I have a family get-together to go to in July. The rumor that I am a pro photographer is flying all across distant family since I have acquired rather expensive photography gear.

This get-together is happening near chicago, so I know I'm going to be taking my gear there as I will have plenty of locations to shoot.

Well, I know I'll be expected to take pictures at the event, which I don't really mind doing. Since this will be an indoor event, I'm going to have to invest in a flash unit. Either a 580ex or a 430ex. I am not going to bother with any more equipment, as I don't want to invest in stuff I will not be using much. I'll probably get a diffuser of some sort which isn't very expensive.

So I need help deciding which flash and diffuser to get.

Also, any adivce that can help with my situation would be greatly appreciated. I have not done flash photography at all. I am reading on it on the web and trying to learn as much as I can.

fyi I was doing a price search for both flash units, and I found a place that is selling the 430ex for 221 shipped. If I get this unit today or tomorrow, I can get it for 200 counting the canon double rebate.

Thanks for the replies.

 

If you don't want to spend a lot of money. I have a 420EX I'll let you have for $125 shipped.

 

I have the 430EX and I have been quite happy with it. I was in the same position as you. I was undecided between 580EX and the 430EX. I went with the 430EX as it was alot cheaper. Also, while the 580EX can drive other flashes, you still need atleast two flashes to do that, so I figured if I need to start using multiple flashes then that will be the time to buy the 580EX. As it is now, the 430EX has been able to handle everything for me. I'm no professional, so my needs are not that demanding. It is quite powerful enough for me and at times I had to dial it down a bit. It does make the camera alot heavier and harder to carry around but it is definitely the best purchase I have done to help my photos come out better. I say 80% of the time, my flash is on my camera. Eventhough I still have alot to learn, I highly recommend getting a flash.

 

I got a 430EX as well and like it a lot. Wasn't worth the extra money getting a 580EX since I don't have any slave flashes. Like guia x said, if I need to drive other flashes I'll get a 580EX and use the 430EX that I already have.

 

Go with the 430EX. Chances are slim that you'll need the extra stop of power the 580 provides.

I wouldn't worry too much about a diffuser to begin with, but you could grab an omnibounce for ~$20 if you're looking for something to play with. There is so much to learn about using a flash that jumping straight into modifiers might make things a little more difficult for you. Learn how to control the balance between ambient and flash lighting first, then experiment with bounce flash, then try a diffuser or other modifier.

One of the best purchases you can make for your flash is to grab a CTO orange and CTO green gel to color balance for tungsten and fluorescent lighting. You can get a couple of Rosco 8x10" sheets for $8.50 from MPEX: http://mpex.com/InventoryListKeyWord...=&NU=NewOrUsed

The 8x10 sheets are basically a lifetime supply for your hotshoe flashes. You just need to cut enough to wrap around the edges of your flash then attach it with some sticky velcro. If you want pics, I'll show you how mine is set up.

 

This is great thread as I'm in a similar boat....

Dan, I'd like to see your flash set-up.


-sp

 

I'll take pics of mine, but in the mean time, here's a good DIY: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03...o-correct.html

Actually, while you're at Strobist, check out his other "Lighting 101" threads: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html