430EX or 580EX?

chouglez

chouglez

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I think it's time for me to buy a flash (Canon speedlite) and I am in a dilemma to either buy 430EX (Easy on battery power, I am told) or 580EX (Power hungry).

Any suggestions or advise is highly appreciated.
 
depends if you want-
the extra power of the 580EX
ability to use as a master flash to control other flashes (580 can be used as either, 430EX is a slave only)
iirc the 580 also allows greater adjustment of the power, the steps in power are finer than on the 430EX

both are cracking on camera flashguns and relatively easy on batterys, ive used both quite alot and never suffered from them eating batterys
 
I don't find the 580EX power hungry, in fact I'm constantly surprised how long a charge lasts. That's not to say the 430EX battery performance wont be better of course.
 
If you can afford the 580 buy it, why not?
 
Buy what you can afford (credit card munguss)

I've got 2 580's - both superb apart from the cost of repairs:

1 broken shoe - £130

1 lamp - £130

Canon seem to use a standard minimum charge of £130 inc VAT
 
You can never have too much power in a flash, but you can find you don't have enough, so I'd be inclined to stretch to the 580EX.
 
Also have 2 580s and must agree with all above....

Not heavy on batteries at all and mine have both performed flawlessly for more than a year now...
 
PS

I am about to buy 2 430s just because I need many flashes and I like to have a back up for my back up:suspect: :suspect: :suspect:

Would be good if we can run a review on 430 vs 580 soon, might be handy to some...

:shrug:
 
Sorted. 580EX it is. Thanks for all your suggestions & advise guys.
 
Anton Roland said:
PS

I am about to buy 2 430s just because I need many flashes and I like to have a back up for my back up:suspect: :suspect: :suspect:

Would be good if we can run a review on 430 vs 580 soon, might be handy to some...

:shrug:
Click to expand...

I'm not sure there are any reviews between the 430 & 580 but when I was looking for my first flash unit a couple of years ago everyone said wait for the 580. It was like rocking horse $hit trying to get one when they came out. They do everying I need and more.

You won't go wrong in paying that little bit extra.

BTW - don't buy a Sigma Flash - they are so hit and miss. I had one, used it a couple of time and then decided it was more useful as a door stop.
 
rhodopsin said:
BTW - don't buy a Sigma Flash - they are so hit and miss. I had one, used it a couple of time and then decided it was more useful as a door stop.
Click to expand...

Perhaps you didn't take time to learn how to use it? I have a Sigma EF500 DG Super and a 580EX. Now don't get me wrong the 580 is a better flash but not because of exposure - The 580 is just plain easier to use and the build quality is better.

Both are nice units and I would not hesitate to recommend the 500DG Super if cash is tight. I can use both as master/slave too.
 
EOS_JD said:
Perhaps you didn't take time to learn how to use it? I have a Sigma EF500 DG Super and a 580EX. Now don't get me wrong the 580 is a better flash but not because of exposure - The 580 is just plain easier to use and the build quality is better.

Both are nice units and I would not hesitate to recommend the 500DG Super if cash is tight. I can use both as master/slave too.
Click to expand...

I did take the time - it was just simply crap.

Sigma make some good lenses - but the Sigma flash was not upto a professional standard - I actually sold it for £50 and I lost a lot of money on it. Simply rubbish.
 
What flash was it? Obviously not the one I mentioned which is actually a very good flash unit - comparable to the 550EX.

All companies make good/bad stuff. You get what you pay for.
 
Strobing on the 580 is very cool :) I don't really use mine much, but it is a great piece of kit. The battery door always feel like it's going to snap off though!
 
I think to answer the question posed - get the best you can afford. Neither will let you down and think of the 580 as (almost) a flash and a transmitter for slightly less cost :). Although, with the 580EX II coming..... prices may ebb a little :)
 
whitewash said:
i agree, i whince everytime i swap batterys
Click to expand...

You get less fearsome of it eventually... just work it hard, it is much tougher than it feels

:D
 
EOS_JD said:
What flash was it? Obviously not the one I mentioned which is actually a very good flash unit - comparable to the 550EX.

All companies make good/bad stuff. You get what you pay for.
Click to expand...

It was the 550.

I much prefer my 2 580's.
 
Remember Canon now have an 580EX II so maybe the price of the original 580s may drop.
 
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