Ever since I have announced the Canon 580ii / 430ii Speedlite Crash Course DVD, Ive been getting a lot of questions on which is a better buy and what the differences are. If you look around, you can find the 580ii for less than $400. Is the extra $70-100 worth it? In my opinion, ABSOLUTELY. If it means waiting a little longer, do it. Now, if you are someone that already owns a 430ii, let me say its a great little flash, and you are in luck, its completely compatible with the 580ii as a slave unit. If you are going to do any amount of professional work, you will need at minimum 2 flash units, (3 for good measure).
Here is a comparison of their features for your consideration:
|
Model Current Price (BH Photo) Max Range Top Recycle Time Built in Transmitter Built in Receiver Battery Pack Terminal PC Terminal (For Pocket Wizards) Catch Light Panel External Metering Sensor Custom Settings Strobscopic As Single Unit External Flash Metering Weight |
580ii Speedlite $420 58m @ 105mm .1s Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 14 w 32 settings Yes Yes 405g |
430ii $330 43m @ 105mm ~3.0s (!!) No Yes No No No No 9 with 20 settings No No 320 g |
Wow. thats a huge Difference . I’ll definitely be getting the 580II when I ever get around to getting a flash 🙂
Wish I had known these facts before Xmas when my husband (on his own/without any coaxing from me) purchased the 430ii for me…….how could I tell him anything other than "Wow!"……but I guess I’ll have to start saving my pennies for the 580, eh?????? 😉
Just a thought……anyone know of any place where you can "trade up"????????
I got my 430ex for $200. If I had to pay $330 I probably would have held off for the 580.
Michael, I am only mentioning this as you may be incorporating this chart in your crash course DVD. The top line in your chart (Camera Model?) says and Canon 40D instead of 430ii Speedlite. =)
I have a 580 but not the ii. I wonder if I should get the ii.