430 Ex v 530 EX

Slicker · 05-09-2008, 13:52

Hey, yes another "Which should I buy thread"

What is the main differences and advantages of the flash units above. I am really looking for a good flash that I can use as a fill flash to remove shadows when its sunny and a better flash for indoor use.

Advice please.

Thanks
Paul

edit: should have said this id for an EOS400D

brian wright22 · 05-09-2008, 17:18

The main difference is that the 530ex (580ex)? has a slave flash driver built into the flash body which will trigger several 430ex flash guns set to their slave mode. These 5/series flash guns have more flash engery capabilities of about 20% than the 430ex. You have 4 channels to select, so with the 530/580ex mounted on the camera this will trigger the slave 430ex's with automatic control to give a proper exposed shot.(Well that,s the theory).In practice you will have to experient.

The 430ex does not have the build in circuitry to trigger other Canon slave flash guns.I have one of these and for general flash shots it works very well.

silkstone · 05-09-2008, 17:25

The other thing is that the 580EX is more powerful - Guide Number of 58 instead of 43 - but it's also larger and dearer.

If you want to use it outdoors, power may be an issue. You can never have too much power.

brian wright22 · 05-09-2008, 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by silkstone

The other thing is that the 580EX is more powerful - Guide Number of 58 instead of 43 - but it's also larger and dearer.

If you want to use it outdoors, power may be an issue. You can never have too much power.

Is that what I said Silks about +20%

Slicker · 05-09-2008, 18:04

so you both think its worth spending the extra money for the 580ex?

Reason I was lookng at the 430Ex is that I have found one (Second Hand) for £50

silkstone · 05-09-2008, 18:09

If the secondhand 430EX is genuine and good, snap it up - it's a bargain!

If you find you need anything more powerful, you can always buy the 580EX and use the 430 as a slave or if you want something smaller to carry around.

It's also worth looking on eBay or wherever for a 550EX. I still use one of these and it's very similar to the 580EX in terms of performance - the results I get from it don't justify upgrading.

P.S. Sorry Brian - missed that bit in your post about power.

Slicker · 05-09-2008, 18:10

bums.. I misread the article. its a 430EZ for £50.... is that still worth it?

silkstone · 05-09-2008, 18:11

No - absolutely not - the EZ series does not support ETTL with EOS digital cameras, so it would be manual only.

Slicker · 05-09-2008, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by silkstone

No - absolutely not - the EZ series does not support ETTL with EOS digital cameras, so it would be manual only.

ahh, I thought it looked to good to be true.....

time to start my search again...

Anyone want to sell me a 430EX?

morlandroger · 05-09-2008, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slicker

ahh, I thought it looked to good to be true.....

time to start my search again...

Anyone want to sell me a 430EX?

I have a 430EX
.
.
.
.

Sorry do not want to sell

Does what I want it to do most of the time but sometimes a bit more power would be good. Budget stopped me getting the bigger one.
Roger

brian wright22 · 06-09-2008, 12:33

flash Canon 430ex with 2 diffussers on eBay, also, Flash Units, Digital Camera Accessories, Photography (end time 08-Sep-08 21:45:14 BST)

Try this Slicker on E-bay the current bid is £74.

Bald Runner · 07-09-2008, 15:02

I am relatively new to photography and am just about to buy my first flash unit for my 400D. It seems that the Speedlight 430 Mk11 / 580 are the preferred options. I can afford either (but had to sell by banjo to do so

) but do not want to spend money unnecessarily. I am not a pro. What would the forum advise? (if I buy the 430 i could but a decent tripod as well)

brian wright22 · 07-09-2008, 19:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bald Runner

I am relatively new to photography and am just about to buy my first flash unit for my 400D. It seems that the Speedlight 430 Mk11 / 580 are the preferred options. I can afford either (but had to sell by banjo to do so

) but do not want to spend money unnecessarily. I am not a pro. What would the forum advise? (if I buy the 430 i could but a decent tripod as well)

First of all Bald Runner, have you found that the 400D internal flash is inadequate for the shots you have tried it with?
The main drawback with this internal flash is that you are unable to do any creative flash shots such as Bounce Flash off of the ceiling or walls to give a more even flash especially when taking people as the subject. This is because the flash module is fixed once it is popped up!