580ex II replacement cycle (question not rumour!)

[j4nbl]

Hi guys, loooooong time reader, first time poster here! First of all, what an awesome forum, i've honestly never felt the need to post here after searching for a few minutes i've always found what i was looking for so keep up the good work.

However, i'm looking at getting a flash. not sure whats going to be going on with the 430ex/II prices so leaving those alone i think. so that leaves me with a strong urge to spend a tad more and get the 580ex II but i don't want to read about the replacement a month later so does anyone know the replacement cycle time on these top end flashes? thanks in advance!

EDIT: oops, i have posted before. not sure 2 posts a year counts though...

[tim]

Welcome again then :) The 430 V1 is a good flash, so are the 580 V1 and V2. The 430 V2 is marginally better than the V1, maybe worth waiting if you like your toys, if you just want a flash don't bother waiting. The 580V1 can probably be had 2nd hand for a reasonable price, I still use one as my main flash, and a 550EX as my 2nd. Don't get a 550EX as your main flash, they're a bit clunky compared with the 580.

[PaulBradley]

There is very little to be improved in a 580ex II, although doubtless newer flashes will incrementally improve on the older models. I wouldn't wait if I were you - they hold their value fairly well anyway, so if you really wanted a newer model you could sell it and buy a III when it comes out. Besides, you may well find yourself wanting 2 flashes or more in future - buy now is my advice.

[cdifoto]

The 580EX II just came out - it won't be replaced anytime soon. The 580EX was brought out in 2004. The 580EX II just last year. You'd be waiting till 2010 most likely.

[tiha]

^^^ I hope that Canon will sooner upgrade their flash line-up. They're constantly behind Nikon :mad: Release of SB-900 has just broaden the gap.

[ben_r_]

Yea it will be a while before the replacement for the 580EX II is released as that flash is still fairly new.