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12/05/2007 09:32:00 AM · #1 |
Hey all, I'm looking to get a nice speed light flash for my XTi... anyone have any good suggestion? I need something versitile, strong, and generally good. obviously cost is a big issue... I was looking at the 480 EX and 580 EX or whatever they are called. anyone have some they just love?
thanks all |
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12/05/2007 09:41:02 AM · #2 |
Unless you need some feature unique to the 580EX, the 430Ex will do a fine job.
There are also less expensive models from Sigma, but they do tend to be less well built.
It really depends on how you plan to use it. |
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12/05/2007 09:46:44 AM · #3 |
| Do they still make the 580EX or has the 580EX II taken it's place? Or are they both the same thing? B&H only sales the 580EX II. |
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12/05/2007 09:48:52 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by swhiddon:
Do they still make the 580EX or has the 580EX II taken it's place? Or are they both the same thing? B&H only sales the 580EX II. |
The 580EX II replaces the 580EX. I know the II has better weather sealing, but I'm not sure what other advantages it presents. |
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12/05/2007 09:53:00 AM · #5 |
| I believe the 580EX II also has some features that are geared towards the new cameras just released like the Mark III and 40D. |
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12/05/2007 10:52:50 AM · #6 |
580EX = $409.95
430EX = $240.00
You get what you pay for.
On the other hand, for about the same price, you can get some studio lighting instead.
Check out some bees. |
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12/05/2007 11:21:32 AM · #7 |
| Thanks its appreciated. anyone know that sigma model number? and as nice as Studio lights are I mainly need it for adventure/travel type stuff... anyone know the main draw blacks of the 430 EX? |
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12/05/2007 11:31:50 AM · #8 |
430 EX = Absolutely no drawbacks for me
Edit: unless I want to use it off-camera. Canon flashes are a bitch to use remotely. So to use off-camera I bought a few Nikon SB-28's and on-camera I use the 430 EX (sometimes with the LightSphere)
Message edited by author 2007-12-05 11:34:33. |
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12/05/2007 11:49:06 AM · #9 |
I also have the 430ex and have had no problems with it. been working great here...
-dave
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12/05/2007 04:38:25 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Cboydrun:
Thanks its appreciated. anyone know that sigma model number? |
EF500 DG Super
EF500 DG ST
Generally, you don't want the ST as it doesn't have an LCD screen or wireless master ability like the 580EX does. But it is cheaper. I have the Super and love it. As long as you don't beat on your equipment, it'll be fine and has an optical slave built in which the Canons don't have.
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12/05/2007 05:33:00 PM · #11 |
580EX2 is the current king of flashes - it's great and around $350 (there is a rebate on it). I paid $550 for mine back in July (it was a new item then). Great flash, hell for strong, and lots of little things that make life nice (LCD, extra lock on the batter door, etc).
430 is it's little brother. Less powerful, no LCD, fewer features.
Sigma offer the EF500DG super and ST. THe ST is like the 430 - less features, no LCD. The Super is nice, but not as well built as the 580, the batt door can pop open (or even come off). These are compatible with the canon wireless system. They will not trigger on a hot shoe adapter ala Strobist methods. Not sure what is non-standard about their hotshoe, but something is.
Metz makes some nice flash units. THey make a flash and a a 'shoe', the shoe being specific to the brand of camera (nikon or canon or oly, etc). Nice if you have more than one brand of camera. Very well built units. The 58 AF1 is the current model that competes with teh 580EX. The older model was the 54MZ4 (and MZ3 before that). Very good units, but they are not compatible with the canon wirelss system.
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12/05/2007 06:05:24 PM · #12 |
the 430 has an LCD? or at least it has a screen on the back...?
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
430 is it's little brother. Less powerful, no LCD, fewer features.
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12/05/2007 07:09:32 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by soup:
the 430 has an LCD? or at least it has a screen on the back...?
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
430 is it's little brother. Less powerful, no LCD, fewer features.
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Yeah, it does. |
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12/05/2007 07:18:38 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by routerguy666:
Originally posted by soup:
the 430 has an LCD? or at least it has a screen on the back...?
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
430 is it's little brother. Less powerful, no LCD, fewer features.
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Yeah, it does. |
//www.dpreview.com/news/0508/05082206canon430ex.asp <---LCD yes? |
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12/05/2007 07:53:14 PM · #15 |
On the Sigma EF500 DG Super:
Originally posted by SamDoe1:
has an optical slave built in which the Canons don't have. |
When you say optical - that means it is triggered by a flash no? (i'm talking a flash of light here, not using an IR beam from a flash unit)
Because that might be just what i am looking for if i dont want to be spending loads on a flash. I have an old Minolta flash which runs on my hotshoe (i checked voltages dont worry) and having a secondary flash with that ability would work wonders! Although most other times it will probably be my main flash considering the Minolta doesnt have a swivel head nor exposure metering system compatible with the Canon ;)
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12/05/2007 08:25:17 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by inshaala:
On the Sigma EF500 DG Super:
Originally posted by SamDoe1:
has an optical slave built in which the Canons don't have. |
When you say optical - that means it is triggered by a flash no? (i'm talking a flash of light here, not using an IR beam from a flash unit) |
Yeah the optical slaves are very useful in studio type settings but if you have the old flash on camera you will be manual not eTTL (not bad, just might not be what you are expecting). You can also get cheap optical shoes to put the Canon on. eTTL is going to have some preflashes, so it's problematic trying optical with the oldie on the optical slave. If you are going manual flash, then try a couple of Vivatar 285hv's - run @$100 each.
I have the 580 MK1 and it's a great flash when you want full eTTL. I find I use some old Nikon SB26's (built in optical as well) and Canon EZ's more for off camera stuff.
Message edited by author 2007-12-05 20:28:23. |
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