580 EX

[Trique Daddi]

I have the original 580 EX flash and have used it with my 20D and been very happy with its performance. I am contemplating purchasing a 40D and wondered if I can expect the same performance from the 580. I can't afford to upgrade the flash to the 580 EXII as well.

Trique Daddi

[40Dude6aedyk]

You will have the exact same performance because you will have the exact same flash. The recharge/recycle time will be exactly the same. The flash output will be exactly the same.

Why would it be any different?

[Aaagogo]

only minor differences in the external shell of the 580ex Vs the 580exii,

also, I believe that the EXII recharges a little quicker than the EX

other than that, it's essentially the same flash when it comes to power output

[PacAce]

You will have the exact same performance because you will have the exact same flash. The recharge/recycle time will be exactly the same. The flash output will be exactly the same.

Why would it be any different?
As much as what you say may seem logical, it's not necessary true that your flash will behave the same with every camera you own. Yes, the recycling time will be the same for the same flash output but the exposure you get may not be the same for the same scene. The reason is because the ETTL and ETTL-II algorithm (depending on the camera) is implemented by the camera and not the flash. The flash only does what it is told to do by the camera. I can use the same 580EX flash with my 30D and my 1Dmk3 and the flash exposures will be noticeably different (the 1Dmk3 exposure is better to my eyes).

[Trique Daddi]

Thanks for the replies. I know the differences in the 580EX and the 580EXII. I was wondering if my 580EX will perform well with the 40D. It seems to be answered. Thanks again.