430 EX II vs 580EX II

eq2830

I have been reading reviews on both flashes and trying to decide which I should go out and buy. Initially I immediately gravitated towards the 580 because it is a newer version but then in my research I read how people preferred the 430 and now I'm confused. Any input would be appreciated :bow

~erika

ziggy53

The Canon 580EX II has more power and more features than the 430EX II, but the 580 series are the top of the line flashes and cost much more. For general event work either will work well.

I also use the Sigma EF 530 DG Super flashes which have a similar feature set to the Canon 580 series flashes, but with a cost more similar to the 430 series flashes.

http://www.photo4less.com/pd-productid-2289-k-sigma_169101_sigma_ef_530_dg_super_e_ttl_shoe_mount_flash_for_canon_eos_with_e_ttl_ii_operation.htm

eq2830

ziggy53 wrote:

The Canon 580EX II has more power and more features than the 430EX II, but the 580 series are the top of the line flashes and cost much more. For general event work either will work well.

I also use the Sigma EF 530 DG Super flashes which have a similar feature set to the Canon 580 series flashes, but with a cost more similar to the 430 series flashes.

http://www.photo4less.com/pd-productid-2289-k-sigma_169101_sigma_ef_530_dg_super_e_ttl_shoe_mount_flash_for_canon_eos_with_e_ttl_ii_operation.htm

thank you

JohnBiggs

The 580II has two nice features... Auto Metering setting and PC sync connection.

Here are some details on the metering.

http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=946

Manfr3d

But the 430EX II is smaller and lighter and makes a great travel flash when
the power of the 580EX II is not needed. I own both and more often than
not I pick the smaller one over it's bigger brother.

rwells

If your ever going to use the Pocket Wizard TT5's, get the 430EXII. They play well together, the 580EX(II) does not like the new TTL Pocket Wizards.

Mucho aggravation

Also remember that the 580EX(II) can be used as a master for other Canon speedlights. The 430EXII cannot ~ (well, it can if using the new Pocket Wizards), but that's a different story altogether.

colourbox

Can depend on your shooting style.

I have friends who get great shots with flashes with lower specs than the 480 because they shoot direct but off axis using a sync cord. I picked a 580 because I like to bounce off back walls and ceilings, which greatly increases the distance that must be covered and therefore the power requirements. If you shoot single people up close and bare or nearly bare, the 480 might be OK. If you shoot groups or often shoot using reflectors or through umbrellas or softboxes, you might need the power of the 580.

And like the others said, the 580 is huge, as big as an SLR body. You'd better have space for it in your bag.

AlbertZeroK

The biggest advantage I like of my 580ex II over my 430exII (which I've sold) and my 420ex, is the integrated bounce card! I'm not kidding, it's addicting to use and I love it! But it does give you more reach and yes, it definately takes up a bit more room than a 430exII.

GadgetRick

JohnBiggs wrote:

The 580II has two nice features... Auto Metering setting and PC sync connection.

Here are some details on the metering.

http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=946

Sorry to redirect the thread here but trying to get my head around flash metering. When they say, "external," do they mean off-camera? Going to shoot with a flash bracket and wanted to play with the external metering but not sure if it works when connected via the hotshoe (with cable) or it has to be truly off-camera.

Thanks.

JohnBiggs

GadgetRick wrote:

Sorry to redirect the thread here but trying to get my head around flash metering. When they say, "external," do they mean off-camera? Going to shoot with a flash bracket and wanted to play with the external metering but not sure if it works when connected via the hotshoe (with cable) or it has to be truly off-camera.

Thanks.

They mean the flash meters itself. Normally its TTL and that is camera metering.

I use all manual now, so even a $100 flash will work. I like the sync port on the 580 so I can use my triggers, but then it's not doing anything that the $100 flash can't do. (Minus a stop of light)

GadgetRick

Ok, that make sense. I have been shooting full manual (with the flash) lately because I've been running it wirelessly. However, tomorrow, I'm shooting my niece's christening and using it as an opportunity to practice with a bracket. Was going to play with the flash metering to see how it works out. Just wondering what I can (and can't) do with the 580 as it's quite a flash.