I have a choice to buy a 430EZ or a 380EX for my EOS 3 body, in second hand market. I know the 550EX will be the best option, but too expensive for me, as I am not a big flash user. Both flashes costs the same, 380EX is ETTL and 430EZ only ATTL, but the second one is more complete: manual option, stroboscopic, option to turn, light display, bigger GN... My question is very simple:

If you were me, which of the two option you'll consider?

Thanks.

Peio Ezkurra - Basque Country.

-- Peio Ezkurra (peio_e@hotmail.com), March 09, 2002

Answers

I have a 430EZ which I was given a couple of years ago. I have just recently upgraded from my EOS 5 to the EOS 3, and I'm not about to change my flashgun (although I would like one which the EOS 3 will use the AF illuminator on). If you're not a big flash user, and not going to use the manual controls, then it might seem that the 380EX would be a better choice. If you do need the manual control, then the 430EZ is the better choice.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), March 09, 2002.

Like asking what kind of car you should buy, the answer will depend on how you want to use your flash. It might be easier to discuss your question if you can answer the following:

What kind of lenses do you use (e.g. how wide, how long)?
Do you use bounce flash?
Do you intend to use manual flash?
Subjects difficult-to-meter (e.g. very small, or very reflective)?

There was also a recent a similar thread which might help.

I look forward to reading your reply.

-- Julian Loke (elan7e-owner@yahoogroups.com), March 09, 2002.

It depends on what the type of flash photography you do. I recently upgraded my 540EZ to the 550EX for use with my EOS 3 and found the ability of high speed flash synchronization invaluable for fill-in flash in bright daylight. Also the ETTL is more accurate. If the 550EX is too expensive what about the 420EX as a compromise or even the 540EZ for higher GN if ETTL and high speed sync is not important to you. Personally I will not buy any of the two flashes you mentioned.

-- Nico Smit (Nico@anp.co.za), March 09, 2002.

sigma ef-500 super is also a good choice

-- legnum (legnum212@email.com), March 11, 2002.