school me on the differences in canon flashes

i have a 420ex now. i want something more versatile for ocf. what are the pros/cons between 430ex, 430exII, 550ex, 580 ex, etc? looking for best bang for the buck as i dont do any strobe work on a regular basis but would like to have to option if the situation calls for it.

thanks

Start here.
Then come back if you have remaining questions. There's quite a lot to read.

http://photonotes.org/​articles/eos-flash/

FYI. Rumor has it that the new Canon flash (680EX?) will be announced within the next few months. Possibly even the 15th of this month.

so, am i under the correct impression that the 550 and up will work as a transmitter for flashes off camera?

markmm wrote in post #10483439
so, am i under the correct impression that the 550 and up will work as a transmitter for flashes off camera?

yes, 550ex, 580ex, 580exII, st-e2 can all be masters.

I prefer radio triggers and manual power settings, for reliability of triggering and consistency of light. 430EX II is the entry point, though I prefer 5 series so I can use an external battery pack via the high voltage port.

I had the 420EX and sold it after I got my first 580EXII but regret the sale because it was smaller and lighter and for somethings just handier.

One big thing I noticed right off is that the 420EX seemed to take forever to recycle compared to the 580EXII, that was the biggest thing that made the difference to me. Now that I am set up to shoot off camera flash, I guess the larger flash offers more options as to ways to do it and yes more power but I seldom seem to need that.

More money= brighter flash

Though 430 -> 580 is only one stop of light, give or take.

tim wrote in post #10483993
Though 430 -> 580 is only one stop of light, give or take.

Call me crazy, but I still think my old 550EX was brighter than my 580 II Oh, well...

I've never tested them, though if I got really bored one day I potentially could test a 550, 580, 580 II, and SB900 once it arrives.