Any reason to not get the 580EX for a 20D body

[Dirty Shirt]

I'm in the market for a flash for my 20D. Is there any reason to get one of the less expensive models? From looking at canons site it appears the 580 would be the way to go but I just wanted to make sure.

Thanks!

[lostdoggy]

Less money??? But I would go for the 580 just for xtra range.

[scottbergerphoto]

You can probably pick up a used 550EX much cheaper. I use 3 550EX's and I see no reason to upgrade.

[Curtis N]

I went with a Promaster 7500DX.
The money you save, you can spend on something fun, like hiring a bikini model.

[Dirty Shirt]

Thanks Curtis! I'm going to have to read about it, but hell its cheap compared to the 580ex.

[Camo 757]

Get a 580EX, no looking back later on. You got a 20D, pair it right.

[gmaize]

My reason to go with the 580ex was simple. With so much great technology in the 20D why would I not want to utilize all of it. The 580 is the only flash the I know of that will do this.

--gmaize

[KevC]

Or you could consider the Sigma EF500 DG Super. It's got most of the functions of the 550EX and about half the cost.

But if I had the cash, I'd get the 580EX. It's quite possibly the best flashgun on the market, at least the best one for your camera :)

[Curtis N]

Just from what I can read on Canon's web site, the 580EX has three things the Promaster 7500DX doesn't have:

1) More power. (Insert Tim Taylor grunt here) 580EX guide number at 105mm setting is 190 feet. 7500DX at 105mm is 138 feet (assume both manufacturers exagerate at least 1/2 stop). Remember this is the distance when fully zoomed in. When set for a 24mm lens, the 7500DX guide number drops to 75 feet, and the 580EX will show a similar decrease. This power difference between the two models is significant. It represents nearly a full stop at a given distance.

2) Auto conversion of flash coverage with compatible digital SLRs. This is my only complaint with the Promaster. The motorized auto zoom automatically adjusts when you move a zoom lens in and out, but it assumes it's on a 35mm camera and doesn't account for the "crop factor" so some of the light is wasted outside the frame. This is really only a problem if you're pushing the maximum distance, and you can change the zoom manually in those cases.

3) White Balance info communicated instantly to compatible digital SLRs. All this means is that if you're shooting in JPEG mode and accidently leave the white balance on tungsten or some other mode, the 580EX will change it for you. If you shoot raw, this is a non-issue.

My research wasn't very thorough, so there may be other differences. The only other word of wisdom I would add is that it's cheaper to get what you really want initially, than to buy something cheaper and then buy the more expensive one later. I'm happy with my Promaster, but if the 580EX has something you think will be valuable to you, go for it!

[deedas]

...The only other word of wisdom I would add is that it's cheaper to get what you really want initially, than to buy something cheaper and then buy the more expensive one later. I'm happy with my Promaster, but if the 580EX has something you think will be valuable to you, go for it!


Yeah I'm the same way. Buy what you really need so you won't spend even more later. With this though, it can be a little different. Buying a 550EX or even a 420EX is not a bad idea since you can always use them as slaves.

[Dirty Shirt]

Yeah I'm the same way. Buy what you really need so you won't spend even more later. With this though, it can be a little different. Buying a 550EX or even a 420EX is not a bad idea since you can always use them as slaves.

Thanks for all of the good info.

I may take the about route and get a 420ex to start out with then add the 580.

[RobbTC]

One thing I noticed right away is the 580 can go 3 full stops over/under FEC and you can only do 2 full stops on the camera (20D/10D/Rebel) and the 550.

Haven't had the opportunity to use it since I bought it (quiet week for fires), but looking forward to it.

Robb
http://www.robbware.com

[Steel Cowboy]

I just got the Promaster 7500DX for my 20D. They have a model that is compatible according to the camera store I deal with. It actually has a little decal on it that says 20D...

[AjP]

I do have 580Ex and its worth every penny, great flash for 20D, definately gonna by few more in future.

[pierrot]

You can probably pick up a used 550EX much cheaper. I use 3 550EX's and I see no reason to upgrade.
I only use 1 plus a 420 and see no reason to upgrade either ;)

Used 550 EX can be found far cheaper than brand news 580, and will give you 98% of the thrust for 50-60% of the price ;)

[tim]

The main advantage of the 580EX is since it knows about the 1.6x crop it will use less batteries and cycle faster. You lose this advantage if you lose a diffuser.

[PacAce]

One thing I noticed right away is the 580 can go 3 full stops over/under FEC and you can only do 2 full stops on the camera (20D/10D/Rebel) and the 550.

Haven't had the opportunity to use it since I bought it (quiet week for fires), but looking forward to it.

Robb
http://www.robbware.com
Hmmm, the 20D manual says you can do 3 full stops of FEC with it. And my 550EX allows me to do 3 full stops of FEC. What made you think otherwise? :confused:

[RobbTC]

Hmmm, the 20D manual says you can do 3 full stops of FEC with it. And my 550EX allows me to do 3 full stops of FEC. What made you think otherwise? :confused:

Page 96 of the manual states that on camera you can only do +/- 2 stops on the camera and (on page 97) you can do +/- 3 stops on the flash (I don't remember if you can go 3 stops +/- on the 550EX, I sold that to upgrade to the 580EX).

[PacAce]

Page 96 of the manual states that on camera you can only do +/- 2 stops on the camera and (on page 97) you can do +/- 3 stops on the flash (I don't remember if you can go 3 stops +/- on the 550EX, I sold that to upgrade to the 580EX).
i think the +/- 2 stops FEC on page 96 is referring to the built-in flash, not the external. And, yes, the 550EX does to +/- 3 stops. I just checked before I posted my previous post. :)

[CyberDyneSystems]

I use all three of the EX flashes.. (one of each.. don't ask :rolleyes: )

Anyway.. with both Cameras being ETTL2... I like to take full advantage and use the 580 on camera... the other two are slaves.. or the 550 is on the back up body.

[Dirty Shirt]

Here is an update. I was on B&H's website and ordered the 580 along with the battery grip. Both are great additions to the 20D.