My question is for the canon speed light 430ex($310) vs the canon speed light 580ex($475). Is there a huge difference between the two that it would be worth it to save up the extra $150 or is there some minor differences that i will probably not use.

The 580 has a few more features that you should check out on Canon's website. The 580 is 35% more powerful than the 430 so it will work from longer distances. Does that matter for herps? Not if you only shoot macro, but if you shoot longer shots having a powerful flash is helpful.

Is there any good books or websites that are really good for reptile photography. i been search for reptile photography books and cant seem to find any. Anyone know of any good ones?

There is a book on photographing reptiles and amphibians, but frankly it isn't very good. Get a good book on macro photography or insect photography and learn the principles from that.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas