Author Topic: Canon Speedlight 430EX II
deadcactus 
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Subject: Canon Speedlight 430EX II
Decent flash?

I was thinking the 270EX is too low-end to bother with and the 580EX II is more than I want to spend. I figure a 430EX II will work well for now and I can grab a 580EX II later and use the 430EX II as a second flash unit.

Sound reasonable? Or should I hold out until I'm ready to pay the extra $130 for the 580EX II?

 

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_Kewk_ 
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Subject: Canon Speedlight 430EX II
All depends on what you actually want to do with it. You could easily get away with this flash, an umbrella, and 3 people.

 

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tsingtao2 
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Subject: Canon Speedlight 430EX II
on camera via eTTL or off camera via radio synch?

 

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deadcactus 
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Subject: Canon Speedlight 430EX II
For now on camera. Would be interested in using it for off-camera stuff later on, though. I hate flash, but I can't help but use it sometimes. It seems like real flashes get much better results than the on-camera flash though...

Edit:

Main purpose is for motion shots of people when it's too dark to go without a flash.

 

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RalltirNalius 
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Subject: Canon Speedlight 430EX II
I just bought the 430EX II, it is my first flash but I have been pleased with it. To me the 580 EX II is just too much size/weight. I have a Canon Rebel T1i. My buddy shoots with a Canon 7D and he says that the power/range of the 580 EX II is significant and thinks that it is the only way to go.

I guess it comes down to size/purpose.

 

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Ah-Schoo 
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Subject: Canon Speedlight 430EX II

I'm quite happy with mine.

 

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deadcactus 
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Subject: Canon Speedlight 430EX II
I decided to grab one. Figured it was a nice middle point between power and size. Seems like a nice addition to my gear as I try to go in a more compact but versatile direction with it...

 

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deadcactus 
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Subject: Canon Speedlight 430EX II
Hmm. Beginning to rethink my decision. Maybe I should go with this:

http://www.mpex.com/page.htm?PG=STROBIST1XKITS

 

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tsingtao2 
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Subject: Canon Speedlight 430EX II
that kit has the LP160, which has quad synch... good choice for a speedlight

 

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deadcactus 
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Subject: Canon Speedlight 430EX II
Yea, really tempted. Seems to be a quality flash for much cheaper. Also opens up some new options for experimentation...

 

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tsingtao2 
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Subject: Canon Speedlight 430EX II
from what I have read, the LP's are good flashes. Even David Hobby likes them, from what I understand. I cant chime in, as I dont have one. I have a YN560 and a nikon SB28. When I need to run and gun, I have a Canon 420EZ, which only works in auto mode :\

 

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deadcactus 
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Subject: Canon Speedlight 430EX II
Still on the fence about this. On one hand, the 430EX seems like the best compromise between bulk and power for whenever I just want an on-camera flash. On the other, it seems like a waste to pay for all the TTL bells and whistles without going all in and getting the 580EX.

So what should I do, guys? Keep the 430EX and buy one of those strobist kits when I get a little more cash together? Or pay the $10 to return it, get the strobist kit, and buy a 580EX when I can justify the cost...

 

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