430EX speedlight 'v' 530EX

[Bridgett]

Which one should I buy?

What are the advantages of the 530EXII over the 430EX?
I have read lots of blurb and recs on various threads
Can someone techie explain in relatively simple laymans terms
what am i getting for the extra £100+

[8utters]

It's the 580 not 530.

The 580 is firstly more powerful than te 430. Depends if you need power to warrent you splashing out a bit more on it.

It's also bigger and bulkier.

The 580 also has a few extra features and more custom functions.

[steveinspain]

Bridgett - I have both.
The 430 is a great flashgun, but the 580 is more so. It is a lot bigger, not sure if that matters to you, and it can also take the canon battery pack ( a plastic rip off item that is worth every penny for what it does. It is not worth the money for what you get, but it gives much quicker recharging times, and no worries of batteries failing at a crucial moment)
I now feel that the 430 is too much of a toy compared to the 580 in terms of build quality, yet it will do most of what I need normally.
So, does this help - No.
I would advise that the 580 is worth the extra if you are asking - that implies you can raise the extra dosh. But, if size matters (it does not, I am often found to be saying..) then the 430 is good enough for most uses.

[mmcp42]

I started my recent canon career with 430EX
just bought a 580 EX II
sooooo much better, faster, brighter, more functions

imho ymmv

[dod]

I've got the 580 but borrowed Marcels 430 for a wedding shoot last year. I've got to say the 430 is a really good bit of kit, results were just as good as those from the 580.

Certainly it has a little less power, doesn't take the battery pack, don't think it can be used as a master in a multi flash set up but for normal day to day work it's great.

[Les McLean]

I use both, and both are very good, depends what you want them to be used for, if it's general flash work, the 430 does what it says on the tin very well, but if you need more power (big group shots for example) the 580 is the one.

I find the 430 (being lighter) is easier to carry around all day.

[paul1968uk]

This was something i was going to ask so alot of answers there for me to look at too, i was going towards the 430 just for normal shooting as not a pro or anything and thought the 580 may have not got the use that it deserves.

[Bob]

Did you get one if so which one and why? as I am in same position as you
Bob:thinking:

[robbys82]

I have both and find the 430 is great for most stuff but as mentioned above for bigger shots the 580 has extra power which is useful.

The controls on the 580 are easier to use (the round dial etc). A bit like on a 40D as opposed to the 400D where you have buttons, the same applies to the flashes.

Using the 580 as a master controlling a 430 as a slave is another really great feature! Also the strobe effect on a 580 is cool.

To be honest, i got the 430 first and found it brought my photos on leaps and bounds being able to bounce the light etc.

Also make sure you get a diffuser too!! The 580 comes with a kinda bounce card which the 430 doesnt have.

[Chappers]

Just got a 580 to compliment the 430 I have. Kerso's got some good prices on the 580 (£240). I got the 580 as I needed a second unit and it'll slave my 430.

Yes the 580 has more power but I've never found the 430 wanting either.

So unless you're going to need to slave another Canon flash or need to illuminate a large area then the 430 is a good choice.

[Bob]

I dont think I will have large areas to illuminate but I want to buy the right flash first time so thinking towards 580 ex
Bob

[robbys82]

did photos of my mates band last night, used the 430 as its a bit smaller and lighter - got some great shots!

[inaneredstripe]

yup. agree with all said so far. we have both. the 580ex 11 is much more powefull and "she" prefers it for our wedding work. also recycles quicker and can be used as a master to trigger a remote slave 430 too. thats what we use em for too.
the price difference is fairly hefty ***. so we have one 580 and two 430,s.

[whitewash]

ive had both, bought the 430EX as a slave, so never connected it to the camera, was a nice peice of kit but i didnt warrant keeping it so i sold it on

[Sam S]

I have a 580 EX II and am very happy with it. Have never played with a 430 so can't compare.

I don't want to hijack the thread but what's all this about the 'battery pack' that the 580EX II takes?

[Bridgett]

dont worry Sam S - please feel free to hijack as I was also wondering about the battery pack mentioned?

[dolomitefan]

I'm in a similar predicament. Used to have a 430EZ when I had the film EOS's but sold it though it would seem it wouldn't have worked on the 40D anyway. The strobe feature was really useful sometimes on that flash so it looks like it might be a 580EX for me then. Time to start saving up the pennies again.

[AliB]

I bought a 580mk1 because I wanted to stick a ring flash on it.

http://www.flaghead.co.uk/pages/ringflash-intro.html

I love the bounce facitlity on the 580, I was taking photos in a bathroom recently and bounced it off the ceiling so I didn't get a load of light blasted back off the shiny taps.
Worked a treat.

[W.Smith]

Also make sure you get a diffuser too!! The 580 comes with a kinda bounce card which the 430 doesnt have.



But ABBC (http://abetterbouncecard.com/) is better and cheaper!

[steveinspain]

I have a 580 EX II and am very happy with it. Have never played with a 430 so can't compare.

I don't want to hijack the thread but what's all this about the 'battery pack' that the 580EX II takes?

The battery pack is a moulded plastic box that take 8 (I think) AA batteries, and connects via a cable to the flash.
It costs around £100, or less via Kerso, and all it does is gives you much faster recycling and less battery changing - costly, but fantastic for things like weddings, or action where you need to keep the flash flashing !
Worth every penny in that aspect !

[Fionab]

i note u say the 530 but everyone is comparing the 430 with the 580........... I have the 530 and its an excellent flash with no problems but was it the 530 or the 580 u were wanting info on?

[George]

I agree with Steve, the extra (external) pack is good, and works well with rechargeables.

[steveinspain]

Fionab - hmm - I had read 530 as 580...
Sorry if that threw you of course...
I don't know the 530 - my comments were aimed at 430- v's 580..
Get the 580. You will almost never feel the need for more power, but with anything smaller you might..! For normal use, both will do the job - IE fire a flash. For some fancy uses, a 580 can be used to trigger other flashguns. Rarely, you will need the 580. When you do, you will be glad you spent the extra. Buy once, save the depreciation and get something else you want or need..!

[nada]

hi every one ..

i have few Q's about same subject

i had Canon 350D :love:

and i need a flash Often for portrait in door \ out door

is 580 EX II work great with my camera ? or it's just 4 the newest camera's !!

i relly need help , coz i want to buy one in the next day

im Confused when i think about these flashes
i want one , but i dont **** one :shrug: