Flash recommendations

[EmmaP]

Hi all!

My trusty Metz died on me yesterday. It's had 18 years of loyal service. I doubt it will be economical to repair, though will get a quote. (It is not charging and is making a pulsing noise - coming from battery pack.) Only ever used Duracell or similar, never Ni Cad.

So, in view of a potential new purchase, am considering looking into dedicated Canon. I've never had dedicated flash before but everyone swears by them. Have Canon 1DS. Any recommendations or thoughts will be much appreciated.

I don't get on here much these days as I have moved to London and have very little time to get online, especially as I have no access at home. I have been wondering how my old forum buddies have been getting on.

Thanks in advance.

Emma

Edited by EmmaP on Sunday 30th August 14:05

[S. Gonzales Esq.]

Hi Emma - I was wondering where you'd got to.

I had to buy a flash at short notice recently (went to a job without my Metz, and was asked to stay on into the evening), and bought a Canon (430ex?). It's very good - integrates well with the 5D, charges quickly and gives an acceptable light without extra modifiers stuck on it.

I decided I didn't need the extra power or features of the other Canon unit, and I haven't regretted it yet.

[SamHH]

If you want a Canon flashgun there are only two options: the 430EX II and 580EX II. The main differences are the power and the fact that the 580 can function as a wireless master using Canon's optical wireless trigger system. There are some other minor differences as well, but I can't remember exactly what.

I don't know what your requirements are so all I can say is that I've got the 430 and it does the job fine.

If you want to buy second-hand, any of the older models with "EX" in the name are fully compatible with your camera.

[Kermit power]

I've got a 580EX II. I can't imagine I'll ever encounter a scenario where it won't exceed all my requirements and abilities. Apart from the Macro stuff, but that's what the MR14 EX is for.

[SamHH]

One thing I would add is that I've found the build quality to be less than impressive. It's not broken in my light use but it just feels a bit flimsy and not up to the standard of my Canon camera. If you're going to be putting it to heavy use then maybe Metz flashes are better in this respect.

[Andy M]

IMHO the best combo for a Canon user is a 580 EX II mated with fast recycling Ni-MH batteries.

See: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/09/feed.html

[Pete Baraka]

I'm using a 580 EX II as a master with a pair of 430 EX II slaves. The 430 has slightly less max power and can't be used as a master controller, but they do recycle a bit faster.

Build quality seems fairly good to me. The only issues I've had are with the infra-red communication between the flashes.

Pete

[baz7175]

Another thumbs up for the 580EX II, don't know how I lived without it

[jon-]

Apart from what's already been said, the 580exII is built and weather sealed to the quality of your 1d, where as the 430exII has a slightly cheaper build.

[EmmaP]

Marvellous! Thanks for your input peeps.

I had to resort to trusty Hanimex Pro, bought 21 years ago when I was a foundation student, studying alongside S. Gonzales Esq..

Will need to be fairly robust but am only using for PR, wedding and magazine work, so need not be as tough as Metz. Will look into the Canon option and compare with latest Metz. I generally need to cover large areas so big power out put is necessary.

Edited by EmmaP on Monday 31st August 17:48

[EmmaP]

S. Gonzales Esq. said:

Hi Emma - I was wondering where you'd got to.

I'll mail you soon. Probably next week as things are pretty busy at mo. Hope you're keeping busy and well.

[jon-]

EmmaP said:

I had to resort to trusty Hanimex Pro

I'm surprised the flash powder was still in date