Venturing into the light - 550EX and 580EX

wanttosnap · 21st November 2008

Hi guys,

I'm looking for some guidance on which speedlight to get for my strobing needs. I'm slowly being drawn into the wonderful world of flash photography and would like to experiment more with flash and shadow effects. I currently have a 430EX and I would like to get another speedlight (550EX vs 580EX) to act as the master controller. So, considering that they are both capable of being the Master controller, what else is different about the two? Being a newbie in flash photography, do I really need the advanced functions of the 580EX (I don't even know what is it capable of) or can I begin learning about strobing with the humble 550EX.

I just would like to know what applications are there for the 580EX over the 550EX. Ultimately, I would like to have a strobing system that is portable and delivers in terms of artistic creativity.

Just like to get your two cents on it.

Thanks!

hammie · 21st November 2008

Get the 580EX ... in flash tube is always get the best you can afford

wdEvA · 21st November 2008

go for the 580EX,
as for if u are looking to use your 430EX as an off-shoe flash, and do not need a main flash when doing so. you can consider getting those wireless triggers instead.
cost around $30+ from ebay.

whatcamerashouldibuy · 21st November 2008

same here, thinking of investing in one off camera flash in the future. how much would a master and 2 slaves set up cost? hope it not too ex, thinking of helping my friend do events shoot in school ( drama ) .

tkj · 22nd November 2008

Should get the 580EX II as it's using distance info to set the exposure. Older version does not use that and always has exposure problem. Please search this forum for details.

I got bothe 420EX and 580EX not happy with the performance.

Thinking of selling the 580EX to get the 580EX MK II.

21st November 2008	#1
wanttosnap Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 399	Venturing into the light - 550EX and 580EX Hi guys, I'm looking for some guidance on which speedlight to get for my strobing needs. I'm slowly being drawn into the wonderful world of flash photography and would like to experiment more with flash and shadow effects. I currently have a 430EX and I would like to get another speedlight (550EX vs 580EX) to act as the master controller. So, considering that they are both capable of being the Master controller, what else is different about the two? Being a newbie in flash photography, do I really need the advanced functions of the 580EX (I don't even know what is it capable of) or can I begin learning about strobing with the humble 550EX. I just would like to know what applications are there for the 580EX over the 550EX. Ultimately, I would like to have a strobing system that is portable and delivers in terms of artistic creativity. Just like to get your two cents on it. Thanks!

21st November 2008	#2
hammie Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Tiong Bahru Posts: 811	Re: Venturing into the light - 550EX and 580EX Get the 580EX ... in flash tube is always get the best you can afford __________________ EOS 50D\|BG-E2N\|24-105f4L\|50f1.4\|85f1.8\|580EX II http://www.flickr.com/photos/kippei/

21st November 2008	#3
wdEvA Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,654	Re: Venturing into the light - 550EX and 580EX go for the 580EX, as for if u are looking to use your 430EX as an off-shoe flash, and do not need a main flash when doing so. you can consider getting those wireless triggers instead. cost around $30+ from ebay. __________________ 1D2, 35L, 80-200L, 85L, 135L, Metz 58 AF-1, LB Muse \| e.tan photography \|

21st November 2008	#4
whatcamerashouldibuy Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 217	Re: Venturing into the light - 550EX and 580EX same here, thinking of investing in one off camera flash in the future. how much would a master and 2 slaves set up cost? hope it not too ex, thinking of helping my friend do events shoot in school ( drama ) .

22nd November 2008	#5
tkj New Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Bishan Posts: 24	Re: Venturing into the light - 550EX and 580EX Should get the 580EX II as it's using distance info to set the exposure. Older version does not use that and always has exposure problem. Please search this forum for details. I got bothe 420EX and 580EX not happy with the performance. Thinking of selling the 580EX to get the 580EX MK II.