Author Topic: Speedlite 430EX or 580EX? (Read 5302 times)

Daneel · « **on:** August 30, 2007, 15:13 »

Hi all,

I'm going to buy my first external flash for my 400D (long overdue, but I haven't really realized the possibilities of a good flash until now).

The choices are either the speedlite 430EX or the 580EX. I know all the differences from reading reviews, i.e., mainly the 580 is more powerful and can act as a master while the 430 is smaller, lighter and cheaper.

Among "traditional" flash uses I want to use the flash for macro photography with my Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro using a flash diffusor. I don't want to invest into a specialized macro flash, i.e., ring flash or twin lite yet.

I wonder if the the 580EX has that small (but essential) advantage with regards to macro photography. Other than the 430EX, the 580EX can tilt down by 7 degrees (the 430EX can't tilt down). Does that give a significant advantage for macro photography with the 100mm Canon or is the tilt irrelevant because the objects are far enough away?

I would love to get your inputs w.r.t. the question above and generally about macro photography with the 100mm Canon and one of the both speedlite flashes mentioned above.

Many thanks and all the best,
Michael

iofoto · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2007, 18:59 »

Hello Michael, I would strongly recommend the 580EX. The extra power, and the ability to add a Quantum Turbo battery to power the unit are well worth the extra investment. You might look into the off-camera extension cord as well for more creative lighting effects. We have always had good luck with TTL although there are times when you ned to override the exposure slightly.

Ron

litifeta · « **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2007, 21:11 »

agreed ... the 580EX is well worth the extra

steve-oh · « **Reply #3 on:** August 31, 2007, 08:04 »

I just bought the 430EX and I kind of regret not buying the 580EX because of scalability issues.

Like Ron says, the 580EX has a port for a power pack. I think on the 430EX you have to hook it up through the battery bay.

If you can afford it, go with the 580EX.

Waldo4 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2008, 14:17 »

The 430 is a nice start, it is what I have now, but soon I'm going to upgrade to the 580 as well. With a hotshoe cord (I modified the Canon one to add 25 ft) and a bunch of add on goodies (cardboard snoot, plastic diffuser, old tripod to set it on, bungee cords and duct tape to attach it anywhere, all less than $10) you can do quite a bit with it. With a 580 I'll be able to trigger the 430 via IR (with the 580 corded off camera) to get good cross lighting (or under lighting, or behind lighting, etc...). The 430 is still quite a powerful flash, I couldn't image needing more power indoors, rarely do I ever have it on tight spread and full power, even with my camera set at sync speed with an aperture in the mid-teens. I would just get another 430, but triggering becomes a problem then, the 580's ability to remotely trigger via IR is quite nice. I rarely ever use the ETTL, I almost always have my flash in full manual, and manually set all camera settings and focus with the camera on the tripod.

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Author Topic: Speedlite 430EX or 580EX? (Read 5302 times)

Daneel

iofoto

litifeta

steve-oh

Waldo4

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