430 EXII for first flash

I own a 60d and hopefully Santa will bring me my first flash lol... Is this a good choice??

I like it with my 7D.

excellent choice.

it is a good 1st flash for a Canon. or you can get the 580exII also .

Good first flash if you're on a budget; if you can stretch it, you'll likely get more mileage out of "going big" out of the gate and picking up a 580 EXII or similar from Metz/etc.

The things that are nice on the 580 II are being able to use it as a wireless master flash for triggering other units and the ability to swivel 180 degrees in both directions is quite nice for bouncing the flash in various types of rooms/situations.

I can't recall if the 60D shares the 7D's built in wireless (optical) master flash or not; if it does then that part may not be as much of a draw.

60D has the wireless master flash built in, so getting the 580 II for that reason alone is moot. The 430 EXII is basically the way to go in my opinion.

I still have the first edition of this flash, great unit in my opinion.

Never seen the reason to buy anything bigger than that so I think the 430EXII will be a great choice.

Snydremark wrote in post #11430990
I can't recall if the 60D shares the 7D's built in wireless (optical) master flash or not; if it does then that part may not be as much of a draw.

What about 550D / T2i? Any way to use the 430 EX II off- cam?

S5is wrote in post #11432057
What about 550D / T2i? Any way to use the 430 EX II off- cam?

Various wireless transmitters (ST-E2, Pocket Wizards, off-camera flash cords, etc)

Off camera cords, like that one from FlashZebra, are going to be your cheapest and best option. They also have the benefit of still working with E-TTL without the price jump of the wireless options that enable it.

Always go with the most powerful flash you can afford. Stretch a little and get the 580EXII. You can turn the power down on the 580 if it's too much light. You can't turn the 430 "up" if it isn't powerful enough....

The little things on my 430EX II are starting to annoy me after using it only occasionally over six months and I'm wishing I'd gone straight for the 580EX II instead (which rather conveniently for Canon fixes all the niggling issues I have with the 430, funny that).
Now I've got to faff on selling the 430 (at a loss of course) and paying the difference to the 580.

Unless you really, absolutely cannot afford it (or in this case don't think who ever is buying you it can afford it) then get the 580.

the 430 is more than adequate, if a great percentage of your shooting required a flash then get the 580
I have the 430 exii and it works great!!!!!!!!!

I also plan to get my first flash from santa lol... I'm totally new to photography as well as the whole forum thing so forgive me if I do something wrong.

I have an XSi with a sigma 24-70 2.8 ex
I am still learning how to use my camera but I know a little more than the just the basics. I like taking pictures of cars, people, animals, nature, sporting events, and products. Even though I am new to photography I would still like to get the maximum potential out of my camera and take quality photos.

A friend recommended a flash as a starting point. The 430 ex and the 580ex were mentioned.

Which would be better for a complete beginner looking to take decent photos?

Also if I need other accessories to go along with my flash to help what would they be?


Thanks for reading

430EXii is a great flash.

Luscuios8909 - Bounce flash diffuser dome and umbrellas with stands. Bhphoto.com has everything you need. But first get a diffuser cap and learn to bounce flash. Then get some umbrellas with stands and some nice cheap wireless flash triggers. GOLDEN!

DazJW wrote in post #11432930
The little things on my 430EX II are starting to annoy me after using it only occasionally over six months and I'm wishing I'd gone straight for the 580EX II instead (which rather conveniently for Canon fixes all the niggling issues I have with the 430, funny that).
Now I've got to faff on selling the 430 (at a loss of course) and paying the difference to the 580.

Unless you really, absolutely cannot afford it (or in this case don't think who ever is buying you it can afford it) then get the 580.

Can you provide more detail on the things that are bothering you about the 430?