Steve Douglas 16 Posted September 30, 2011 Recently got the Canon 7D so I am still learning it. What is the recommended flash unit that one would purchase for topside photo work? Steve Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
focker 15 Posted September 30, 2011 Recently got the Canon 7D so I am still learning it. What is the recommended flash unit that one would purchase for topside photo work? Steve That would kind of depend how much flash power you need and if you want to stick with a Canon Flash or go with an aftermarket brand. My wife has a 580EX that she uses with her 5D and it is really a great flash. You can find them used in the $300 range but if you don't need that much flash then I would consider either the 430 EX or EX II which will save some dough. I have a Metz that I have used for many years and I think Sunpak still makes a good product. You may want to pop over to the Canon photo forum and sniff around: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ileiman 2 Posted September 30, 2011 Recently got the Canon 7D so I am still learning it. What is the recommended flash unit that one would purchase for topside photo work? Steve I have a Canon 430EX-II. I really like it. It is almost as powerful as the more expensive 580, and has all the features I need. When attached to the camera you can tilt and swivel it to gain better lighting. It can focus to a fairly long distance when using tele. For close-ups, a useful accessory is a "bounce" which softens and diffuses light. You can use the 430EX-II also as a remote-controlled flash with the 7D. This is a really cool feature and allows you to get really creative. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stewart L. Sy 12 Posted September 30, 2011 I have both the 580exII and the 430exII, for occasional/average use, then the 430 will do it. If you're doing say weddings or birding with say a Better Beamer, then the 580 with an external 8 AA cel pack is hard to beat. Just depends on your needs and thickness of wallet. Recycle time of the 580exII with the pack is near instantaneous even at full power. S. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Timmoranuk 10 Posted September 30, 2011 Yup, either of the Canon Speedlights are great. Look no further... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steve Douglas 16 Posted September 30, 2011 Much thanks all for the advice and insight. Appreciate it. Steve Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steve Douglas 16 Posted October 2, 2011 One last thing, what are the main differences between the 580EX and the 430EX? Advantages and disadvantages. Steve Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twinner 5 Posted October 2, 2011 (edited) The 580 is bigger and more powerful. It will also act as a master for triggering other wireless Canon strobes but the 7D also has a small built in trigger with its internal flash. The 430 will act as a slave in Multi / Stroboscopic but not a master. They are both good strobes but the 580 is a big strobe to lug around if you don't need the extra power and features. I do think the 580's buttons are easier to navigate. Personally I would go for the 580 but if you have a shop that you can compare them side by side at that may make your decision easier. Whatever one you decide on get yourself one of the Sto-Fen plastic diffusers. It's a great little modifier and will improve the look of most of your images. Edited October 2, 2011 by twinner Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
