Canon 430EX or 580EXmkII

[the undertaker]

For general use, exhibitions, shows, bit of portrait, with 40D and 30D, using probably 17 - 85 IS USM lens, which should I plump for? cost may not be the deciding factor, so long as Kerso quotes me happy as usual.

Canon 430EX or 580EXmkII

All feedback and suggestions helpful!

 

[8utters]

Well, the 580 is more powerful, has a few extra features as well as being bigger and better built.

However, the 430 is a great flash, I have one and have never felt it inadequate.

If you can afford it, then the 580 is a good way to go, it gives you that extra power.

 

[the undertaker]

thank you

 

[8utters]

No problem

 

[ranarama]

I have both and they are both excellent flash units. I've not had any situations where the 430 hasn't been powerful enough anc I've needed the extra juice from the 580. The recycling times are quicker on the 580 and it doesn't have the annoying hig pitched noise that the 430 does.

Aside from that, I've recently started experimenting with off camera flash. The one thing that is bothering me is that I can only use the 580 as the master, which means I have to use the 430 as the main flash as I turn off the flash on the camera. That's probably not an issue for you if you are only looking for a single flash and I can always get an off shoe extender or remote trigger.