Need a Canon flash, any suggestions?

[The Chillinator]

Hi,

I'll be looking for a Canon flash within the next few weeks. It's been a while since I've used a Canon speedlight (the last one was a 550EX) so I'm not sure if things have changed a little.

The two models that I can see on Kerso's price list are the 430 EX II and the 580. Which one would anyone say delivers the best bang for the buck? I'll be using one for a while and particularly for macro shots, so I'm leaning towards the 580. But I want to know if there is any real difference over the 430 to justify the extra cash.

Thanks in advance.

 

[adrian5127]

I have just got the nissin di866 too early to post a review myself but I have read a lot of good things about it. It is more powerful than both of the canons and works wirelessly with the 7D as well. Just under £200 from Cameraworld

 

[Deleted member 27472]

I have just bought a 550ex for my 40D.
Great bit of kit.

 

[The Chillinator]

I have just got the nissin di866 too early to post a review myself but I have read a lot of good things about it. It is more powerful than both of the canons and works wirelessly with the 7D as well. Just under £200 from Cameraworld

Might look at a Nissin then, I wonder if Kerso sells them.

 

[The Chillinator]

I have just bought a 550ex for my 40D.
Great bit of kit.

The 550EX certainly is a fantastic flash, I regrettably sold mine when I had a short stay with the dark side, I've reverted back to Canon now though, which means I need more gear. Once funds are available I'll consider another 550, but I wonder if the newer models offer any advantages?

 

[Deleted member 27472]

From various sites I found when researching buying mine ( For £130! Bargain )
It has most of the features of the 580EX, except for the color temperature and "digital awareness" of the 580EX.

The 550EX & 580EX are pretty similar but there are a few improvements/differences.

The 580 knows when it's on a 'crop' camera and sets it's zoom accordingly. The 550 sets it's zoom based only on the focal length of the lens (as per 35mm film), which on a crop body, means that the flash is putting out a wider beam than the lens will see...wasting some light. Not a big deal but it runs the batteries down slightly faster than it needs to be.

The 580 is smaller and recycles faster.

The newest version, the 580EX II, has weather proofing and also a built-in auto sensor (like the old Vivitar Auto Thyristor)...although, from what I've heard, Canon's auto sensor on this flash is poorly done and the metering isn't great.

The 430EX is a pretty good flash. It's smaller and less powerful but much cheaper as well.

A big difference between the 430EX and either the 550 or 580 is that the 430 can only be a slave in Canon's wireless system. The 550 or 580 can be either a slave or a master. So if you ever plan on having a few different Canon flash units and using the wireless features built-in....you will need at least one Master unit.

 

[The Chillinator]

From various sites I found when researching buying mine ( For £130! Bargain )
It has most of the features of the 580EX, except for the color temperature and "digital awareness" of the 580EX.

The 550EX & 580EX are pretty similar but there are a few improvements/differences.

The 580 knows when it's on a 'crop' camera and sets it's zoom accordingly. The 550 sets it's zoom based only on the focal length of the lens (as per 35mm film), which on a crop body, means that the flash is putting out a wider beam than the lens will see...wasting some light. Not a big deal but it runs the batteries down slightly faster than it needs to be.

The 580 is smaller and recycles faster.

The newest version, the 580EX II, has weather proofing and also a built-in auto sensor (like the old Vivitar Auto Thyristor)...although, from what I've heard, Canon's auto sensor on this flash is poorly done and the metering isn't great.

The 430EX is a pretty good flash. It's smaller and less powerful but much cheaper as well.

A big difference between the 430EX and either the 550 or 580 is that the 430 can only be a slave in Canon's wireless system. The 550 or 580 can be either a slave or a master. So if you ever plan on having a few different Canon flash units and using the wireless features built-in....you will need at least one Master unit.

Thanks for the info, I think I'll go for an original 580 and get a 430EX or a Nissin as a 'slave'.

 

[philthejuggler]

The best thing about the 430EXII & 580EXII is the quick release foot - I love it! Much better than the old screw-on type.

Phil