Portable Flash Research!

For choosing my very first portable flash, I would like a flash that is "mid-range." In terms of mid-range, a flash that is beyond a basic or beginners flash as i would feel limited to it's functions, and also not a flash that is high-end as i am limited by price and for a first portable flash, I do not think I would use it to its fullest extent and would be more valuable in the future.

The aspects I would like for my first flash would be:
-Affordability, something within my low budget, I would consider no more than $300.

-A decent G/N, between 24-41.

-A TTL function to assist with determining proper exposure.

-Zoom head, as it would help to compensate for the crop factor of my 1100D.

-AF assist beam, so I have the option of auto focus in low light.

-Easy to recharge and has a reasonably fast recycle time.

-Canon brand, as I'm not yet comfortable in purchasing brand alternatives.

Portable Flash 1:

Canon 430EX II

The Canon 430EX II, considered to be "one of the most popular DSLR accessories available" (the-digital-picture.com). Released in 2008, the 430EX II is a mid-range flash of the canon ex series and an improved model from the Canon 430EX, with more features.

Online, the flash unit's price ranges from $300-$370 brand new and $180-$250 second hand (used).

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Portable Flash 2:

Canon 320EX

Another flash included in the Canon EX series "Offering additional functionality, the new Speedlite 320EX is the ideal flash unit for amateurs and professionals looking for a secondary flash." (dpreview.com)

Canon 320EX was released in 2011 as a new addition to the EX series without exceeding any previous model (e.g. the 580EX, 580 EX II and 430EX, 430EX II).

The flash was designed for beginners to be able to be more creative with light without the limited functions of entry-level flash such as the 270EX II. The flash unit's price ranges from $210-$330 brand new and $175-$260 second hand (used).

Specs

Model information
Brand	Canon	Canon
Model	320EX	430EX II
Class	mid-range	mid-range
First introduction	2011	2008
Successor	none yet	none yet
Available new?	yes	yes
Output specs
Guide number spec (35mm, ISO 100, in meters)	24	31
Guide number test result	27.9	34
Flash duration spec (full power)	unspecified	unspecified
Recycle time spec (full power)	2.3 sec	3.0 sec alkaline, 2.0 sec NiMH
Recycle time test result	3.3 sec alkaline, 2.3 sec NiMH	3.3 sec alkaline, 2.0 sec NiMH
Wireless Flash (OCF)
Manual power settings	no manual mode	1/1 – 1/2 – 1/4 – 1/8 – 1/16 – 1/32 – 1/64
PC sync port	no	no
Optical slave	no	no
Other trigger	wireless TTL slave mode	wireless TTL slave mode
Trigger voltage	4.45 V	4.5 V (measured)
Standby mode	configurable (C.Fn-01)	can be deactivated
Flash features
Swivel flash head	-180 to +90 degrees	-180 to +90 degrees
Flash head tilt	0 to +90 degrees	0 to +90 degrees
Manual zoom head	24 + 50	(14) 24 – 105
Auto zoom	24 + 50 (no auto zoom)	(14) 24 – 105
Bounce card / 2nd reflector	no / no	no / no
LCD display	no	yes
Flash foot material, type	metal, standard ISO (Canon)	metal, standard ISO (Canon)
Power supply
Batteries used	4 x AA	4 x AA
External power source	no	no
Nikon TTL
D-TTL	na	na
i-TTL	na	na
CLS wireless slave	na	na

Canon TTL
E-TTL(II)	yes	yes
E-TTL(II) wireless slave	yes	yes
E-TTL(II) wireless master	no	no
TTL features
AF assist beam	yes (flash tube / LED in live view)	yes (dual beam LED)
Stroboscopic mode	no	no (only in wireless slave mode)
Exposure compensation on the flash	no	-3 to +3 EV
Sensor size detection	no	yes
Modeling light	yes	yes
High speed sync	yes	yes

Comparisons

when both flash models are sided, the Canon 430EX II is ultimately the higher-end model;

With a guide number of 31 (at 35mm), larger than the 320EX's GN of 24, which means it is capable of covering more distance. The 430EX II also has a manual mode on the flash unit which can control the output of the flash. As the 320EX has only two options of focal length (24-50mm), the latter has a focal range from 24-105mm with 14 points inbetween to allow better flash compatibility with various types of lenses. the 430EX II also has a LCD display screen to view settings and a sensor detection.
Though the 430EX II may have its advantages, the 320EX is still a quality flash unit, weighing slightlty less an d more affordable if considering buying brand new as the starting price is $90 less than the 430EX II.

the 320EX I would say is an upgrade from the 270EX, without diving straight towards 430EX II.

After all the comparisons, I would have to consider the Canon 430EX II, not that 320EX is any less good, but the 430EX II would be more suited to my camera as the sensor size detector would help with my current camera body and it's crop factor, and the flexibility for future purchase of a full framed body. though more expensive at full price, purchasing second hand is virtually similar in price (possibly due to the 430EX II being a slightly older model).

Rebekah Day - Location

Monday, 5 August 2013