trying to decide on a flash

[scotthl]

Hi,

I'm looking at buying my first flash, trying to decide between the Canon 430ex or the 580ex. I'm only just geting into the flash stuff, so is the 580ex worth the extra money for a newbie?

[reaction]

of course!
as big as possible

[n00g33]

haha yeh. they only get bigger and better so you mite as well get the 580. It's better than figuring out you need a more powerful flash later.

[Colourised]

id say depends really, depends on whether youre going to use it on-camera most of the time or off camera?

if on camera - i assume TTL is going to be used most of the time, and if its for small events/home gatherings, i think the 430ex would suffice. but if its weddings or large events then 580ex it is!

off-camera, manual flashes is the way to go, total control at low prices!

cheers

[vk2gwk]

You can do the same as I did.... I first bought a 430 because I thought the 580 was too expensive. Then discovered that the 430 has its limitations and sometimes just is not strong enough. So I bought the 580EXII and kept the 430.... Now I have two flashes, some cheap remote triggers, a couple of umbrella's... Enables me to light most situations.
The combination of 430 and 580 is great in "Master - Slave" configuration. Gives you a lot of light - especially when shooting larger groups of people or subjects.
Because I am sure you know the basic rule: to light a subject at twice the distance you need four times the amount of light!

[RamblinR]

If you an afford it go the 580exII.