Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I just bought the Canon 430EX II from Alden camera.

Is it good enough for amatuer like me ? Is it powerful enough?

I read reviews but I am worried. Do I need to return it and get the 580EX

it's good enough

Think about what your needs will be in the future in regards to wireless flash setup. If you don't ever want to get into that sort of thing, then the 430 will be fine. Otherwise, you might want to think about the 580 (or a 7D).

my skills will improve with time but I am scared by the price of the 580. It gives me a heart attack.



Is the 7D actually much better than Rebel XT ? I know 7D has many more features. Would 15MP make a difference?

Wouldn't the photo look crowded with too many pixels ?

Dude, don't listen to the ads and gearheads. 430EX is more than enough for you, once you decide to go multiple flash/wireless etc you can buy 580EX to add to your existing 430EX. That's exactly what I did. It's perfect. You don't need a 7D if you ask the question you did XT will serve you good. Focus on the photos, not gear. But you will need a good lens for it at some point. For now, focus on learning photography basics and develop creativity

PotatoEYE - Says the person that went and got the 100mm F2.8 IS the first chance he got.

joking aside...if you have to ask whether you need more power to your lighting setup, then you probably don't need the higher end stuff.

That goes for lenses as well. If you have to ask whether you need the L series lenses, you probably don't.

Whether you want the L series on the other hand, that's a different story.



That being said, I must say that the higher end stuff usually keeps their value a bit better on the used market than the lower end stuff. But as for usability wise, if you had to ask, you probably don't need it.

It's true... I'm a gearaholic! I just can't live without gearahol!

Eric: you're not a gearaholic. You're a bagaholic.

kevin: what type of "bag"?

on the side note... if 430 is good enough, why canon introduce 580?
i use to have a 430 when i started, i realize using it for fill under a sunny afternoon is not enough... but then it stop working for no reason..

if budget is a concern you can look into the first version 580ex, mine was thrown, toss, and dropped.. and it still running strong

Question:
Is the 430ex good enough .. for 96% of photogs? Yes.
Why is there a 580ex? For the 4% of photogs who NEED the best and for the others that think they do.

really?
i would like to know where's the source come from...

btw im not too sure how much does a new 430 cost, an used 580ex is roughly under 300

The 580 EX cost $529 bucks in TO. It is expensive. I bought the 430 EX II for $367 with tax included, $329 without tax.

couldn't the 430 EX be repaired? is it an integrated piece of flash that can't be repaired ?

sorry, i meant used 580ex first version not the 580ex2..

tried to get a quote for repair for like 150 to get it fix, i end up got another 580ex2 lol...

anyways, it's up to you.. 580 series is definitely more convenient to use, i rather use the dial on the 580 to adjust the power than pushing the buttons on the 430, 580 can be used as a master flash control to trigger other canon speedlite..

A used 430EX mark 1 goes for $200~240. I did some model stuff with them and they worked wonders. I now only have 1 of them that sits in a camera bag not being used.

As the OP is just starting out, you're more than fine with what you have. Upgrade later. Hone your skills first.

430EX is a very good flash.

Aside for the obvious more power, there are other features such as Auto mode (as in the older tech of auto thrystor flashes) where you just set the ASA and aperture - there is no preflash in like ETTL or having a pc sync jack (yes the 430ex can take some hot shoe pc sync adapter) but little things start to add up and if they apply to you then you'll know when to get the 580EX II.

Very much like the question "which one to get a t1i vs a 50D"... well maybe not but something like that

sito, in essence the 580EX is more aimed at professionals, whereas 430EX at semi-pro or advanced users, similarly, Canon has a range for beginners, who don't need all the features of higher end models, but just want a flash more powerful than the built-in
Your original question implied to me that you're a beginner in flash photography, thus I say it's enough for your needs.
Most people on forums such as this will tell you to get the best if you can, so further down the road you can forget about it, but I think you can save some money now by buying 430EX, and later I am sure you'll want to build a 2-3 flash setup, but who knows, maybe you won't.

Alternatively, if you're so paranoid about it, go return your 430, fork out another 100-200 and get yourself this beast 580

Sell it, get a 270EX and a nice filter for one of your lenses.

I used 430 for 2 weddings. It's a good flash for day to day photography. Obviously 580 is better,but if you aren't full time photographer then 430 is quite sufficient.

LOLOL this tread could go on forever. Why save money when you can go into the red and have the best? Actually, why not throw on a Metz Mecablitz 76 MZ-5 and remove all doubt? Then you can never blame your flash for a bad photo again. I know, a bit dramatic but you get the point.

Personally, there is no shame in using mere mortal caliber equipment. In fact I hold more respect for the shooters that win contests and make a living with semi pro gear. It highlights the strength of their creativity and drive.

Shoot, learn and have fun... thats the name of the game. Buy, upgrade and obsolete is the language of intelligent marketing. The big brands are laughing all the way to the golf course.

Vivitar 285HV!

Sorry to add to the useless posts.

I think 430 is enough for you. If you feel that it is not after using it for awhile, it is not too late to sell it on the used market for a slightly lower price. Just think of that loss as equipment rental.

When something isn't meeting your needs you explicitly know. If you have to ask you don't need it.

Perhaps the OP is thinking about the future.

If so, your flash upgrade path may change as you grow and become the master of strobe lighting! Possibly even moving from Canon's ETTL system to Auto and or to Manual flashes later. In which case for the later two systems, you might even just spring for some cheap Nikon SB-24 flashes at $100 a pop to do the job instead of sinking in $200-300+ for ETTL flashes

The 430EX over the 580EX may sound like a good investment at this point, but then again that's just my wacky world

430 is great... i have one also
I also have the 580... for strobe function and weathersealing.

I'd also love to grab a sb-24

Try Henrys downtown. Other Henry's locations used to carry used equipment but I think they consolidate them downtown now. In one location I saw 4 of them. At the time I was quite familiar with the sales person there I bought them all at around $108 each which included taxes and 3 year warranties extended to them. Awesome flashes for the price!

Appreciate the tip. Will pop in next time I'm in the area.

A heart attack is a good reason NOT to buy something! I haven't used an XT but I've used a 30D and iso800 is pretty good. If you've got a decent lens as well then in most situations at iso800 the 430ex will pop out enough power. Maybe you eventually realize you need a 580ex, then your 430ex will become your wireless slave so all is not lost.

Flicr search photos made with the 430ex you will be pleasently surprised it's not the gear it's being creative in how you use it it's easy yo get caught in the gear trap trust me

Flicr search photos made with the 430ex you will be pleasently surprised it's not the gear it's being creative in how you use it it's easy yo get caught in the gear trap trust me