Need some flash help

[inabis]

So I've been debating about buying a flash unit for my Xsi. The built in shoehorn just isn't strong enough (I think it's 13GN) but I'm confused as what to buy. Quite often, as I do with everything, I read everything online till my brain gets saturated and confused.

Anyway, I want to buy a 430 EX II but I'm trying to figure out what exactly is the difference between that and the 580 EX? Honestly the 580 is a lot of money but as a hobbyist I just don't think it's worth it unless there is some long term benefit. Hell, I don't even know what all it does.

Does anyone have a 430? Does anyone regret buying it? Why? Thanks!

[PNF]

Originally Posted by inabis

So I've been debating about buying a flash unit for my Xsi. The built in shoehorn just isn't strong enough (I think it's 13GN) but I'm confused as what to buy. Quite often, as I do with everything, I read everything online till my brain gets saturated and confused.

Anyway, I want to buy a 430 EX II but I'm trying to figure out what exactly is the difference between that and the 580 EX? Honestly the 580 is a lot of money but as a hobbyist I just don't think it's worth it unless there is some long term benefit. Hell, I don't even know what all it does.

Does anyone have a 430? Does anyone regret buying it? Why? Thanks!

They are only $100 apart..

i have the 580EX II. From what i can tell, the metering/lighting algorithm is more advanced and accurate on the 580. There is also a light bouncer piece on 580 that is not on the 430 (and it makes a BIG BIG difference, especially when you are in a place with high ceiling or dark color walls where its hard to bounce your light).

580 EX II is going for $370 and 430 EX is going for around $280-300? no?

I got mine for $370 from B&H shipped.

[1013mm]

if you don't mind used 580s try....

KEH
BHPHOTO
ADORAMA
amazon
ebay
craigslist

[inabis]

I'm getting/can get the 480 EX for 200 bucks brand new...that's what I'm saying. I will eventually buy a diffuser but aside from that I'm still trying to make a decision. I don't mind a used 580...I'll hold off and keep a look out.

[grish]

I have an Xsi and an older 420 flash. Works perfectly well for an amateur.

You don't really need the 580 unless you'll be using slave flash, which I doubt.

[InsaneSkippy]

Originally Posted by inabis

I'm getting/can get the 480 EX for 200 bucks brand new...that's what I'm saying. I will eventually buy a diffuser but aside from that I'm still trying to make a decision. I don't mind a used 580...I'll hold off and keep a look out.

Is it a 480 EX or EX II?


If I were you, I'd save up, and buy the 580. It's stronger, can work as a master to set off other flashes (430 can only work as a slave, it can't control other units)


I own the 430 EX II and I wish I would have gone with the 580 EXII. In fact I'm going to be buying one at the end of the summer.

[PNF]

Originally Posted by InsaneSkippy

Is it a 480 EX or EX II?


If I were you, I'd save up, and buy the 580. It's stronger, can work as a master to set off other flashes (430 can only work as a slave, it can't control other units)


I own the 430 EX II and I wish I would have gone with the 580 EXII. In fact I'm going to be buying one at the end of the summer.

+1...You'll be spending more money in the end if you dont get the 580 and if you do plan to stay and continue to learn your photography craft.

$370 is not that bad... considering all other camera gears cost more.. a lens would easily be in the $600-1200 range.

You need good flash to compensate your good gear and i'm sure you must have heard this phrase.. "Light is everything in photography" Control the light, you control the photos.

Dont cheap out on flash.

[grish]

Light is everything... true, but he'd first need to know if he will continue in this hobby or not.

Buy, the less expensive one and if you feel the need for a better gear in the future you can always sell it for not much loss if any and get what you really need.

[InsaneSkippy]

Originally Posted by grish

Light is everything... true, but he'd first need to know if he will continue in this hobby or not.

Buy, the less expensive one and if you feel the need for a better gear in the future you can always sell it for not much loss if any and get what you really need.

Resale value of the EX II flashes is pretty good. If he decided to give up photography, he could still get ~ $300(more if it's in better condition) for a used 580 EX II.

They sell like hot-cakes on the Canon forums.

[lyndon_h]

Buy the 430. It will do everything you need as a hobbyist. If you need another flash down the road, get a 580 and use the 430 as a slave.

[inabis]

I was going to buy the Canon Speedlite 430EX II...I think I'm going to go for it since it's only 200. Once I learn how to use it and if I feel trapped then I'll upgrade. The 430 resells well on the canon website...wish me luck!!

[inabis]

LOL So, I walk into Best Buy and what do I see? A 430 EXII open box for $260 . I look in the glass shelf and it says Open box $150 I called the manager over and asked if this was true. They said "Oops I guess so! You can take it for $150" Needless to say I bought it without a second thought..looking at this thing, it seems someone used it once and returned it!! Not even a scratch!! FTMFW!!!

All I need now is some 4 AA rechargeable batteries...any recommendations?

[TWiTCHY]

Originally Posted by inabis

LOL So, I walk into Best Buy and what do I see? A 430 EXII open box for $260 . I look in the glass shelf and it says Open box $150 I called the manager over and asked if this was true. They said "Oops I guess so! You can take it for $150" Needless to say I bought it without a second thought..looking at this thing, it seems someone used it once and returned it!! Not even a scratch!! FTMFW!!!

All I need now is some 4 AA rechargeable batteries...any recommendations?

A horrible thing to do would be to get a friend to buy something new and return it in a day...then you come in and get the returned item once they put it back on shelf as open-item

[scollins]

Originally Posted by inabis

All I need now is some 4 AA rechargeable batteries...any recommendations?

I like the Energizer Rechargeables. Their AA's are rated at 2450mAh, which is some of the highest I've seen. I've got 8 of them, plus a Sunpak quick charger, and I've been quite happy with them.

Energizer AA 2450mAh

[scollins]

Originally Posted by TWiTCHY

A horrible thing to do would be to get a friend to buy something new and return it in a day...then you come in and get the returned item once they put it back on shelf as open-item

You are bad, BAD! Wanna meet up in Bellevue tomorrow at Best Buy........

[TWiTCHY]

Originally Posted by inabis

All I need now is some 4 AA rechargeable batteries...any recommendations?

I've been using Eneloops for a while and I've never came close to draining them fully. I found them in a fairly large blister-package at Costco - comes with adapters so you can use the AAs as Cs and Ds, two AAA and four AA, and of course the charger.

I've used the Energizers that Scollins suggested and they're equally good, if not, better.

Originally Posted by scollins

You are bad, BAD! Wanna meet up in Bellevue tomorrow at Best Buy........

Come on, admit it - it was a great idea!

[scollins]

Originally Posted by TWiTCHY

Come on, admit it - it was a great idea!

Why do you think I said we should meet at Best Buy today!

[PNF]

I bought these for rechargable batteries.

They work wonders and have been satisfied with them. Light weight and the bag is a big bonus (good quality bag too). ($39.99 shipped).

http://www.amazon.com/Crosse-Technol...3614265&sr=8-1

and these are 2650 mAh Duracells (I prefer Duacells over Energizer, but I think they're both very good) The highest rated I have seen. When you buy, make sure the battery you are getting is the "newer" version. Many very cheap batteries on ebay are going like $5 shipped, but more than likely, they were old models from few years back. Technology changed quite a bit, and dont buy those $5 for your charger and camera sake. (you dont want battery leaking acid in your flash) buy the $15-$20 newer model/ones.

use live.com and have 8% cashback on these items. there was a deal and I got my 8 AA Duracel for $17 shipped! (after cash back)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=320376565585

PS. $150 for your 430 is EXCELLENT deal!! congrad!! considering the price, you have one heck of a deal!