Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash

[oogabooga]

Considering pulling the trigger on one of these at amazon for $250

Camera Body is a XSi, Lens will usually be a 50mm 1.8 or the kit lens (for now). Primary shooting environment will probably be indoors - specifically workshops/living rooms.

Friend and I are into DIY stuff, and we have a garage workshop. I'd like to take pictures of our projects but sometimes the lighting isn't so great so I end up having to try to take longer exposes which result in blur, or using the onboard flash which results in really harsh pictures.

Wondering what people thoughts on this flash, my gear, and how I want to use it? I don't think I need the weather sealing, or more advanced features in the 580ex II (going for $395 right now which is more than I want to spend), and if the time ever comes where I do, I could just buy the 580EXII and use this as a slave in a multiflash setup?

Just wondering if there was anything I'm over looking?

 

[ivan2]

the way you will use the 430 is to bounce off the ceiling/walls. It does an awesome job at shooting larger objects but i would suggest to also get a cheap umbrella from dealextreme if you want to directly light the smaller stuff that you sometimes need to shoot from a close distance.

also if your lightning is acceptable in long exposure but your camera is not steady enough, an obvious answer is to get a decent tripod.

 

[angry hampster]

Why not buy a used 430EX? Should be able to pick one up for $175 or so.

 

[soydios]

tripod+kit lens for stationary subjects

 

[oogabooga]

the way you will use the 430 is to bounce off the ceiling/walls. It does an awesome job at shooting larger objects but i would suggest to also get a cheap umbrella from dealextreme if you want to directly light the smaller stuff that you sometimes need to shoot from a close distance.

also if your lightning is acceptable in long exposure but your camera is not steady enough, an obvious answer is to get a decent tripod.

Yea, bouncing (even just using some sort of relector in front of the onboard flash to redirect) is definitely more appealing.

Tripod isn't always an option. I do have a tripod that I use and can take steady longer shots, but sometimes I just need to be able to have the camera and move around to take shots more quickly as opposed to setting up a tripod each time.

Why not buy a used 430EX? Should be able to pick one up for $175 or so.

I don't know? Partly why I posted the thread. I don't know all the advantages but I believe it recycles faster and silently, has a better mouting foot, and can be controlled from Camera?

KEH has a used 430EX for 172 but it's listed as bargain. The LN is listed at 215. After shipping I don't know I'd save (Using Amazon Prime). I checked CL for the areas around me but nogo.

 

[akugami]

I like my 430EXII and consider it a necessity for taking pictures indoors. Especially with trying to take pictures of an active little one running around the house.

 

[kyzen]

If you don't want to drop a lot of cash right now, the basic but functional 270EX is a mere $130 right now on Amazon.

The 430 is definitely better, but if cost is at all a concern, it's food for thought.

 

[oogabooga]

If you don't want to drop a lot of cash right now, the basic but functional 270EX is a mere $130 right now on Amazon.

The 430 is definitely better, but if cost is at all a concern, it's food for thought.

Definitely, actually seeing the 270EX for 130 is what lead me to see the 430EXII for 250. The 430EXII seemed better enough to justify the cost and 250 is within reason for me.

I decided to take the plunge, looking forward to the inevitable flashing myself in the face while toying around with the flash unit

Thank you all for your input!

 

[angry hampster]

Have fun.

 

[alfa147x]

I have 2x 430EX and love it I use them off camera and master them with a 550 ex more most of the time using PC Sync cords

 

[olds]

the way you will use the 430 is to bounce off the ceiling/walls....

I assume that is just one technique and not a limitation of the flash?
<--- Looking to get a flash for an xsi.

 

[alfa147x]

I assume that is just one technique and not a limitation of the flash?
<--- Looking to get a flash for an xsi.

Yes, normally if you bounce the flash off of a wall/ceiling it'll wash out the subject less

Take a look at these two:
Link 1
Link 2

 

[olds]

Yes, normally if you bounce the flash off of a wall/ceiling it'll wash out the subject less

Take a look at these two:
Link 1
Link 2

Thanks

 

[alfa147x]

Thanks

Oh and this I used for quite a while:

Link

 

[arrfep]

Another option is to go 3rd party. Sigma's flashes are well-regarded...The EF 500 and 500 super, I think. They will operate in E-TTL with Canon so you don't have to worry about losing automation, they will be cheaper than the 430EX II, and they are significantly more powerful. IMO, you get all the benefits of a dedicated flash at a better price point.

 

[olds]

Another option is to go 3rd party. Sigma's flashes are well-regarded...The EF 500 and 500 super, I think. They will operate in E-TTL with Canon so you don't have to worry about losing automation, they will be cheaper than the 430EX II, and they are significantly more powerful. IMO, you get all the benefits of a dedicated flash at a better price point.

I didn't find the 500 but I found a 530. Is this what you are talking about?
http://www.adorama.com/SG530STEOS.html

 

[arrfep]

I didn't find the 500 but I found a 530. Is this what you are talking about?
http://www.adorama.com/SG530STEOS.html

Yeah, that's the one. 500 must be the old model number.

If you compare it to the 430EX II (assuming you trust manufacturer's guide number ratings) it's nearly as powerful, but still significantly cheaper. Heck, use the extra money and get a synch-cord, umbrella, and stand, and you could probably still spend less than the 430EX.

 

[olds]

Thanks. I am definitely looking at going this route.

 

[Aharami]

not sure if the sigma has slower recycle rates or not, but you might wanna compare that if fps with flash is important to you

 

[akshatp]

I have an Xsi also and recently picked up a used 530 EX II on craigslist a few months ago. It made a world of difference in indoor shots

Just make sure if you are going to "bounce" light you do it off of white walls/ceilings. Otherwise the color of your wall will throw off your WB

 

[RKS]

I have an Xsi also and recently picked up a used 530 EX II on craigslist a few months ago. It made a world of difference in indoor shots

Just make sure if you are going to "bounce" light you do it off of white walls/ceilings. Otherwise the color of your wall will throw off your WB

Did the flash cost more than the camera body?

 

[alfa147x]

Did the flash cost more than the camera body?

Are you implying that this is a bad thing?
Take a look at my equipment

 

[akshatp]

Did the flash cost more than the camera body?

No not even close

Body with 2 lens kit was $900 flash was $175

 

[RKS]

No not even close

Body with 2 lens kit was $900 flash was $175

$400 flash for $175 is pretty good. I've been looking for a 430EX II and can't find it under $200.