Flash

[auwesman]

Anyone have any experience with the Canon 430ex ii flash(or similar)?  I just bought one for an unbelieveable price online and since I trust your opinions figured I'd ask.
Thanks

[Joshua Szulecki]

It's a decent enough flash. How much did you pay for it, and where? That's a new flash model, so I'm surprised it is already being sold discounted.

I'm not much of a flash guy, except occasionally with macro. Beyond the built-in flashes on my Rebel XT and my 40D, I own a Canon 380EX flash. It is older, and more primitive (still E-TTL though) model without the controls on the back, so I can't really comment on the exact merits of the 430 EX II. I've heard good things, and besides the 580 EX II, it is a pretty darned good flash.

[auwesman]

I got it for $250 from Amazon.com, which is more than $100 less than I've found around town.  I HATE not supporting the wolf camera I usually shop at, but they're getting stingy about meeting me halfway on prices.

This will be my first external flash, and I figured it's probably more than I need right now but can grow into it.  Just wanted to make sure I didn't waste my money when I could have got somehting better.  Thanks for the reply!

[Joshua Szulecki]

Oh good... I was afraid you got hit by one of those Brooklyn scammers. Most people who get an "unbelievable deal" on camera gear are getting ripped off. They order from one of a few dozen companies, most in Brooklyn, most on the same street, and they either never get the gear, or it is broken, or they try to sell things piecemeal without your initial knowledge, like a $50 manual, etc...

[cwhiker]

I have that flash and love it I bought mine new through B&H Photo

[District_History_Fan]

The 430EX/EXII are great lights. Their main drawback is that they can't be used as masters to trigger wireless units. For slave and on camera use they are awesome. Flash is something no nature photog should be without. Contrast control, fill light, and directional lighting (off camera) are all great uses for electronic flash.