580 EX vs 580 EX II

[Ryan.s]

Hi all...

Basically i am just wondering what the difference between the 580 EX and the 580 EX II is?

Cheers,

[fi20100]

The newer 580EX II recycles about 20% faster than the old one. It has a bit better build with metal foot. Better dust and water resistance. Better lock to hot shoe solution. Slightly larger than the old one. It also has an in-built PC-terminal.

That's what I can think of right now.

[krusnof]

And it is much more silent with recycling - actually mute!

[m3rdpwr]

And it is much more silent with recycling - actually mute!

And the 580EX ii has a far better battery cover.
On the original 580EX I always feel like I'm going to break the battery cover!

There was a post for the same question a week ago with more likes and dislikes...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=505641

-Mario

[tim]

580 II has less buttons, making it harder to use.

[m3rdpwr]

580 II has less buttons, making it harder to use.


Less buttons meaning no Off/Master/Slave switch.
This means it takes more steps to put it in and out of wireless modes.

Otherwise, same buttons...

-Mario

[basroil]

Less buttons meaning no Off/Master/Slave switch.
This means it takes more steps to put it in and out of wireless modes.

Otherwise, same buttons...

-Mario

unless you have a MKIII ( i think 40d supports the functions too), where you can control everything in the flash from the camera. that means modes, flash compensation, ettl slaves, etc. old 580 can't do most of those things (though you still have some in camera options for the flash)

[tim]

Yes you can control wireless ETTL from the 40D body, but it's WAY quicker and easier from the hardware controls on the flash. I wouldn't buy a 580 II as a main flash, and if I buy another flash i'll look for a 2nd hand 580.

[sapearl]

Interesting - glad you pointed that out Tim. I'm not currently in the market for another strobe, but this is a good thing to know regarding their differences.

Yes you can control wireless ETTL from the 40D body, but it's WAY quicker and easier from the hardware controls on the flash. I wouldn't buy a 580 II as a main flash, and if I buy another flash i'll look for a 2nd hand 580.

[m3rdpwr]

Less buttons meaning no Off/Master/Slave switch.
This means it takes more steps to put it in and out of wireless modes.

Otherwise, same buttons...

-Mario

Back on what I had said.

I'm willing to bet Canon had to remove the mechanical switch in order to control it directly from the body.

However, I think it was shortsightedness that Canon did not add a push button like the others on the flash that would let you cycle through each mode with a single press of a button.

It's really too bad.

But, they could make up for it by making the direct print button on the 40D programable to cycle through the modes quickly. Not a chance in hell, but hey we can dream... :)

-Mario

[jrsforums]

Hi all...

Basically i am just wondering what the difference between the 580 EX and the 580 EX II is?

Cheers,


http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-580EX-II-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx

[Mil]

Yes you can control wireless ETTL from the 40D body, but it's WAY quicker and easier from the hardware controls on the flash. I wouldn't buy a 580 II as a main flash, and if I buy another flash i'll look for a 2nd hand 580.

I just get 40D and I wish to use 580EX (old one) as a slave. I try but without success. Any tips?
Thanks!
Milan

[sapearl]

Mil, do you have both the 580ex and the II and you are trying to use the (original) 580ex as the slave to the newer unit?

I would imagine it should work. Set the (old) 580ex for slave, but then you would need to configure the newer unit somehow as the master. Likely that's explained in manual. Not having the newer unit I can't give you any good specific advice. Sorry.

I just get 40D and I wish to use 580EX (old one) as a slave. I try but without success. Any tips?
Thanks!
Milan

[Mil]

Mil, do you have both the 580ex and the II and you are trying to use the (original) 580ex as the slave to the newer unit?

I would imagine it should work. Set the (old) 580ex for slave, but then you would need to configure the newer unit somehow as the master. Likely that's explained in manual. Not having the newer unit I can't give you any good specific advice. Sorry.

Sorry, I forgot to mentioned. As a master I wish to use internal flash of 40D and 580EX as a slave. Is this possible?
Thanks!

[fi20100]

Sorry, I forgot to mentioned. As a master I wish to use internal flash of 40D and 580EX as a slave. Is this possible?
Thanks!

No, that is impossible. You could of course get a ST-E2 and keep both flashes off camera, but the pop-up flash can't be used as a master.

[Mil]

Thanks!

[apersson850]

Setting the 580 EX II from he camera is most certainly easier than doing it on the flash itself. You don't even need to remember the meaning of any of the 14 custom functions either, as they are presented in plain text.

Sacrificing the master/slave switch and instead getting a much improved locking mechanism surely is progress for me, when comparing the old 580 EX to the 580 EX II. I mount/dismount it much more often than I set it over to anything but normal mode.

[mlav]

I'm willing to bet Canon had to remove the mechanical switch in order to control it directly from the body.


I'm willing to bet it is much easier to weather proof a button than a sliding switch. And Canon claims they improved weather sealing on the 580 II...

[m3rdpwr]

I'm willing to bet it is much easier to weather proof a button than a sliding switch. And Canon claims they improved weather sealing on the 580 II...

Yes, but in the same post I mention that they could have added a button like the others which are also weather resistant for people to go through the modes...

-Mario