I need flash suggestions please - DPChallenge Forums

06/17/2008 09:45:28 AM · #1

I am scheduled to do a photoshoot at a ranch and I found out that I will be needing my own camera flash. What flash mount would you recommend for a Canon XTI?
I will need a good flash and possibly a diffuser too. Please let me know. :)
Thank you
Jaime

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

06/17/2008 10:04:05 AM · #2

I use the (now old) Canon Speedlite 430EX with an omnibounce (if needed). It has worked great for me for years. I also have the ST-E2 wireless transmitter which is extremely helpful ... but I wouldn't buy one of the those until you establish more of a need for it.

Message edited by author 2008-06-17 10:04:25.

SDW

Canon EOS-60D

06/17/2008 10:17:11 AM · #3

Originally posted by hopper:

I also have the ST-E2 wireless transmitter and love it. I use it with two 580EX-II flashes. Makes thing so much easier.

06/17/2008 10:28:13 AM · #4

There is a difference of 150 dollars between the speedlite 430ex and the 530ex II
Is it worth getting the 580ex II for 150 more?

Message edited by author 2008-06-17 10:28:48.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

06/17/2008 10:33:41 AM · #5

Tough for someone else to answer that for you. I've never used the 580ex but it refreshes faster and is more powerful. I've never needed more power, but I have had to wait while the flash refreshed (mostly when the batteries start to conk out).

The 580ex can be hooked to an external power source, but will you ever need that? Also, the 580ex can act as a master to fire other flashes, the 430ex cannot do that.

SDW

Canon EOS-60D

06/17/2008 10:57:07 AM · #6

Originally posted by JaimeVinas:

There is a difference of 150 dollars between the speedlite 430ex and the 530ex II
Is it worth getting the 580ex II for 150 more?

The main thing about the 580EX-II can be set to master or slave. You can use the 580EX-II to transmit to another 580EX-II, 580EX, or 430EX (and maybe compatible with more - not sure).

I purchased the 580EX-II because I have the 40D. If it would of been for my 350XT I would of went with a 430EX.

06/17/2008 11:05:07 AM · #7

Originally posted by SDW:

Originally posted by JaimeVinas:
There is a difference of 150 dollars between the speedlite 430ex and the 530ex II
Is it worth getting the 580ex II for 150 more?

The main thing about the 580EX-II can be set to master or slave. You can use the 580EX-II to transmit to another 580EX-II, 580EX, or 430EX (and maybe compatible with more - not sure).

I purchased the 580EX-II because I have the 40D. If it would of been for my 350XT I would of went with a 430EX.

I am planning on using it on a 400D XTI

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

06/17/2008 11:26:35 AM · #8

I don't understand

Originally posted by SDW:

I purchased the 580EX-II because I have the 40D. If it would of been for my 350XT I would of went with a 430EX.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

06/17/2008 11:52:27 AM · #9

The 430 EX works just fine with the 40D.

SDW

Canon EOS-60D

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

06/17/2008 12:44:25 PM · #10

Originally posted by hopper:

I don't understand

Originally posted by SDW:
I purchased the 580EX-II because I have the 40D. If it would of been for my 350XT I would of went with a 430EX.

Because the 580EX-II weather seal and larger body. Since my 350XT was not weather-sealed and has a smaller body I would not of put that large of a flash on it. I would of went with a flash that was not, such as the 430EX.

Prof_Fate

06/17/2008 01:06:24 PM · #11

The 580 is about 50% more powerful than the 430, has an LCD on the back, more features/functions and at the same power output will recycle faster than the 430.

The 40D (and newer 1Dmk3 bodies) have the ability to access/control the 580ex-2 from the camera's menu system instead of from the flash's menu - it makes it using the custom functions in the flash stupid easy because the camera manu way tells you what the functions are in english instead of just by CfN number.

The 580 can control a 430 or 580 as a remote flash via wireless eTTL, the 430 can't.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

06/17/2008 01:23:06 PM · #12

Thanks, how about for an XTI?
Is the 580EXII too bulky for it?

Does it work well with the XTI?

SamDoe1

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

06/17/2008 02:36:00 PM · #13

Originally posted by JaimeVinas:

Thanks, how about for an XTI?
Is the 580EXII too bulky for it?

Does it work well with the XTI?

It will work great with any Canon SLR camera. There isn't much of a reason, other than if you can't afford it, to not get the 580EX over the 430EX so don't worry about that. It is bigger and heavier, but also much more powerful, can recycle much faster, and can act as a wireless master unit. Another option is the Sigma EF530 DG Super (I think that's the most current one). It's supposed to be equal to the 580EX but comes up short but it can still act as a wireless master unit. It is, however, close to half the price though and has a built in optical slave which the Canon flashes do not. Another option is to get the 580EX2 now and then just add on 430EX or Sigma units later on to use as slaves. If you have the budget to get the 580, then by all means get one, you won't be disappointed at all.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

06/17/2008 02:53:01 PM · #14

Thanks alot. I am going to get the 580EX II then. :)

theSaj

Canon EOS-20D

06/17/2008 03:09:25 PM · #15

Having both an 580EX & 580EX II, I heartily recommend the latter.

The quick release and the MUCH MUCH MUCH improved battery cover is alone worth it!

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

06/17/2008 03:22:45 PM · #16

Originally posted by hopper:

WHat does that make my 420EX? A dinosaur?