Canon DSLR Flash Questions

So it is Christmas time and in order to improve my indoor photography I want to get a speedlite for my 40D. At this point I have pretty much settled on the 430EX II. This will largely be for indoor portraits, think wedding receptions and family gatherings.

I know the specs, but I thought I better ask some smarter people than me what they think.

Is the 430EX worth the extra money over the 220EX? (James I obviously know you have some experience with the 220EX)

What have your experiences been with either flash?

Finally, does any one here use a diffuser? What type and how are the results?

The 220 is for auto only. The 430 can be used is manual. For that alone I say it's worth it. I have the 430, it's great once you figure out what everything does.

Oh, and the 220 is not wireless compatible.

The 220 is for auto only. The 430 can be used is manual. For that alone I say it's worth it. I have the 430, it's great once you figure out what everything does.

Oh, and the 220 is not wireless compatible.

Thanks Bowen,

That essentially makes the decision easy.

Get a diffuser for your flash as well and look into a remote cord. Nothing worse than direct flash on camera. From my experience, the Lightsphere is the best diffuser I have used. If you want to learn about flash, go to www.strobist.com

I have a 430ex and a 580ex. The 430 does the job.

I would trade both for a 580ex II though. nice to have some weather sealing.

I run a Sto-Fen diffuser on the 580 when I need to.

Off camera shoe cord and a flash bracket would be a wedding photogs life line. Get one if your serious. Nothing like seeing wedding shots that look like ass cause you shot down the barrel.

Thanks again to everyone.