 580 comes out when I need more than one flash or if I need that extra power, which is rare.

The 430 travels better, has plenty of output and will swivel.

The 430 EX II can swivel 270°. The 580 EX II covers 360°.

The 580 EX II has:
More swivel.
More power.
Capability to be a flashing master.
PC sync connector.
External battery pack connector.
Catchlight card.
More custom funtions for fine tuning.
Better panel for settings.
Higher weight.
Higher cost.