Canon Speedlite 430 EX II Flash

AnimalRights

Ok, I feel like I'm ready now to move forward and buy an external flash,
I've now started to have become experienced enough when looking at my pictures to notice the flash appearing on peoples faces and want to learn about bouncing/deffusing, the 580 series would def be far more than what I need, I'll be using this flash mostly for gigs.
Can anyone tell me what differences I will notice in everyday uses as well as for gigs.
Links are good but also want a quick hands on from people.

Borderfox

The 580exII is far better built than the 430exII and has quicker recycling and has better battery management, you can also plug the CP-E4 battery packs into the 580exII which give you even faster recycling and longer battery life. Bigger heads on the 580exII than the 430ex. In everyday use sometimes I would be waiting for the 430 to recycle whereas the 580 kept banging away.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0806/08061001canon430iiex.asp

elderlemon

Ditto. 580 is a FAR better flash. Worth the money and you will be happy!

pixbyjohn

I have a 430ex and am very happy with it. I agree it is not as good as the 580 but for hobby/general photography I think you will be happy with it

King Eric

My money would be on a 580 mark I, going for way less than 300 at the moment on ebay etc, nearly as good as the markII cept not as waterproof, and it takes 20% longer to charge.

Its also not completely silent but i quite like that about my mark I's cos i know by the sound of them when there recharged and ready to go again or when the batteries are fooked, (though not at a gig obviously)

just figure a way of getting it off camera and remotely triggering it for the gigs, it makes a world of a diference. Flash is pretty tricky to use at gigs without overpowering everthing else but it can add so much to a shot and let you capture stuff that otherwise you wudnt have a hope of getting.

AnimalRights

People are picking me up wrong, I know the 580 is the better lens but it was information on the 430 II I wanted!
Such as the advantages of using an external flash during days and at gigs.
Any other tips etc

Borderfox

The advantage of flash during the day is to remove shadows, if you have to take picutres of say a demonstration and they have the sun behind them, you cant ask them to move somewhere else so you can get a better shot, lash up the flash and you can still get a usable shot. I wouldnt be using flash at a gig though, you would be far better off learning how to get usable shots without it than with as most time you cant use it.

AnimalRights

Ta BF, I can always use a flash at a Punk gig though as Punk is DIY, no bouncers no prima-donnas, its for the people by the people.

Borderfox

No probs, if you want I have a 430ex you can have a mess around with for a week or two also have an 85mm f1.8 thats available.. Just let me know, I will be in Dublin on the northside tomorrow.

AnimalRights

Borderfox wrote: »

No probs, if you want I have a 430ex you can have a mess around with for a week or two also have an 85mm f1.8 thats available.. Just let me know, I will be in Dublin on the northside tomorrow.

Tell you what I'm in work for the next few days but would be more interested in not taking a loan but a quick few live tips/ few shots while you're there.
Could meet ya during my work hours b4 it gets busy between 7 or 8pm tom night or even better after work around 1pm Friday? I buy ya a pint as you explain stuff?
I work in Raheny/Baldoyle area on Friday, Thursday night Ballybough near the esso garage.
No need for the 85mm lens, I always bring my cam and a few lenses with me.
If this week doesn't suit same times any other week or any morning on Mondays/Wedensdays.

I have yet to have a live tutorial of anyone yet.

Borderfox

Friday sounds grand, I have to pick up some stuff on Friday in Coolock so should be near enough

AnimalRights

Borderfox wrote: »

Friday sounds grand, I have to pick up some stuff on Friday in Coolock so should be near enough

Yeah I can pass through Edenmore so a pint there or somewhere like Beaumont?
No ****ing Blacksheep in Northside or whatever they call it these days!
Sheaf o' Wheat in Coolock village still going?
In fact can drink anywhere on the way back towards town!

Borderfox

I can meet you in Graingers in Baldoyle, you can ply me with coffee I will have the car with me.

AnimalRights

Borderfox wrote: »

I can meet you in Graingers in Baldoyle, you can ply me with coffee I will have the car with me.

I know Grainger's well, have had a few lunches/pints there, nice outside view too.
I can be at Graingers at either 12ish or 1.30ish, whatever suits ya best.