Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have the canon t2i and this summer I'm planning to get the 100mm macro lens before summer and am also looking to get an external flash.

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.

Book.
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?

thanks for all the help
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Zero to 4 legs
1.0 Ball Python(Het Albino)-Angel
1.0 Diamond Back Terrapin-Crush
1.0 Pit Bull-Hemi
1.0 DSH-Carter

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

Thank you so much was reading reviews on the 580 and from what you and the reviews said I'm def. going to go for the 580.
thanks for the book ideas def. going to be the next book i get soon as I'm done reading the digital Photography book im reading now.
Thanks again
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Zero to 4 legs
1.0 Ball Python(Het Albino)-Angel
1.0 Diamond Back Terrapin-Crush
1.0 Pit Bull-Hemi
1.0 DSH-Carter

I would save the $150 and go for the 430 EX. It will be more than powerful enough for most people. The extra power on the 580 is overkill in 99% of everyday situations. You could use that $150 you save and put it towards a stand and umbrella set-up so you can shoot off-camera more effectively--a much more necessary technique. That said, I have the 580 EX (the older version), which I find more than enough for my professional work. I have a BA in journalism w/ an emphasis in PJ (for what that's worth!)

As far as a book, I would suggest any lighting book that explains the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and lighting ratios as well as flash angles, bounce flash, etc. It's not that hard to learn, but very much worth it. Here's a website that should help you a lot. Give it a good look and try a couple of the things taught in there.

http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/

Hope this helps! Just keep experimenting!