I currently have a 40D and a 380EX flash. I am contemplating upgrading the flash to a 430EX. I don't do any portraits mainly use the flash for fill and macro /closeup shots and an occasional family shots.
I don't want to waste money and am questioning if the 430EX will be a significantly better flash for my type of shooting?
Thanks in advance
Jim
Depends on your longer range plans. By itself the 430ex just has just a bit more power. Canon model numbers reflect their metric GN (430 = 43m / 142 ft)
But the 430ex is compatible with the Canon wireless control system (the 380ex isn't). If in the future you were to decide to add a 550ex, 580ex or 580exII you'd have a very versatile dual-flash system. SInce you do macro / close-up pairing the 430ex with a MR-14 ring flash would also be a great combo: the MR-14 will also serve as a Master for a 430ex slave.
If you click the WWW button and look in the Canon section you can find tutorials on how the Canon system works.
