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General discussion

Flash HELP

by deineria Feb 17, 2010 9:34AM PST

My vivitar 285HV doesn't work well with my Canon XSI. I haven't used it with it in a long while because it got on my nerves. Maybe it just doesn't work with it when I have the Canon in auto mode, but it seems like the timing was off all of the time. Anyway, I assume I should just sell it an get a canon flash,which surely will work in whatever mode I have the canon DSLR in.
I do some indoor portraits, and I need something powerful enough for church lighting - which is usually quite dark - and larger groups. . .i.e. weddings, but it doesn't need to be pro. . .obviously, I would have the above issues if I knew much about what I'm doing - lol.
I don't really want to spend the cash for the Speedlite 430EX II Flash since
I need to buy another lens or two right now, too.
I don't want bare basics either which is what I think I'd get with the
Canon Speedlite 270EX.
How about the Canon Speedlite 420EX - also, what about this, the older version of the 430 II?

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
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Flash
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Feb 17, 2010 10:45AM PST

The 420EX is a good choice.

It gets good reports and the price is right for non-pros.

..

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I have the 420EX
by kalel33-20416052469708587370302374692233 Feb 18, 2010 6:30AM PST

It's a great flash. Now that I want to get into off camera flash, I wish I had a flash with manual control, but if all you want is an automatic TTL flash then the 420EX is great.

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Flash choice
by hjfok Feb 18, 2010 6:15AM PST

For a good flash, you need to be able to swivel and tilt to do bounce flash. So at least get the 420 ex. The 430ex II will be slightly better. These 2 are decent flashes and can be used as a slave unit with the 580ex II master unit or the wireless transmitter. At some point in the future, you will do multiple flash setups if you are into portraits. One flash is used as a main light and the other as a fill or hair/background light. You should also get a flash diffuser. The Gary Fong light sphere is good for portraits and weddings.

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Ebay
by deineria Feb 18, 2010 7:37AM PST

Thanks. I won it on ebay for $140 with a Sto-fen diffuser, and I listed the 285HV on there. I think it will do what I'm hoping it will. I just didn't think 430ex II would provide $130 worth of a difference, but I could be wrong.

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420ex vs 430 ex
by hjfok Feb 18, 2010 8:20AM PST

There is actually quite a bit of difference that is worth the price difference for me and a good number of others. But it is up to you to decide whether it is worth the difference.

The most significant difference is that the 430ex has manual flash mode with flash output adjustable from full to 1/64 power. And you can set the flash exposure compensation directly on the 430 ex. These 2 features are worth the price difference. Manual flash control is very important to me, as I do manual adjustments from time to time. If you do multiple portrait shots, and you have already got the right exposure, then the manual flash setting makes the shots consistent. If you let the camera automatically adjust the flash each time, you may get inconsistent exposures and can drive you crazy occasionally. I also do a lot of flash exposure compensation manually on the flash, often dial down the flash output for the fill flash to look more natural. The 420 ex can do this but you have to use the camera manual to do the adjustment, not as convenient.

The 430 ex can use the distance-linked ETT-II, which has more accurate exposure than the 420 ex. The 430ex also has a significantly faster recycling time so shot to shot time is decreased. This is more apparent when you use flash in succession, and especially when battery starts to get drained or low.

There are other minor difference, the 430 ex has a LCD panel to display info, very helpful when you do manual adjustments. The 430 ex also has a diffusion panel that covers a wider angle, but the Sto-fen diffuser will help to diffuse the light anyways.

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Recycle time
by deineria Feb 18, 2010 11:29AM PST

Now, I will take note of a slow recycle time. The 285HV drove me crazy with its recycle time, but I learned to accept it. lol. At this point, I am not sure manual adjustments would be something I would do a lot, with my limited knowledge. Of course, differences that make something worth it to someone with a lot of experience, are probably not ones I will even realize, at this point.
Thanks for the insight.

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