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The wide angle diffuser on the 430 only takes it down to 18 mm for direct flash. Bouncing it off a ceiling or wall will generally give far better results which means that the Metz flashes will also be usable.
You can also get diffusors which go over the flash head which send the light out 360 degrees. They are no more than £10-15.
Are you going to be using it for anything specific or just general shooting?
Well the wide angle is HUGE, in comparison to my other lenses (50mm/18-55). Its general shooting (parties etc), nothing specific at the moment. Although I've been invited to take some photos at a club opening (Indie Night). Needs to be able to deal with that I guess.
Its a surprisingly good flash, although i did get quite a lot of stick in the media centre for using it lol.
It isn't very good at diffusing the light however, which is fine if your shooting 22mm portraits or something. But if your shooting 10mm your going to get a big hotspot in the middle of the frame.
I think a 430 with a diffuser on it is your best bet. You can normally pick them up used for not a whole lot. A shadow being cast off the lens is just part of using a wide angle in my experience. I will ask Ryan to come and comment as he shoots flash a lot using a wide angle, so probably has the answer.
3rd party flashes have been known to cause error99 issues on more than one occasion.
Personally I started with the 430EX, something I wish i didnt do. I was going for the 580 and got told I wouldnt need it - I shoot in music venues at least 2 times a week and sold my 430 as I didnt like it.
Plus points are the built in bounce card - (i personally dont use a stofen type diffuser)
Using it as a master
weather sealing (if any events are in the rain)
However the 430exII is greatly improved over the mki. It now has the decent locking mech over the twist dial which used to annoy the hell out of me
well all my recent work has been with the 16-35 on the mkiii.
If you are shooting live bands you will find a fair few dont want flash photography. High iso Low F number is key here. Ive posted music based images as it seems that is what you want the info for.
I use Jessops own flash, ive had it for three years. Its its not skipped a beat. Its the 360AFDC.
I only ever shoot one type of photo with it, thats for my estate agency. Internals, bouncing off the walls and ceilings. It has a built in diffuser, and bounce card thingie.