Stick with 550ex or upgrade to 580ex ?

[Lee Smith]

I recently upgraded from a D60 to a 5D, not being familiar with the 580ex, Is there any benefit in upgrading my flash from the 550ex to the 580 ? I thank you for your feed back
Lee Smith

[coreypolis]

smaller, lighter, faster recycle time

That may be for you, but personally I'm waiting until mine dies. Between what you can sell the 550 for and what the 580 costs, you could probably get a used 420

[ssim]

If you tend to make changes to the flash settings on a frequent basis then an upgrade to the 580 would be beneficial. The 580's controls are more user friendly and downright easy to use in comparison to the 550. It has more power and all of the things that coreypolis said are true.

I had two 550's and really was having a hard time with flash work. I thought that I would try the 580 so I tried one and liked it so much that I got a second unit. I have kept the 550's but not really sure why as they haven't been used since I got the second 580.

[tim]

This thread (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=123694) will tell you the differences. As a wedding photographer the 580 is handy with its one button head rotate and the easier controls, but for most people probably not a big deal. I have one of each and they work the same really.

[BLS439]

I had just one 550 for a while and wanted to get a 580. I went out and got a new 430EX for my first mater/slave type trials. I then found a killer deal on another 550EX, so I picked it up instead. I coudn't be happier riow. I got the 430EX and 550EX fo the price of one 580EX. Sure, It doesn't have all of the same features/qualities, but it works!

Good luck!
Dave

[Lee Smith]

Thanks to all for the great info.
Lee