580exII + 3 Sunpak 383 or 2 580exII

[Ultimate CC]

Right now I have a 580exII and an abr800. I don't do a lot of in studio portraits its mainly on site stuff hence why I need very versatile and mobile equipment...I just sold my 430ex and need to replace it with something and I can't decided if I should get another 580exII or 2-3 383 sunpaks. I do a lot of event photography for my grad school as well which is taking pictures at awards nights as people go up to recieve award and what not so its nice to have a atleast 2 flash units...the only thing is that I don't always have a lot of time to setup and adjusting flashes isn't always feasible but I guess I can always set them up and adjust the camera a bit as long as I have them close enough to the right settings. What are your guys thoughts on this decision? I have been reading and reading and I just go back and forth. I also do a lot of realestate work.

Thanks
Dan

[chosenwon]

sunpaks with remote triggers on music stands. That is what I use. MUCH more reliable than the IR funtionality on the canon flashes, and offers much more versatility.

[tenoverthenose]

I shoot a lot of weddings and had previously used a 580ex and a 420 ex in IR mode, but just had too many complications (read, not firing) with the IR. Recently I purchased a pair of Sunpak 383's used and radio transmitters. I could not be happier with my decision. Once you play with the lights for a while, you will get a good idea on how to set up & use them and you will not spend much time making adjustments for events.