What's the Difference?

[Iguanasan]

Hey gang,

I can read the specs but from a practical usage point of view, what's the difference between the Canon Speedlite 430EX II and the Canon Speedlite 580EX II besides the approx. $200 in price. More importantly, why do I care about these differences? What am I giving up by settling for the 430EX II?

[Wicked Dark]

Just by looking at the model #s and knowing zilch about Canon flashes, I'd say the guide # is longer on the 2nd one which is good if you know you're going to need more reach and/or more light. Other than that I have no idea. Yeah, real helpful huh?

[Marko]

AFAIK, the 430 is weaker and its head does not swivel to the same degree. The swiveling head is very important for easy bouncing.

[Mad Aussie]

And I find the reach of the 580 simply awesome in the rainforest when shooting birds. I'm hitting them at 15 metres at times with a 400 ISO.

It's not like you wouldn't be happy with the 430 though. I think there's also a difference in another feature too ... think it's the multi-strobic feature from memory ... but I wouldn't pay extra for that.

[Marko]

I too can vouch for the 580 EX and 580 EXll - awesome flashes.

I actually had one for sale and posted it here but no one bit...sold it a few months back when I switched to Nikon.

[Matt K.]

Not sure about the Canon flashes. I'd check into the NISSIN Di866. I bought it for my Nikon, and it is superb. High guide number, lots of options, all the tilt and swivel you want, can be triggered by onboard flash or camera (if so equipped) and has many functions. Best of all, I paid Can$ 260 for it. Ebay. The Nikon SB900 would have been double that, and I am sure the Canon Speedlight will be the same.