The 430 is a little weaker than the 580, yes. But the main differences between the two would be the ability to recharge rapidly and swivel the flash head. The 580 has the ability to do short bursts whereas 430 takes 3 seconds to recharge.
Also useful is the 580's built-in bounce card.
Given the choice, I'd save up and gut a used 580 if I were you.
When you say bounce card, what does that exactly mean? I'm sorry I really have poor knowledge when it comes to flash.
Use your fastest lens, the 50mm, if you can't or don't want to use flash. Your other lenses will be fine with a flash, but it sounds like you need to get an external flash. If you won't be using it for much after this event, a cheap Chinese one should be fine.
I will most likely get a flash and use it with my 28-135mm! Would that be sufficient?
7 months lead time? I'd buy a 430EX and rent some fast primes and maybe a second body so I could have 2 lenses mounted and ready without having to swap lenses.
I'm assuming your 50mm is the f/1.8 so I'd say if you want another good low light lens the 85mm f/1.8 would be a great addition or maybe upgrade your current 50mm to the f/1.4. Both have very fast autofocus and are very sharp (I currently have both in my kit). If you want to go the zoom route check out the EF-S 17-55mm 2.8. It's a great zoom and a pretty good deal right now.
Another difference between the 580 and 430 is that the 580 can use the 430 as a slave (I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure. That feature might depend on the camera you use). It also has a more power flash range. I'd spend the extra cash on the 580 myself. To me it's worth it.
The thing is, as it is already, I don't really use my nifty fifty often so I don't I'm not sure about buying another prime lens. However, if I had to I might sell my nifty fifty and look into the 50mm f/1.4. However, not sure if it would be justified after this one event.
It might take 3 seconds to recharge at full power but I find at close range it never needs full power to get an exposure with my shots so I find I can shoot quickly without the refresh rate getting in the way.
With the swivel head it's not that bad and is only 90˙ that the 430Exii can't reach but this is rectified by just shooting with the camera in the opposite orientation.
I understand! I am probably looking forward on picking up the 580 soon!
For bouncing a flash in a banquet hall, where the ceiling is a little higher than normal, it never hurts to go stronger.
I'd really, REALLY recommend a set of fast primes over a flash though, because it would help to keep the ambient mood of the photo. However, when a flash IS used well, it can accentuate and brighten up the exposure without changing the mood too much.
If I honestly had the money, I would rent another T3 (Just because I am comfortable with it) and buy a 50mm f/1.4 and on my other body I would have the 580 flash and my 28-135mm. However, it is too much for me to afford right now!
^^^ Agreed. Use the flash sparingly using a form of diffusion or bounce to help add a little fill or on a lower power setting. It will help separate your subjects from the background a bit better without being too obvious that a flash was used. Another nifty trick for dance floors would bee to rent a wireless flash setup and mount the flash high and to the right or left or your camera, then move around to get your shots. It acts as a key light and will blend in with the ambient light while providing a bit more fill. Wedding photographers often use this trick with one or two strobes.
Kindle has a good book: Speedliters handbook. Of course also as physical book around.
It gives you a very good introduction. For myself I now only flash manual mode; a bit slower to setup at the begin but much more consistent compared to ETTL.
Then: see what highest ISO the useful one your camera and use the flash to fill in ambient light. Much better results.
And use the seven month to practice, practice, practice ...
Thank you! I will look into the book as soon as I pick up a flash.
Is this at someone's home? Can you practice ahead of time? The two problems I have with Christmas photos at my moms are having a wide enough lens and enough light. If this is a relative's home maybe you can arrange one or two areas with good lights for portraits. It wouldn't be real expensive to put up a couple of halogen room lights in a corner and maybe arrange a nice backdrop. When someone asks for a photo with aunt Julie and cousin Mark you can have them stand in the nicely lit area. Think ahead about doing a large group photo because people really like those. Figure out how many people will be in the shot and how much room you need. Get a book from the library about lighting and practice, practice, practice. Once the lights are set use the custom white balance feature on your camera to adapt to the lighting in the room. Good luck.
This event is at a hall. In the next coming week or so, I will go and check out the environment!
Realistically the ceiling of a Banquet Hall - Reception Centre? - will be too high to give any benefit from a camera-mounted bounce flash unit. They do not pack enough 'grunt'.
Put a flash on your camera, diffuse the output and shoot direct flash with guaranteed results. These are record shots, not art. Having the flash head well away from the lens will also minimise redeye and prevent your family from looking like werewolves. If they really are werewolves there is nothing more you can do.
Bounced light without some light directed forwards at the same time will give you shadows under noses like Greek women's moustaches
Haha!
I'm not saying this is the best method, but renting a 5d mk ii with the old 24-70 could do the trick. doing that will run you $150 at my local dealer, but then prices here are stupid..
I see the point but I mean I've never had any prior experience with the 5D Mark so I really don't think I'd feel comfortable in using it.
Thank you for all your answers!
Just a few more questions, would it be wise to look into just a 50mm f/1.4 without a flash or should I just buy a flash and use it with my 28-135? One of the biggest reasons I love using the 28-135mm is because I can zoom and for me its easier than moving around all the place and missing some good shots.
Thanks once again in advance.