Choosing the Best Canon Flash for Your Needs

http://steelevisions.com/blog/best-canon-flash Photographer Phil Steele compares Canon Speedlite models 270EX, 430EX II, and 580EX II and helps you decide which one to buy based on your needs.

Price these Canon Flashes at Amazon.com:

430EX II
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CCAISE?ie=UTF8&tag=steelevisions-20&...

580EX II
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NP3DJW?ie=UTF8&tag=steelevisions-20&...

270EX
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001XURPR2?ie=UTF8&tag=steelevisions-20&...

I was hard on the little 270EX in the video, but it's actually a great flash if you are using a compact camera with a hot-shoe, like the G10. Otherwise, for DSLR cameras, I recommend the full-size flashes.

Also see my video course "How to Shoot Professional-Looking Headshots and Portraits on a Budget with Small Flashes" at SteeleTraining.com.

If you buy from my Amazon links you put a few dollars in my pocket and help me produce these tutorials.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• best
• Canon
• flash
• Speedlite
• 270EX
• 430EX
• 580EX
• photography
• buy
• compare
• 430EX II
• 580EX II
• photo
• lighting
• tips

[marcelododox]

Do You know if the new speedlite 320EX is compatible with Canon SX20IS ?

[steeletraining]

@marcelododox - Haven't had a chance to try the new 320EX yet, but usually the Canon flashes are compatible with any Canon camera that has a hot shoe. But if I were you I would check the Canon site for specs or ask your camera store before spending, just to be safe.

[STEPPHAN7]

Hi Mr Steele,I'm using my 7D for the occasional function or wedding and mostly family portraits. The 7D has wireless built in flash control and I'm wondering if I really need the 580EX..Any advice?

[steeletraining]

@STEPPHAN7 - Yes, you can use the built-in flash on the 7D or 60D to control remote flashes instead of buying a 580EX as a master unit. It's a long-overdue feature that Canon is finally starting to implement. However, it does lack certain aspects of using a 580 as your master: the built-in flash has less range (to signal distant remotes), and it can't help you focus with an infrared beam in low light like the 580 can. However, it's built-in and it saves you $400! Thank you, Canon!

[vesma25]

Thank you for making my choice making so much easier!!

[DiCaptain]

Great summary of the 2 flash units. I was going to buy the 580, but watching this video has shown that the 430 will be sufficient to meet my current needs. Thank You for saving me £140. Merry Christmas!!

[patr255]

Thanks for this pragmatic point of view. Since 1x 580EX costs as much as 2x 430EX it might be more efficient to go for the later if we want more slave unit power (?).

[MrMilad6666]

Thanks

[kemzone1234]

Hi , would you advice me to use 430exii as i only would be using it for my makeup job and partially everyday use....

[jerseystringer]

What is your opinion of Nissin flashes in comparison with Canon?

[tjsdaname]

can my canon t3 control one of these flashes off camera?

[SnorriFinnski]

I have a question, being new to external flashes I have been thinking of what to get. watching this video makes the 430EX II seem like the right chose. But why would I not take the Metz mecablitz 44 AF-1 ? It looks similar specs and is about 100€ cheaper.

[beckystv]

The 580 is amzing flash, it workds fast with 1D Cannon

[ErwinListSanchez]

What about if we have the ST-E2

[Jimmyczech1]

I am buying my first flash and you really helped me to decide:) I'm gonna go with the 430:). But I have a question, if I want to shoot sequence, isn't the 580 really better? Thanks for your answer