Battle of the Speedlites

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copperband

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Quick question:

I have 1 430EXii already and would like to step into the world of Multiple flash work....I use a Canon 7D so using the remote trigger not Pocket Wizards which I'm very happy with.
I understand that the 580EXii is about 2/3 stop brighter and has the ability to do a Multi mode which I think could be quite cool to experiment with?
On the cost front, the 430 can be had for around £190ish whereas the 580 is almost double at about £360.
Is it really worth it and if so am I missing something on the spec list?
My thoughts are also that using another 430 will mean all settings will be the same in terms of calculating everything in Manual mode.

Any thoughts?
 
I would just get another 430EXII.

I played with the strobe effect of multi-mode and I think if that's the only reason you are considering getting a 580EXII I would save your cash for your next lens upgrade.
 
I have seen some designs for the new flashes and they certainly do look "interesting" things are about to change all-together bit who knows if it's for the better!
 
Your missing a few things on the spec list from a 430 to 580

OK the catch-light card is neither here nor there, and with a 7D the wireless master mode is a little less important, but unlike the 580 EX II in master mode as well as the ST-E2, the built-in wireless flash control on the 7D cannot enable wireless high-speed sync or 2nd curtain flash

More power output (58 meter vs. 43 meters)
Wireless master mode
White reflector card (catchlight card)
Weather sealing (battery compartment, shoe mount, body and head, connectors)
Superior controls (select dial, newer buttons design,)
External metering sensor
External battery pack connector
PC connector
Head turns 180 degrees to the right (430EX II does only 90 degrees)
Head tilts 7 degrees down (430EX II does not go down at all)
Six extra custom functions
 
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whiteflyer said:
Your missing a few things on the spec list from a 430 to 580

OK the catch-light card is neither here nor there, and with a 7D the wireless master mode is a little less important, but unlike the 580 EX II in master mode as well as the ST-E2, the built-in wireless flash control on the 7D cannot enable wireless high-speed sync or 2nd curtain flash

More power output (58 meter vs. 43 meters)
Wireless master mode
White reflector card (catchlight card)
Weather sealing (battery compartment, shoe mount, body and head, connectors)
Superior controls (select dial, newer buttons design,)
External metering sensor
External battery pack connector
PC connector
Head turns 180 degrees to the right (430EX II does only 90 degrees)
Head tilts 7 degrees down (430EX II does not go down at all)
Six extra custom functions
Click to expand...



Well being able to turn the head so that flash is pointing backwards would be enough to seal it for me.
 
You could also look at 3rd party offerings. I use the Nissin 866 which is as powerful as the 580 II (if not more) and has all the features I need for the price of the 430 II.
 
Simes123 said:
Tbh, in practice, not much of a limitation either.
Click to expand...
Can't do over the shoulder bounces when in portrait mode. This ALONE pushed me towards the 580....
 
arad85 said:
Can't do over the shoulder bounces when in portrait mode. This ALONE pushed me towards the 580....
Click to expand...


That would be a huge limitation for the way I use on camera flash. I'm sure its fine for off camera but the flash is often pointing back further than 90 degrees when I have it on camera.
 
Another nod to the nissin 866 here, I have the 430 ex and the 580ex 11 and the nissin always gets picked up first.

Only the ability to change settings from the LCD on the body with the 580ex11 stops me from selling the 580 and getting more 866's
 
Another vote for the Nissin here too. Besides on camera settings, the only other disadvantage is a non metal foot, but at over £100 (ie 1/3rd of the price) difference those aren't significant enough factors in my opinion.
 
strokes his 2 580 EXII's

I work with two bodies and for me its the consistency bwetween the flashes operations and output that meant i got 2 of these. not because i am a canon freak just makes life easier and i only have to learn one flash and can do most things 2nd nature now. I might be looking for a third for some strobist stuff i wouldnt mind doing/ and also acting as a backup if my main 2 die.
 
whiteflyer said:
Take a 1000 portrait shots in a day, you'll soon change your mind about having a grip :):)
Click to expand...

Ugh, production line photography - not my style.

And if you are shooting 1000shots a day, you aren't really going to be looking at a battery powered flash. :) :)
 
Simes123 said:
Ugh, production line photography - not my style.

And if you are shooting 1000shots a day, you aren't really going to be looking at a battery powered flash. :) :)
Click to expand...

Really?

Weddings
Sport
Photojournalism

and that's just three that areas of photography that I can think of off the top of my head. Oh and try googling Quantum.
 
DemiLion said:
Really?

Weddings
Sport
Photojournalism

and that's just three that areas of photography that I can think of off the top of my head. Oh and try googling Quantum.
Click to expand...



I shoot 2k images quite often, and battery powered flash is fine. I often use external packs like the SD-9 but even 4 aa's in the flash can do a lot of work.

I also use a quantum turbo 3 power pack which will run 2xSB900s for a lot of shots or my quantum flash for fewer but still plenty of shots.

I wouldn't call it production line photography, far from it.
 
We'll just have to disagree, and that's fine. I'm just saying 1000+ shots at something like a Wedding (say) is not my style, and I too would be looking at something like a Quantum, not a 430EXII for that role. Nonetheless, the only time I've found myself in that range of shots, is at Motorsport events, and I've not been using flash for obvious reasons. In my previous life as a Wedding Photog, I was shooting in the era of film, where we'd shoot 3 x 12 Exp Rolls, and each shot had to count :) Different strokes for different folks, and if I were shooting Weddings today, I'd be exploiting digital too. Doubt I'd be taking 1000 shots per wedding though; it's not my style.
 
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Simes123 said:
We'll just have to disagree, and that's fine. I'm just saying 1000+ shots at something like a Wedding (say) is not my style, and I too would be looking at something like a Quantum, not a 430EXII for that role. Nonetheless, the only time I've found myself in that range of shots, is at Motorsport events, and I've not been using flash for obvious reasons. In my previous life as a Wedding Photog, I was shooting in the era of film, where we'd shoot 3 x 12 Exp Rolls, and each shot had to count :) Different strokes for different folks, and if I were shooting Weddings today, I'd be exploiting digital too. Doubt I'd be taking 1000 shots per wedding though; it's not my style.
Click to expand...



Its pretty easy to do these days, people are booking 14+ hours of coverage and thats about 1.2 frames per minute.
 
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