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430 exii vs 580 ex ii - Will I hate the output difference?

CoLmes
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p.1 #1 · 430 exii vs 580 ex ii - Will I hate the output difference?

I'm getting into OCF now and I am looking to add more flashes to my bag. I'll be doing work which will use umbrella's, softboxes, bouncing and also wedding receptions where I'll have flashes off camera as well as one on.

I was wondering by using this method (especially during weddings) if having a difference in output would really be tough for me. Is there a noticeable difference?

Thanks
Colin

Nov 30, 2012 at 03:37 PM

svassh
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p.1 #2 · 430 exii vs 580 ex ii - Will I hate the output difference?

I'm no pro but I did have a 430EXII and added a 580EX. The difference was significant enough that I sold the 430EXII and bought another 580EX. Roughly the same price used and I think the 580EX throws light quite a bit farther.

Nov 30, 2012 at 03:42 PM

timbop
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p.1 #3 · 430 exii vs 580 ex ii - Will I hate the output difference?

For receptions I use ab800's off camera; they work great and not having to worry about recycle times is a bonus. IMHO canon's OCF triggering sucks. I use PCB triggers, which work great if you have a 580 (version 1) on camera. I use the zebra 580 foot that has a 1/8 plug on it, and velcro the tiny CST trigger to the side of the flash with a short cord to the flash's 1/8 jack. You get on camera for fill and off-camera as key - with the ability to kill one of the other for a shot extremely simple (ie turn off flash or unplug trigger). I have gone through the gamut of different techniques for the last 2 years, and the AB800's with 580 classics is the best bang for the buck and most reliable.

Nov 30, 2012 at 05:49 PM

timbop
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p.1 #4 · 430 exii vs 580 ex ii - Will I hate the output difference?

This shot below was with a grid in the ab800, and flash on camera turned off:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=397978656940689&set=a.397977863607435.90900.189425577795999&type=3&theater

Then turn on oncamera flash for fill:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=397978706940684&set=a.397977863607435.90900.189425577795999&type=3&theater

Nov 30, 2012 at 05:53 PM

canon pants
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p.1 #5 · 430 exii vs 580 ex ii - Will I hate the output difference?

I have two 430 ii's and one 580ii, the 430's get used 95 percent of the time. 430's are smaller, recycle faster and do the job fine. I don't like the subjects to look flashed out, better to bump your iso for ambiant and just use the flash for a touch of fill. Even when off camera at a wedding I keep the output fairly low around 1/4 power, I am not sure exactly how much becuase I use the dial on a pocket wizard jrx.

Not to say the 580's are not good. They have a bounce card (I hate the bounce card), a pc sync port in the side, can rotate both ways 180 degrees, weather sealed, and are more powerfull for overpowering the sun.

Hope that helps.

Nov 30, 2012 at 07:39 PM

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