I'm thinking of getting my first speedlight - haven't worked much with flashes before so I'm not really sure what the pros and cons are. I do a bit of macro work, and want to be able to extend on this. Those who have either of these flashes, are they both suitable for macro work (I have the Canon EF100mm macro lens and use a 30D body)? What would the limitations of the 430 EX be?
@microart I run an old 420EZ and a 10D, which is my usual kit with different lenses for gigs.
I find unless I'm shooting a very wide or far reaching shot I never need more than a quarter power and have used 1/1 in maybe 0.1% of shots. I have no TTL but manual flash powers are quite versatile, though in my case it means disregarding metering entirely and having to monkey the first few shots of each setup.
For macros specifically you could choose to reflect it, a white ceiling and walls will give decent light all over. Alternatively you could adapt the DIY ring flash concept, which is basically a redirect of the flash down a "funnel" in to a CD spindle lined with reflective material, the spindle itself sits around the lens and emulates a ring flash.
One issue with the one I use and maybe yours too, it's far too tall to direct at most macros head on...
@killerjackalope Adam - sorry I didn't reply sooner :( That's really helpful info. I like the DIY ring flash - will have to try that once I get my flash. I'd love to get a dedicated ring flash, but that's a few more $$ than I have right now. Most likely I could get away with the 430EX - I'm unlikely to need to slave flashes, and it's mostly for standard indoor use. Either way though, I think both will suffice for my needs.
@killerjackalope Oh, that looks cool. My soldering skills are so rusty it's not funny (I did audio in a previous life), but I've bookmarked it to show a friend of mine who likes to tinker. Would love to see your antlers when you make them.
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I have a 550EX for my Canon MarkII and it has been an awesome flash. I have used it with other Canon flash did the master slave flash flawlessly.
I have started using a homemade diffuser lately and have been even happier with the performance.
I find unless I'm shooting a very wide or far reaching shot I never need more than a quarter power and have used 1/1 in maybe 0.1% of shots. I have no TTL but manual flash powers are quite versatile, though in my case it means disregarding metering entirely and having to monkey the first few shots of each setup.
For macros specifically you could choose to reflect it, a white ceiling and walls will give decent light all over. Alternatively you could adapt the DIY ring flash concept, which is basically a redirect of the flash down a "funnel" in to a CD spindle lined with reflective material, the spindle itself sits around the lens and emulates a ring flash.
One issue with the one I use and maybe yours too, it's far too tall to direct at most macros head on...
Thanks again - most helpful!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Disposable-Camera-Ring-Flash/
I've been planning on making a set of antlers in a similar way for a while, for taking big wide angle shots of crowds and rooms.