Canon 580 EX I vs 580 EX II flash

[shendeerzi]

All,
any comments of the advantages that the Canon 580 EX II flash over its predecessor 580 EX I? Would like to hear from those who have tried both.
Thank you

[J-Chan]

PC sync terminal for off cam lighting.. and to a lesser extent the newly designed hotshoe..

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by shendeerzi All, any comments of the advantages that the Canon 580 EX II flash over its predecessor 580 EX I? Would like to hear from those who have tried both. Thank you

I've upgraded from 580EX to 580EX II. Improvements are the new PC sync, external flash wireless sensor, silent recycling and is 20% faster, better built, nicer to operate buttons and weather sealed.

[shendeerzi]

Sounds good to me. Does it mean that the battery life is longer? Where did you buy it and what price did you pay for it?

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by shendeerzi Sounds good to me. Does it mean that the battery life is longer? Where did you buy it and what price did you pay for it?

No. Battery life depends on your usage and battery capacity. I got it from AP Funan a while back at $719 cash including GST.

[calebk]

If you operate on a wireless flash system on a regular basis, you'll find the 580EX II a hassle to set up as the 'off - master - slave' switch is no longer around. It is accessed by holding down a button.

Otherwise, it's a good flash to have, but honestly if you already have the 580EX, you have to weigh whether the difference to pay is justifiable, as you're getting the same power output.

[shendeerzi]

I heard that the master and slave issue flash light issue is quite bad. Any one here experience this? Thanks

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by shendeerzi I heard that the master and slave issue flash light issue is quite bad. Any one here experience this? Thanks

Tried once with my friend's 430EX. So far so gd.

[shendeerzi]

Originally Posted by Snoweagle Tried once with my friend's 430EX. So far so gd.

Ok. Thank you. Let me re-evaluate if I should get a good 580 EX II flash.

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by shendeerzi Ok. Thank you. Let me re-evaluate if I should get a good 580 EX II flash.

It's an excellent flash. No regrets upgrading even though initially i was quite skeptical.

[iRaphael]

have been using it for a few months now..

it's a good and sturdy flash, a much improved hot shoe design, slightly heavier and bulkier but isn't really much..

but the backlight colour isn't as cool as the 580 EX I.

the battery door is a great improvement as the EX I made me feel like i was ripping the door out.

the place where you put the batteries is much tighter, the batteries won't fall to the side when it tips over. and i love how silent it is.

and we have a new and refurbished off shoe cord for the EX II, the OC-E3.

[flipfreak]

was hesitant abt buying and using a flash. heard so many horror stories abt using flash. now tat i bought mine, i am loving it.

gonna get the offshoe cord for it as well. and probably one or two more speedlite to play around with.

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by iRaphael have been using it for a few months now.. it's a good and sturdy flash, a much improved hot shoe design, slightly heavier and bulkier but isn't really much.. but the backlight colour isn't as cool as the 580 EX I. the battery door is a great improvement as the EX I made me feel like i was ripping the door out. the place where you put the batteries is much tighter, the batteries won't fall to the side when it tips over. and i love how silent it is. and we have a new and refurbished off shoe cord for the EX II, the OC-E3.

It'll be more cool if the backlight is white or indigo blue.

Anyway i've been looking for the flash bracket SB-E1 for mths and CP always tell me no stock.

[canonfan]

Originally Posted by Snoweagle It'll be more cool if the backlight is white or indigo blue. Anyway i've been looking for the flash bracket SB-E1 for mths and CP always tell me no stock.

I thought you need the new SB-E2 for the 580EX II?

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by canonfan I thought you need the new SB-E2 for the 580EX II?

There is a SB-E2?? I only heard the SB-E1 which says for 580EX, If it's so then i've to get it but i can't find it anywhere, not even CP.

[canonfan]

Originally Posted by Snoweagle There is a SB-E2?? I only heard the SB-E1 which says for 580EX, If it's so then i've to get it but i can't find it anywhere, not even CP.

The SB-E2 includes the new off shoe cord OC-E3 which has provision for the new weather sealed mount of the 580EX II.
IIRC, the bracket itself is slightly different from the older version because the 580EX II has slightly different physical characteristics from the old 580EX.

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by canonfan The SB-E2 includes the new off shoe cord OC-E3 which has provision for the new weather sealed mount of the 580EX II. IIRC, the bracket itself is slightly different from the older version because the 580EX II has slightly different physical characteristics from the old 580EX.

So do u know where i can buy this bracket?

[canonfan]

Originally Posted by Snoweagle So do u know where i can buy this bracket?

Sorry, I don;t know where you can buy it locally. A friend bought mine for me in Hong Kong.

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by canonfan Sorry, I don;t know where you can buy it locally. A friend bought mine for me in Hong Kong.

Ok thanks. Guess i'll just have to leave without it for the time being and wait for my new toy in 2 weeks time.

[glsmaster]

i think the 580ex II is better. they did put some thoughts into how to improve the 580ex. if you do multi flash setups then you should watch out - it can be painful. here is one of the comparison reviews: http://photo.greenlightstreet.com/ww...rmArticleID/7/