G9 land-based flash question

[scubapatton]

I am looking at ordering the G9 soon. I am going with the Ikelite housing and Ikelite strobe (DS125). But since I am ordering the camera soon, I thought I might get an external land-based strobe as well. I have heard people say the Speedlite 580EX II is a great flash ,,but for this p&S it may be a bit large. The alternative is the Speedlite 430EX. A great flash I have heard but not as great as the 580.

I have heard great things about the 580, but do not really know when I will migrate to a dSLR so it may not be worth getting the 580 now if the thing will look like a tank on a brick now with the G9.

So.. thoughts, opinions?

 

[PriusDrIVER]

I can't offer any direct experience with the 430EX yet, as I haven't picked one up to use as a slave yet. Here is a comparison someone put together though: Canon Speedlite 430EX Flash Review

 

[PapaBob]

If you knew you were going to buy a Canon dSLR soon and had the money I would go with the 580. I used to have a 420 (precursor of the 430) and it was a great flash. My sister owns a 430 she uses for her XTi and it will function well in most situations. If money is an object an you will not upgrade to a Canon dSLR I would seriously consider the 220. I have never used one but I think it would be a "just right" flash for the G9. According to the Canon brochure and user manual, the 220 will work with the G9. If you can afford the 430 and will eventually upgrade, you will not be disappointed with your purchase.

---Bob

 

[bladephotog]

I've used my 580ex's on my G5 and it works great but it's very, very top heavy. It doesn't balance in the hand very well. A smaller strobe would be nice but since I have the 580's for my DSLR's I'll occasionally use them on the G5.

 

[dhaas]

scubapatton,

I've owned (and used) the Canon 430EX, 580EX and older 550EX flash units. The 430EX is a fine unit, a bit smaller and less powerful than the 580 EX (both the first version or latest version II.)

All great as Andy states on a dSLR, but would I use it on a Canon G7 or G9? All likely too big and clunky, although the 430EX is OK.

For the hot shoe enabled G7 or G9 I'd get a 220EX and carry that little puppy.

I've also been using a great little tool on the pop up flash of my Canon Rebel XTi , called a LumiQuest Soft Screen flash diffuser. I added a thin flexible hair scrunchy to the bottom piece looped over the lens to stabilize it a bit. Works great to spread out the beam and soften the harsh on camera flash.....Might work great on the little forward only 220EX flash unit.

Just one poor guy's opinion

dhaas