Reading mode: Light Dark

Canon 430EX or Canon 580EX

Go to last post
what do you want to do with it?
 
Having great indoor images.
I'm not professional, however, I’m taking a lot of portrait photos
What is the main different between the two?
 
Based on what you need it for, just power. There are other differences though such as the 580's ability to act as a master to wirelessly sync a slave flash like a 430. IMO unless you know the indoor places you'll be shooting in have really really high ceilings, just get the 430.
 
You've got the technical input you need from the others.

Re: the comments on the 430 EX I think that the latest version is much more controllable. With the 40D its a pleasure to be able to rapidly control all the functions direct from the camera's flash menu.

The only oddity (which is easily learnt) is that you have to press and hold the Zoom button for 2 secs to call up the manual settings

If money is no object, get the 580 EX2, if you want to save £200 (in the UK) and are sure you want the Master controll function, go for the 430 EX 2
 
I bought the 430EX and now I'm wishing I would've forked out the extra cash for the 580EX. I like the ability of the 580 to work as a master and the 430 as a slave. The extra power from the 580 would be nice too. For what you're doing, however, you should be fine with the 430 EX as long as your needs for the flash don't change too much.
--
-Canon EOS 40D
-18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
-85mm f/1.8
-70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM
-Canon 430EX Speedlite

http://www.orelimages.com

 
The 430EX is a good flash to start out with. It is a fine flash. If you find that you are getting more into flash photography / other supplementary lighting you could then get the 580 II and use the 430EX as a slave flash.
 
i had same dilemma, am getting the 580 simply because ive learnt over years that i would always want the better bigger one anyway, and this saves selling and rebuying to get what i wanted in first place.

Nick.
 
I'm quite happy with the 430EX. It makes a HUGE difference over the built in flash, and I use the bounce feature a lot indoors with 'regular' ceilings. I'm not a pro or even a great amateur, but, I am quite happy with the differences it made. I suppose the 5xx model would be even better but I'm not sure I could justify it even now. That said, if/when I decide I want a second flash or need it I can use the 430EX with it as well.
 
Nir T said:
Thanks!
I'll use your advise
Click to expand...
It was an ill advise though.

As it was pointed out in this forum many times buying 430 with an intent to buy 580 later is waste of money. The flash that is offcamera ( slave) should in most cases be more powerful than the one that is in the hotshoe ( master) and if you follow that advise you'll end up with underutilizing your expensive 580.
 
And just how do you get your 580EX slave to give a more powerful flash than your 580EX master ? Manual settings ?
 
I suppose you could also do the same with the 430EX as slave. Just put it a bit closer.
 
I went with the 430EX as I only use a flash once in a while. It has worked very well for me over the last few months and I am not sorry I chose it. One of my ways of thinking when I bought it was that I could always upgrade to the 580 later. With the 580 and 430 I would have a master and slave, so I would actually get a return for the previous purchase.

So far, there has not been a situation where the smaller unit has not been adequate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top