Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT or Canon Speedlite 430 EX II
Feb 10, 2014 21:06:02 #
I am just beginning to get into photography and have purchased a Canon 70D. I understand the pop up flashes that come on the cameras do not take as good of pics as one the hot shoe. Trying to decide, as a beginner, whether to go ahead and get the 600 EX-RT and be done with it or begin with the 430 EX II and move up later if needed. Also, wondering about the learning curve on both. As always, thank you so much for your guidance!!
Feb 10, 2014 21:19:15 #
The Canon 430 EX II is a very good speedlight, and many current photographers still use it. Not many photography situation requires the biggest & the best of equipment. A Canon 430 EX II will serve you a long time.
Feb 10, 2014 21:19:40 #
Funny that you mention this. I had the same issue couple months back. I actually posted asking same question!
Anyways, I ended up going with the 430 EX II. Price played a factor (i used the money i saved towards another lens) and I haven't had no regrets. FOR ME personally, its enough flash for what I am using it for. You might end up having different needs.
Learning was pretty much self explanatory. I was using a YN flash previously. Nothing overly difficult in my opinion
So basically it boils down to, what you expect from your flash, what you plan on doing with your photography down the road.
Me i am a take it as i need it guy. if i need it down the road ill get it. But i have a hard time justifying spending that much if i will never fully use it. just remember too, you can always sell the 430 if its not exactly what you need and put that to the 600 if thats what you need down the road!
Anyways, I ended up going with the 430 EX II. Price played a factor (i used the money i saved towards another lens) and I haven't had no regrets. FOR ME personally, its enough flash for what I am using it for. You might end up having different needs.
Learning was pretty much self explanatory. I was using a YN flash previously. Nothing overly difficult in my opinion
So basically it boils down to, what you expect from your flash, what you plan on doing with your photography down the road.
Me i am a take it as i need it guy. if i need it down the road ill get it. But i have a hard time justifying spending that much if i will never fully use it. just remember too, you can always sell the 430 if its not exactly what you need and put that to the 600 if thats what you need down the road!
Feb 10, 2014 21:23:57 #
Feb 10, 2014 22:48:41 #
garwig wrote:
I am just beginning to get into photography and have purchased a Canon 70D. I understand the pop up flashes that come on the cameras do not take as good of pics as one the hot shoe. Trying to decide, as a beginner, whether to go ahead and get the 600 EX-RT and be done with it or begin with the 430 EX II and move up later if needed. Also, wondering about the learning curve on both. As always, thank you so much for your guidance!!
Take a look at the Yongnuo. Much cheaper and work very, very well. I have a Canon and use the Yongnuo 565s, but there are newer, more advanced models.
Feb 11, 2014 06:08:15 #
630 more control more power more reach. I have both don't hardly touch the 430 anymore the 630 is that good and so much easier to make changes as needed. The 430 is a pain trying to change modes power settings.
Feb 11, 2014 06:57:18 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
The Canon 430 EX II is a very good speedlight, and many current photographers still use it. Not many photography situation requires the biggest & the best of equipment. A Canon 430 EX II will serve you a long time.
I agree with Nikonian. I have the 580ex and 430exII.
I use the 430 most of the time with a diffuser. I only take out the 580 when I need it for a master and the 430 as a slave.
Feb 11, 2014 07:30:47 #
BigBear wrote:
I agree with Nikonian. I have the 580ex and 430exII.
I use the 430 most of the time with a diffuser. I only take out the 580 when I need it for a master and the 430 as a slave.
I use the 430 most of the time with a diffuser. I only take out the 580 when I need it for a master and the 430 as a slave.
I agree with both of these gents. I have specific "paid" uses for the 600 EX-RT, and the rest of the time I use the 430EX II. The 430EX II is your best bet and its size and functionality will handle your needs.
Feb 11, 2014 10:29:49 #
What is the learning curve on the 600 for newbie?
nolte1964 wrote:
630 more control more power more reach. I have both don't hardly touch the 430 anymore the 630 is that good and so much easier to make changes as needed. The 430 is a pain trying to change modes power settings.
Feb 11, 2014 10:35:07 #
not that long but like with anything you need to get out and use it and experiment with it. I think you will find the 600 to have other advantages also especially if you need more light. The 430 is a nice little flash, but not sure why you want to buy it and then down the road want something else....I got mine off ebay for just over 400 with shipping brand new so there are deals to be found on this, I paid almost 300 refurbished for my 430. I hardly ever use my flash on camera usually have it on a light stand to use but occasionally I do put it on the camera and use reflective light. What I don't like about the 430 is that the menu controls are hard to use and changing the power output isn't as easy.
Feb 11, 2014 10:41:52 #
The 430 EX II is all you need. I have two of them and have never needed anything else.
garwig wrote:
I am just beginning to get into photography and have purchased a Canon 70D. I understand the pop up flashes that come on the cameras do not take as good of pics as one the hot shoe. Trying to decide, as a beginner, whether to go ahead and get the 600 EX-RT and be done with it or begin with the 430 EX II and move up later if needed. Also, wondering about the learning curve on both. As always, thank you so much for your guidance!!
Feb 11, 2014 14:46:22 #
garwig wrote:
I am just beginning to get into photography and have purchased a Canon 70D. I understand the pop up flashes that come on the cameras do not take as good of pics as one the hot shoe. Trying to decide, as a beginner, whether to go ahead and get the 600 EX-RT and be done with it or begin with the 430 EX II and move up later if needed. Also, wondering about the learning curve on both. As always, thank you so much for your guidance!!
I have the Canon 5D MKII & 7D. I also have the 430 EX II & 580 EX II. To tell you the truth, I use the 430 EX II a LOT more than the 580 EX II.
I consider the 600 EX-RT to be a Pro flash or for someone with the money to spend. If you're just starting out, the 430 EX II should fill the bill for years to come.
Feb 11, 2014 15:38:27 #
and for everything else (if you got to the point) theres pocket wizards. The one thing the RT has thats a bonus i guess you can say is it could be used as a master flash. the 430 can only be used as a slave.
Feb 11, 2014 18:30:42 #
Check out the Yongnuos that have full TTL & ETTL functions. I own 4 of the 560 II, fully manual. They work great, and always read only positive reviews. I think they are under $200.
Feb 11, 2014 18:46:18 #
The 600 EX-RT shines with newer cameras like the 5D III and the 1DX with the built in radio control instead of optical. Older cameras 2012 and lower unfortunately can't take advantage of the radio control unless you spring for the Yongnuo transmitter as the Canon ST-E3-RT limits you with older technology.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.