420Ex or 550Ex or 580Ex

[HJH]

Hi every one,

I am new here ..



Just I want to kwon what are the differences between the 420Ex , 550Ex and the 580Ex ?

[psk4363]

In just one word - immense! The differences are so great and any attempt to highlight them all would be too much for a forum like this. I would suggest doing a review search on and search engine or simply go onto the Canon site.

Briefly:-
1. Power - 580 best, 420 least
2. Size - 550 largest, 420 smallest
3. ETTL - 580 only uses the latest ETTL II (and only on the latest cameras)
4. Price - 580 dearest, 420 cheapest
ETC

Barry

[markubig]

this guy writes a good review of all three:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Flash-and-Lighting-Accessory-Reviews.aspx

this site has reviews from users:
http://www.photographyreview.com/Flashes/PLS_3121crx.aspx

In short:
What's your equipment? If you have a 300D, then go with the 550 or 580 because those two flash units have FEC (Flash Exposure Control) on board the flash. The 300D does not unless you install the firmware hack (look for Wasia Hack)

If you have a 20D or 350D (both of which support ETTL-II), you might want to consider the 580ex, which is ETTL-II compatible. If budget is your issue, then the 550ex will work just fine on these cameras, as well as the 420ex

Also power output . . 580ex is strongest, followed by 550ex, and then 420ex.

If size is your concern, 420ex is smallest, followed by 580ex, and then 550ex..

hope this helps . . .

[PacAce]

In just one word - immense! The differences are so great and any attempt to highlight them all would be too much for a forum like this. I would suggest doing a review search on and search engine or simply go onto the Canon site.

Briefly:-
1. Power - 580 best, 420 least
2. Size - 550 largest, 420 smallest
3. ETTL - 580 only uses the latest ETTL II (and only on the latest cameras)
4. Price - 580 dearest, 420 cheapest
ETC

Barry
All three flashes are ETTL compatible with cameras that have ETTL such as the DRebel and the 10D. All three are also ETTL-II compatible with cameras that have ETTL-II like the 1DmkII, 20D and the XT. Hence, all three flashes will work fine on all current EOS digital SLR cameras.

[HJH]

thanks for all of U :)


the next Q :

is there a flash (Sigma of ex) optically trigger ? like the niokn flash do

[PacAce]

thanks for all of U :)


the next Q :

is there a flash (Sigma of ex) optically trigger ? like the niokn flash do
The Sigma EF 500 DG Super can be optically triggered as a slave.

[DxHatchback]

very helpful post

thanks

[HJH]

another Q :rolleyes:

does The Sigma EF 500 DG use the ETTL II or ETTL

[Tomsk]

another Q :rolleyes:

does The Sigma EF 500 DG use the ETTL II or ETTL

I think that the newest version of the Sigma is E-TTL II compatible.

[PacAce]

another Q :rolleyes:

does The Sigma EF 500 DG use the ETTL II or ETTL
It's not the flash that gives you ETTL or ETTL-II, it's the camera. So, if the camera uses ETTL-II for it's flash algorithm, then any flash that supports ETTL, and that includes the Sigma EF 500 DG series flashes (doesn't matter which version), will be compatible with ETTL-II and work just fine.