Speedlight 580EX II v/s 430 EX II
Nov 18, 2011 22:15:06 #
I need some expert adv., Please.
I have a Canon 60D and an EFS 18-200mm lens.
I am itching to go and buy a Speedlight either the 430ex2 or the 580ex2. I did read all I could and still seek your input. I can afford either one but I am also price conscious. I do not want to buy gadgets that I will have no need for. Both will fire remote from and can be controlled from my camera. Perhaps later I upgrade the camera. What would you do and why?
Thanks Jack
PS I had occasion to test fire a 300mm f4L and was so impressed with the attached shot, about 40ft away, that I am now in love with that lens. Later.....
I have a Canon 60D and an EFS 18-200mm lens.
I am itching to go and buy a Speedlight either the 430ex2 or the 580ex2. I did read all I could and still seek your input. I can afford either one but I am also price conscious. I do not want to buy gadgets that I will have no need for. Both will fire remote from and can be controlled from my camera. Perhaps later I upgrade the camera. What would you do and why?
Thanks Jack
PS I had occasion to test fire a 300mm f4L and was so impressed with the attached shot, about 40ft away, that I am now in love with that lens. Later.....
Nov 19, 2011 07:37:34 #
jdtx
Loc: SA, Tx.
the big difference is that the 580EX11 can be set as a master, so later if you decide you want to do more than one flash it can control the other less expensive flashes.and it has a bit more power and range I believe..
Nov 19, 2011 09:12:48 #
I just purchased the 580 EX used (the older model of the EX II) and I LOVE this flash. It has a plastic base and that is actually a benefit as it doesn't allow the flash to short-out like the EX II. Due to wind, and an unbrella set up, this flash has actually dropped more than once on me. Just like Timex, it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Price was great too!
Nov 19, 2011 09:18:05 #
Have the 430EX and it really works very well on both my Canon's.
Took this from balcony with 430EX ,
Nov 19, 2011 09:43:47 #
Hi,
I am just a month ahead of you. I own a Canon SX40 fitted with the ST E2 transmitter to talk to the Speedlites. I was originally looking to buy the 580 EX II when I found on Craigslist a 430 EX II for $125 brand new in the box. Couldn't pass that up. Then just a week ago, I found, also on Craigslist, a 580EX II for $255. I'M DONE LOOKING ON CL :_)
The biggest difference is the 580 has more flash power, faster recycling time by about 20% at full power ( at less power outputs, they both recycle almost instantly ), the 580 can act as either a Master or a Slave depending on your needs, Its head swivels a full 360 as opposed to 270 for the 430. The 580 is 25% heavier bulkier and probably 15-20% bigger. It feels like a brick. VERY SOLID feel where the 430 is lighter, smaller, and more of the traditional plastic feel. Also the 580 has better rubber seals to keep out dust and moisture. TThe 580 also has a Multi Mode for firing off several flashes simultaneously . It also has external inputs for A/C power supply which could be HUGE for studio application and it has PC sync which is another big benefit.
Those are some of the more obvious differences between these two great flashes. If either is in your budget, I would always suggest the 580 simply because it puts out a LOT more flash. You can NEVER have too much light, right ? OR do what I did get 'em both !
I am just a month ahead of you. I own a Canon SX40 fitted with the ST E2 transmitter to talk to the Speedlites. I was originally looking to buy the 580 EX II when I found on Craigslist a 430 EX II for $125 brand new in the box. Couldn't pass that up. Then just a week ago, I found, also on Craigslist, a 580EX II for $255. I'M DONE LOOKING ON CL :_)
The biggest difference is the 580 has more flash power, faster recycling time by about 20% at full power ( at less power outputs, they both recycle almost instantly ), the 580 can act as either a Master or a Slave depending on your needs, Its head swivels a full 360 as opposed to 270 for the 430. The 580 is 25% heavier bulkier and probably 15-20% bigger. It feels like a brick. VERY SOLID feel where the 430 is lighter, smaller, and more of the traditional plastic feel. Also the 580 has better rubber seals to keep out dust and moisture. TThe 580 also has a Multi Mode for firing off several flashes simultaneously . It also has external inputs for A/C power supply which could be HUGE for studio application and it has PC sync which is another big benefit.
Those are some of the more obvious differences between these two great flashes. If either is in your budget, I would always suggest the 580 simply because it puts out a LOT more flash. You can NEVER have too much light, right ? OR do what I did get 'em both !
Nov 19, 2011 10:15:41 #
Here's what I did. Bought the 430 because it was cheaper and a little smaller. Now I have both. If I had to do it over I would have bought the 580 first.
Nov 19, 2011 13:48:16 #
Nov 19, 2011 14:46:53 #
Jackinthebox wrote:
I need some expert adv., Please.
I have a Canon 60D and an EFS 18-200mm lens.
I am itching to go and buy a Speedlight either the 430ex2 or the 580ex2. I did read all I could and still seek your input. I can afford either one but I am also price conscious.
I have a Canon 60D and an EFS 18-200mm lens.
I am itching to go and buy a Speedlight either the 430ex2 or the 580ex2. I did read all I could and still seek your input. I can afford either one but I am also price conscious.
I would get the 580EXII just for the FASTER recycling time alone!
All the extras it does are a bonus, and you may want some of them later.
Mar 17, 2012 12:35:55 #
BrandyVSOP wrote:
I would get the 580EXII just for the FASTER recycling time alone!
All the extras it does are a bonus, and you may want some of them later.
Jackinthebox wrote:
I need some expert adv., Please.
I have a Canon 60D and an EFS 18-200mm lens.
I am itching to go and buy a Speedlight either the 430ex2 or the 580ex2. I did read all I could and still seek your input. I can afford either one but I am also price conscious.
I have a Canon 60D and an EFS 18-200mm lens.
I am itching to go and buy a Speedlight either the 430ex2 or the 580ex2. I did read all I could and still seek your input. I can afford either one but I am also price conscious.
I would get the 580EXII just for the FASTER recycling time alone!
All the extras it does are a bonus, and you may want some of them later.
Here we are much later and I had purchased the 580 ex ii. I was initially not happy at all and one poster pointed out to me that it is not fair to judge the instrument before you really learn to use it. I did not accept it at the time but it is what it is and the money was spent. Now, much later I am glad that I did take the adv from from you all. Still learning more and more and now I love the 580. I know I will buy another flash later but the 580 first is my recommendation now also for anyone starting like this.
Thanks for your patience.
ps not only money well spend but the money is forgotten and the benefits keep a coming.
:thumbup:
Mar 17, 2012 13:11:55 #
On the Canon Speedlights, the number (430, 550, 580) denotes how far it can throw usable light. The 430EX is good for 43 meters, 550 is good for 55 meters, etc...
At least that is what the guy who sold me my Speedlight told me. He seemed very knowledge-able and made a living with his camera.
At least that is what the guy who sold me my Speedlight told me. He seemed very knowledge-able and made a living with his camera.
Mar 17, 2012 13:19:11 #
RocketScientist wrote:
On the Canon Speedlights, the number (430, 550, 580) denotes how far it can throw usable light. The 430EX is good for 43 meters, 550 is good for 55 meters, etc...
At least that is what the guy who sold me my Speedlight told me. He seemed very knowledge-able and made a living with his camera.
At least that is what the guy who sold me my Speedlight told me. He seemed very knowledge-able and made a living with his camera.
The instruction manual for the 580 ex ii verifies that on page 54 max output max distance 58 Meters or 190 ft :thumbup:
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