580EX or 580EX II

[caymiss]

I would like to hear from anyone who has moved from the 580EX to the 580EX II.

I have been holding out for the newest version of this flash, but now that it has been released, I have a dilemma. I can buy the 580EX for much, much less and now wonder if such a price difference is justified by the extra performance of the newest version.

Please give me a real world comparison of these two flashes, need to make a decision soon.

Becky:confused:

[jarias]

I would go 580EX II I upgraded and lost 95 dollars for 95 dollars I would go with new version if you pay less thatn 350 to 375 you will probably get a really abused 580

[jdizzle]

I don't think there any real benefits the to new 580 EX II other than weather sealing and speed. It's all really in your choice but, the first 580 EX is still a good flash.

[snyper77]

I have the 580. I use it with Av mode for fill flash and M mode as fill and primary. From the info I just gave, does the 580 II offer better exposures automatically or does it still require a lot of FEC like the 580? Thanks.

[picturecrazy]

The 580 is just as good imo. It's weather sealed, but that doesn't mean anything unless you have a 1-series, and you actually shoot in the rain (which 99% of people don't).

The 580II battery door is better. But once you get used to how the 580 door opens, it's not even an issue. I find it easier and quicker to open the 580 door than the 580II.

The 580II has an auto mode. It blows. I wouldn't even call it a feature because it's so crappy I'll NEVER use it ever again.

The 580II apparently recharges faster, but I can't really tell the difference. It's also quieter in recharging. I actually LIKE the noise of the 580 because I can HEAR when the flash is ready to go without ever taking my eye off the viewfinder.

The 580II lost the master/slave switch. That really annoyed me because I actually use that switch a lot.

All in all, I'm disappointed with the 580II. If you can get a 580 for a good price I would go for it.