Canon 550EX for $295 (which flash is right for me?)

[suzyjazz]

I found some threads in here on flash, but none really answered my question. I know *nothing* about flash, so how do I know which one to buy? Why would I spend extra on the Canon 550 rather than 420? I'll use this flash with the 300D for indoor photos (I don't need tons of reach) of family, friends, my dog (no glow eye!) I want it for the Houston Dog Show next month. I also noticed that everyone seems to use flash on the tiger shoot that I want to go to in September, if there is one. I've decided to spend extra for Canon (as opposed to off brand). Which one should I get? The 580 is really pushing it for how much I want to spend, but if the 550 is really much better than 420, I'd get it. But only if I know *why* it's better :) Ease of use is a must. I know you get out of it what you put in, but that will come with time, I guess.

[brad]

I'd suggest starting with the 420EX ... my understanding is the 550 (?) is only worthwhile if you have 420's that you want to use as slaves for it.

I bought a 420EX in April and I absolutely LOVE it.

I also recommend a STO-FEN flash diffuser... they are really cheap and they will dramatically improve indoor shooting.

[LoungeLizard]

I am no expert, but did recently go through the same decision process - though between the 550, 580, and the Sigam. I opted for the 580 and actually have a second one on its way from B&H.

For information, take a look at http://www.kjsl.com/~dave/speedlites.html for a comparison.

From what I can tell, the main differences are in:

- Rapid fire speed (the 420 recycles slower)
- Flash exposure compensation (the 420 does not have this)
- Power (the 420 is not as strong)
- ETTL 2 if you plan to upgrade your equipment
-

For what you'd pay for a 420, you can probably pick up a used 550 on Fred Miranda. If you're going to buy new, the 550 is just a little bit less than the 580.

I strongly recommend the Sto-fen also.

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by brad

I'd suggest starting with the 420EX ... my understanding is the 550 (?) is only worthwhile if you have 420's that you want to use as slaves for it.

I bought a 420EX in April and I absolutely LOVE it.

I also recommend a STO-FEN flash diffuser... they are really cheap and they will dramatically improve indoor shooting.

Thanks Brad. I definitely won't be needing any flash slaves! I am happy about this recommendation because it is not that expensive :) I'll definitely get a diffuser right away, too.

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by LoungeLizard

From what I can tell, the main differences are in:

- Rapid fire speed (the 420 recycles slower)
- Flash exposure compensation (the 420 does not have this)
- Power (the 420 is not as strong)
- ETTL 2 if you plan to upgrade your equipment

Thanks for that list. Just what I need. I think I can do without the rapid fire speed, and I guess I don't really need the FEC. I don't even know what ETTL 2 is. Is that going to be a show stopper if I ever upgrade from the Rebel to the Rebel XT or even a 20D? I really don't see myself upgrading for years.

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by suzyjazz

Thanks for that list. Just what I need. I think I can do without the rapid fire speed, and I guess I don't really need the FEC. I don't even know what ETTL 2 is. Is that going to be a show stopper if I ever upgrade from the Rebel to the Rebel XT or even a 20D? I really don't see myself upgrading for years.

If that's the case, you'd do fine with the 420ex. Again, you may want to consider a used 550ex. They usually sell for about $250 (with Sto-fen) on Fred Miranda. The 420ex is about $190 and the Sto-fen is about $20.

Just a thought.

The 420ex is a fine flash unit. I recently borrowed one as a slave unit and it did fine.

[suzyjazz]

Jesus, could you please explain what you mean about "ETTL 2 if you plan to upgrade your equipment"? Are you jsut saying that is a new standard, and the TTL that the 420 uses might be phased out at some point?

I may looking into buying used, but I have a general leeriness of it, I guess.

[LoungeLizard]

E-TTL 2 is the latest TTL from Canon. It is the one the 20D uses. Since I am thinking (hoping) to upgrade to a 20D later this year or early next, I didn't want a flash that didn't include that.

[suzyjazz]

Thanks for the explanation. I guess that is pretty important if you ever want to upgrade. I was set on the 420 before I heard that. I found the 550EX for 300 at BuyDig and free shipping. I may splurge and jump on that tonight. Then I have a much longer time before I have to worry about the technology being phased out....

[PIC]

420 works well for me.
Upgrade and out of date always the problem ....
They laugh all the way to the bank.
I also use Sto Fen and Bowens 500 monolights.
Does any one else use 420 550 580 as fill and to fire monolights or studio flash ?
If so ... what settings on camera and flash ?

[jhom]

I hope not to confuse anyone, but if you are considering the 550ex then I would think the Sigma 500 DG Super would be an excellent alternative. It is about $200 new and is essentially equivalent to the 550. For your purposes, it will probably be more than enough. I would suggest you research the topic on FM or dpreview. I have seen numerous postings on the topic in the recent past.

Good luck.

[jhom]

If you have the time, here is an excellent article about flashes: http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

[suzyjazz]

Thanks for the link to the article Jim. I am reading it right now!
Also, about the Sigma, I was considering that one originally, once upon a time, but then the thought of compatibility issues in the future swayed me toward Canon.

[jhom]

I can appreciate your situation. I only recently purchased a 580EX after much deliberation. Issues regarding compatibility, future upgrades and resale were also considered. I had seriously considered the Sigma but ultimately decided against it after reading the eos flash article and reading others comments. Here is another resource: http://photoworkshop.com/canon/. There is a video clip on the speedlites under tips and techniques.

[saroy]

Just wanted to say this is a great thread...I was wondering the same thing, Suzy! One of the next couple "cheaper" items on my list is a flash...