550 or 580 flash???

[pfuller88]

Looking to enhance my 420 flash with a master. I have thought about the wireless ST tramsmitter, but, for a few more dollars think I will ad a 500 series master instead.

For the higher cost of the 580, is it worth it?

I am not a pro, I take weekend shots and family photos and would like more lighting control for some indoor black and white shots.

20D camera.

Thanks.

[Phil300z]

You might also consider the Sigma 500 DG Super. It is compared to the 550ex, and most people agree the quality and features are right on with the 550ex counterpart. It also has a faster refresh rate than the 550EX. If you're going to use it as a master or slave, it also performs those functions. Just something I thought you could look into... for a lot less than a 550EX! Heres a link to some reviews on the Sigma 500 DG Super: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=228&sort=7&cat=30&page=1

[PacAce]

You might also consider the Sigma 500 DG Super. It is compared to the 550ex, and most people agree the quality and features are right on with the 550ex counterpart. It also has a faster refresh rate than the 550EX. If you're going to use it as a master or slave, it also performs those functions. Just something I thought you could look into... for a lot less than a 550EX! Heres a link to some reviews on the Sigma 500 DG Super: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=228&sort=7&cat=30&page=1
Are you sure the EF 500 DG Super will be compatible with the 420EX in wireless config mode? I used to have a EF 500 DG Super but had problems making it work with my 420EX and 550EX. When I contacted Sigma tech support, they told me that they do not guarantee the compatibility of the 500 DG Super with any Canon EX flash, only with other Sigma DG flashes. That's when I returned the EF 500 DG Super and got the 580EX instead.

Since I'm not sure if I just had a lemon or not, maybe somebody who has actually used the 500 DG Super in a wireless mode with the EX series flashes, not just tested it to see if the flash fires or not, can chime in. THe problem I was having with the EF 500 was not that it wouldn't fire because it did, in both Master mode and Slave mode. What it didn't do right was give me a properly exposed pictures consistantly. A lot of times, it fired at full power and blew out the whole exposure.

[Rob612]

I have a 580EX and I just love it.

[pfuller88]

Thanks for the replies. I did a lot of research and just ordered the 580EX. As the Canon USA site puts it...



Approx. 25% faster recycling time compared to 550EX.
Superior evenness of exposure, center to corner of frame.
Slightly higher max. guide number at 105mm setting (GN 190, feet).
Auto conversion of flash coverage with compatible digital SLRs.
White Balance info communicated instantly to compatible digital SLRs.
Full swivel, 180° in either direction (first TTL flash with this ability).
AF-assist beam now compatible with all AF points on every EOS SLR.
New Select Dial for easy inputs and user control.

To me, this all seems worth the $70 US over the 550ex and the $160 over the ST Trasmitter.

[CyberDyneSystems]

The 580 is also significantly smaller than the 550... which really is a plus considering it ha more power as well.

Granted the difference isn't huge.. but I find it is exactly that much smaller to mean the difference between "having a flash on my 20D" Vs. Having a 20D under my flash" which is what the 550 is like ;)

On the MkII it doesn't seem so significant.

[Bushman]

I just got the 580, what is a good flash bracket to get?

[tim]

Bushman, have a look at this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=530662), and try a search too - there's lots of info around here. Flash bracket choice is down to individual preference, they all do pretty much the same thing.