Which is the better Master? 550ex or 580ex II?

[delhi]

I suppose this can also be worded as which can be the better slave too. I have these two flash am wondering which is better to be used as Master. I'm thinking due to the more flexible head control, the 580ex should be the slave. i can easily pivot it faster than the two-button steps of the 550ex.

2nd question: How does the slave receive ETTL metering? from the master flash?

[Curtis N]

The user interfaces are different, so it's a matter of personal preference. Use them whichever way you think is easiest.

The slave gets its E-TTL commands from the master.

[Titus213]

I think the big difference for me would be the weight. The 550EX is a larger, heavier flash unit and when I can get it off the camera I will.

[PacAce]

I think the big difference for me would be the weight. The 550EX is a larger, heavier flash unit and when I can get it off the camera I will.
Dave, although the 580EX does look a little more compact due to its design, it's only one ounce lighter than the 550EX according to their specs. :)

[delhi]

The slave gets its E-TTL commands from the master.

But surely from the master's location, the metering readout may not jive well with the slave's location no? Or is the ETTL is generally reliable that the overall lighting exposure will come out fine?
I presume if I want to adjust the slave's output, I would have to go Manual correct?

[Curtis N]

When you press the shutter button, the camera tells the master to fire a pre-flash. The master commands the slaves to do the same. The camera meters the light from the pre-flash, determines how much power is required for proper exposure and commands the master accordingly. The master then tells the slaves how much power to use.

To adjust the amount of light from the slave, you either adjust the ratio in E-TTL mode (with the slave in a different group) or use manual mode and adjust each flash individually.

Have a thorough read of Leo's wireless flash tutorials up in the sticky thread.

[Dermit]

Yes, but since the 580EX II is the only one of these that has the latest E-TTL II technology with using lens data for focus distance, etc. wouldn't it be the best (smartest) master? Assuming you are not in manual flash mode.

[PacAce]

Yes, but since the 580EX II is the only one of these that has the latest E-TTL II technology with using lens data for focus distance, etc. wouldn't it be the best (smartest) master? Assuming you are not in manual flash mode.

The implementation of ETTL-II is in the camera body, not in the flash unit. So any EX flash will work with ETTL-II as long as it's mounted on a body that supports ETTL-II.

[Dermit]

Ah, so the II indicator on the 580EX is just to differentialte it from the first 580EX? Like a 580EX mark II? I always thought it meant that it was ETTL II capable which led me to believe that the earlier flashes were not. Silly me, looking back on it, that makes sense.

[apersson850]

The 580 EX II is the only one that can be set from a camera, provided the camera supports flash setup (currently the 40D and the 1D Mark III does).
That's very much more convenient than setting everything on the flash itself.

[Curtis N]

The 580 EX II is the only one that can be set from a camera, provided the camera supports flash setup (currently the 40D and the 1D Mark III does).
That's very much more convenient than setting everything on the flash itself.Yeah, cuz the buttons on the flash itself are like five inches away. Who wants to move his fingers that far?
:rolleyes:

[Titus213]

Dave, although the 580EX does look a little more compact due to its design, it's only one ounce lighter than the 550EX according to their specs. :)

Amazing - it feels like a pound....:lol:

[pjtemplin]

The 580 EX II is the only one that can be set from a camera, provided the camera supports flash setup (currently the 40D and the 1D Mark III does).

And the 1Ds Mark III (and the Powershot G9...).

Yeah, cuz the buttons on the flash itself are like five inches away. Who wants to move his fingers that far?

I'm tempted to buy a 580EX (original) so I can go from single flash to wireless and back at the flick of a finger. That stupid two-second pause in the 580EX2 is a way to have every Canon moment drift away.

However, the 40D and 1Ds Mk III allow full control of the wireless settings, not just the basic on-camera flash stuff like the 1D Mk III (I can't remember what the G9 can do). That will make the challenge a lot quicker, especially putting that function on My Menu.