New toy/tool

[Big Mike]

I got a new toy...(or tool, depending on how you look at it)

ya, ya...I know it's a crappy photo

 

[Alex_B]

Hmmm. I was expecting a super large white phallic L-lens here

I got a new toy...(or tool, depending on how you look at it)

ya, ya...I know it's a crappy photo

Hmm, well, this having-almost-no-focus-anywhere effect adds to the artistic value of this image

Anyway, congrats to your new toy!

 

[doenoe]

wow, you got a new phone with intercom and all, very nice

Anyways, congrats on the new flash

 

[Big Mike]

I was talking about the Alienbee catalogue...but thanks anyway :greenpbl:

 

[rmh159]

Nice, congrats on the hit to the wallet. I got an SB-800 this past weekend too so I'm having fun blinding the pets.

 

[JTHphoto]

i've had this same flash for about a year now, with an omnibounce and stroboframe. I've been really happy with it. it makes me wonder how I ever used the popup flash. congrats!

 

[shingfan]

Nice, congrats on the hit to the wallet. I got an SB-800 this past weekend too so I'm having fun blinding the pets.

my wife complained all the time the blinking from my flash (SB600) make her dizzy....lol

 

[fmw]

I was talking about the Alienbee catalogue...but thanks anyway :greenpbl:

I didn't know Alien Bees was making anything with Canon's name on it.

 

[nakedyak]

Mike, I really want to know how you like this flash. I have a Sigma DG-500 or something similar, and i'm really not happy with it. the usability of it is just awkward and confusing, and i've heard good things about canon flashes. is it good enough so that I wouldnt have to get the 580?

 

[Big Mike]

I have only played around with it...but so far, so good.

The flash I had been using was a Braun Vario-zoom...which can be an 'auto' flash...but it only has two setting...F4 and F8. I could still adjust the FE with the ISO slider...but it was a pain at times.

The TTL metering of the Canon unit looks like it will be nice and easy. Being able to use FEC on the camera will be nice.

The Braun was quite powerful for my needs and the 430EX is more powerful yet...so I should be OK for power.

The auto zooming head of the 430 is nice. The Braun has three zoom positions but it has to be done manually...which I often forgot to do.

Comparing the 430 to the 580...the 580 is obviously more powerful, a little bigger and the 580 has much better controls. The 580 has a wheel on the back while the 430 has moon shaped buttons that are skinny and hard to press. If you have FEC on the body, it's not a big deal...but if you have a Rebel or some body without FEC on the body...then the 430 is a pain in the butt. The 580 can be a wireless Master or Slave...the 430 can only be a slave. The 580 is compatible with Canon's remote power pack...I don't think the 430 is. I think that the 580 also twists with more freedom than the 430. The 580 has a pull out deflector card, which my Braun also has...but the 430 doesn't have on...I may miss this feature.

 

[nakedyak]

post some sample pics soon!

 

[Nill]

I think it's a TOY, specially if it can be remote controlled. Enjoy

 

[PNA]

Flash away.............blink, blink

Bring on some shots!!

 

[table1349]

I have only played around with it...but so far, so good.

The flash I had been using was a Braun Vario-zoom...which can be an 'auto' flash...but it only has two setting...F4 and F8. I could still adjust the FE with the ISO slider...but it was a pain at times.

The TTL metering of the Canon unit looks like it will be nice and easy. Being able to use FEC on the camera will be nice.

The Braun was quite powerful for my needs and the 430EX is more powerful yet...so I should be OK for power.

The auto zooming head of the 430 is nice. The Braun has three zoom positions but it has to be done manually...which I often forgot to do.

Comparing the 430 to the 580...the 580 is obviously more powerful, a little bigger and the 580 has much better controls. The 580 has a wheel on the back while the 430 has moon shaped buttons that are skinny and hard to press. If you have FEC on the body, it's not a big deal...but if you have a Rebel or some body without FEC on the body...then the 430 is a pain in the butt. The 580 can be a wireless Master or Slave...the 430 can only be a slave. The 580 is compatible with Canon's remote power pack...I don't think the 430 is. I think that the 580 also twists with more freedom than the 430. The 580 has a pull out deflector card, which my Braun also has...but the 430 doesn't have on...I may miss this feature.

Big Mike, you have pretty much nailed the differences except one. Price. 580 is much more expensive. The 430 is a great workhorse. Have fun.