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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Wedding photography flash the Canon 580 vs the 550
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Showing posts 1 - 13 of 13, (reverse)
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 03/29/2006 04:38:06 PM · #1
I currently have the 420EX and the cycle time is terrible. I really want a reliable flash that I can use for wedding photography and of course everyday. I would like something that I can use and grow with on the master-slave set up. I just don't want to waste my money. I understand the 550 is a good flash but is the 580 better?

Can you even slave the 420 or should I just sell that? Thanks
 03/29/2006 04:40:01 PM · #2
Just an idea, but if you need fast cycle times you might want to consider buying one of the Quantum power packs. The added juice from the big battery pack will make any flash cycle faster.
 03/29/2006 04:42:30 PM · #3
do you have a link? You mean I could "get buy" w/my 420?
 03/29/2006 05:21:04 PM · #4
Originally posted by rebelgirl:
I currently have the 420EX and the cycle time is terrible. I really want a reliable flash that I can use for wedding photography and of course everyday. I would like something that I can use and grow with on the master-slave set up. I just don't want to waste my money. I understand the 550 is a good flash but is the 580 better?

Can you even slave the 420 or should I just sell that? Thanks


I don't think the 420EX will slave. Another option for you is the 430EX; it is more powerful than the 420, has an LCD screen function, full swivel and tilt, is useable as a slave, recycles faster than any of the named units, and it is less expensive.

I used mine to shoot a wedding, bouncing the whole time, and it was perfectly suitable. Great product.

R.
 03/29/2006 05:29:31 PM · #5
Originally posted by rebelgirl:
do you have a link? You mean I could "get buy" w/my 420?


Linky

Cable adapter for 420EX
 03/29/2006 05:34:44 PM · #6
Yes, I use the 420EX as a slave all the time - also a 550EX - with the 580EX on camera (or on a flash bracket, actually).

I believe the 580EX to be better than the 550EX as far as the quality of the pictures I get back. When I set my 20D's white balance to "flash", I swear the pictures come out balanced no matter what my lighting conditions are (i.e. as I move around in a reception hall with different lighting sources and different strengths of light, the white balance always comes out right). I don't remember the 550EX working "as well" in that regard.

As for recycle times.... what batteries are you using? I suggest using batteries rated at least 2500ma. I get great recycle times both in my master and in my slaves. I've really been surprised at how well they keep up.

Message edited by author 2006-03-29 17:36:18.
 03/29/2006 05:47:39 PM · #7
Bear I was watching the thread about the 430EX. Option is money at this point but I don't want to buy again.

Thanks for the responses.
 03/29/2006 06:01:06 PM · #8
Originally posted by rebelgirl:
Bear I was watching the thread about the 430EX. Option is money at this point but I don't want to buy again.

Thanks for the responses.


The idea was, if you eventually want a master/slave relationship, the 430EX is a fine slave, with full manual control over its output, when you upgrade and also buy a Master like the 580EX. I wasn't aware the 420 would slave. Since it will, the 580 makes more sense for you I'd think.

R.
 03/29/2006 07:20:05 PM · #9
Yes it does and speed/tones/consistency is something I really want too. Now if only I had spent 20 more and bought the 430, ugh!
 03/29/2006 07:33:38 PM · #10
I used my 420EX for my sister's wedding reception with my Lightsphere. It was just fine. I've never had a problem with getting 2-3 quick frames using my 420EX and 2500mAh batteries. If you're using alkaline batts, I can see where you'd have a problem. I don't think the 430EX is significantly more powerful, a bit maybe, but not enough to make a dramatic difference while shooting and i doubt that it will charge faster.

If you need to pop off several frames at high frame rates, there are flashes that have settings for just that. Basically, ypou set the flash to a very low power and can easily shoot 8-10 frames at 5fps. I used to have a Metz 45 CT-5 that could do that.

If you really want your flash to charge quickly, get an external power source like a Quantum Turbo.

As another, less pricy option, you can also slave the 420EX to the Sigma 500DG Super, which has about the same specs as the 550EX for about half the money.
 03/29/2006 10:26:15 PM · #11
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
I don't think the 430EX is significantly more powerful, a bit maybe, but not enough to make a dramatic difference while shooting and i doubt that it will charge faster.

The power part is true. The charging speed is partly a design decision, I don't if its faster or not. From the Canon website on recycling time:
Approx. 0.1 to 3.7 seconds (AA-size Alkaline Batteries)/0.1 to 2 seconds (AA-size Ni-MH batteries)

I've heard that the GN in meters is the first two digits of the flash number, 430 is GN 43 meters, 580 has GN 58 meters, etc.

Message edited by author 2006-03-29 22:27:55.
 03/29/2006 10:41:54 PM · #12
Rebelgirl, may I ask if you are using the flash in TTL or in full power manual. I know if you pop a flash at full power it takes a lot longer to recycle and with decent ambient lighting you may not need to be putting out that much juice.

Try experiementing with the flash at lower power ranges (manual control) and slowing down your shutter speed to let ambient lighting bring up the exposure some. It's worth experiemnting if you don't want to shell out more cash.
 03/30/2006 12:01:57 AM · #13
Get a metz 54 MZ4.
throw the canon flashes in the trash can.

I have now had the chance to use a 580 and my metz...throw the canon away and get a metz with the 3102 shoe for canon.

How much better is the metz? How much better is a dSLR than a 5 year old 1Mp p&s?

Yes, that much better.
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