420EX replacement?

[puttick]

My local dealer hinted that a replacement for the 420EX flash was imminent, though that may have been a convenient excuse as he had no 420's in stock. His argument was that it would be e-TTL II like the 580EX.

Any rumours, or facts?

Is it worth waiting for e-TTL II?

[PacAce]

Looks like your local dealer really doesn't know what he's talking about when it comes to flashes and ETTL-II. ETTL-II is built into the camera and not the flash. Any EX flash will operate in ETTL-II mode if the camera, like the 20D and the DReb XT,supports it.

As for a replacedment for the 420EX, your guess is just as good as anybody else's since Canon doesn't really announce future upgrades or replacements until it just about ready to happen.

[puttick]

Hmm - the EOS system chart explains the two systems, and states that the 580EX is E-TTL II compatible, but that the 420EX is only E-TTL compatible. I read that as being that the camera and flash both have to be capable of delivering, and using, the distance information from the lens.

But - does it really make a worthwhile difference?

Perhaps I'll post this over on the flash section.

Nigel

[PacAce]

Hmm - the EOS system chart explains the two systems, and states that the 580EX is E-TTL II compatible, but that the 420EX is only E-TTL compatible. I read that as being that the camera and flash both have to be capable of delivering, and using, the distance information from the lens.

But - does it really make a worthwhile difference?

Perhaps I'll post this over on the flash section.

Nigel
ETTL-II does make use of the distance information if the lens attached to the camera provides this information, but distance information is not a prerequisite for ETTL-II to work. At any rate, this distance information is derived from the lens and the camera, not from the flash. All the flash does is "take orders" from the camera. Yes, the 580EX is ETTL-II compatible but so are the 420EX, 550EX and any other EX series flash.

What camera do you have? If you have the 20D, the DRebel or any of the 1D mk II series camera, any of the EX flashes will work in ETTL-II mode. If you have the older cameras, then they will only work in ETTL mode and that goes for the 580EX as well.

[pradeep1]

Yeah, what he said. :D

[puttick]

Hi, I have (as of yesterday) a 350D. Previously I had a 300D. One of my reasons for changing to the 350d was to be able to have FEC in the camera body, whereas the 300d does not (and yes, I know about Wasia). The 420EX is better for me because I prefer the smaller size, and it is much better value than the 580EX especially at inflated UK prices.

It is good to know that the E-TTL II will work - I have found some other resources that confirm that. So I'll probably just get on and order the 420EX now.

Thanks

[Andy_T]

Nigel,

you can even get a 50 EUR rebate on the flash if you buy it through an authorized dealer).

If you do not have the rebate book, look at www.canonextrapromotion.com and order your rebate book.

Best regards,
Andy

[puttick]

Nigel,

you can even get a 50 EUR rebate on the flash if you buy it through an authorized dealer).

If you do not have the rebate book, look at www.canonextrapromotion.com and order your rebate book.

Best regards,
Andy

I've just done exactly that - had the book with the camera, ordered the 420ex today.

[Andy_T]

Good.

And for the sake of your wallet...
DO NOT PAY ATTENTION to the other coupons!
...17-40/4.0 ... 70-200/4.0 ... 300/4.0 IS ... must ... resist ... :twisted:

Best regards,
Andy

[puttick]

I am afraid that I already have the 17-40/4 L and 70-200/4 L and cannot take advantage of those vouchers. Sickening.