430ex?

[pado12]

Hi all, i need to buy a flashgun for my 400d coming towards the end of the motorsport season as i am being asked to cover a few awards dinners etc. I am leaning towards the 430ex because i dont want to spend much more than £200. Anyone have this flash? do you recommend it, what are the differences between it and 580ex? any other recommendations?

thanks a million
ryan

 

[a1ex2001]

I'd look at a second hand 550EX (Was canon's top of the range before the 580) which will set you back around £150 or a new Sigma 530DG Super which will be about £20 more. Either of these will give you more flash for your money than a 430.

 

[pado12]

thanks very much for the advice

 

[rpcrowe]

I use a 550EX which I bought used and like this unit very much.

In order to get the best results from your flash; get or fabricate some type of flash diffuser. I personally like the Joe Demb Flash Diffuser DFP (Pro):

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/diffuser/models/

However here are some links on how to fabricate diffusers and some links to comercial diffusers:

Fabricated Diffusers:

http://super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/

http://home.comcast.net/~dougsmit/bounceflashtoys.html

Commercial Diffusers:

http://www.toddwalker.net/e20/flashtest/

http://www.garyfong.com/newsplash.html

Excellent Tutorial:

http://planetneil.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

Additionally, you will get the absolute best results using both a diffuser/reflector AND a bracket which will keep your flash over the axis of the lens when shooting in vertical position. I personally like "camera flip" brackets < http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009UTLU > rather than "flash flip" brackets < http://www.amazon.com/Stroboframe-Q...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1221662860&sr=1-1 > because with the flash flip bracket, the bounce flash is pointed in the wrong direction when switching from horizontal to vertical while the camera flip version keeps the flash pointed in the correct direction. Of course, it is simple to adjust the position of the flash but, that is simply an extra step which takes time and can be forgotten in the turmoil of shooting. There are Chinese knock-ofs available on eBay at about half the cost of the Stroboframe or less. < http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Flip-Flash-Br...QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262 > I use a Chinese model and am well satisfied.