cdesperado wrote in post #2659784
Im curious Rokkor... why do you think Canon would replace the ST-E2 if they were not going to release a new flash as well?

The ST-E2 does not have the same functionality as using another 580EX as master. For starters there are only 2 groups enabled, and then there is the lack of manual control of the slave units from the controller. This is a serious drawback to the use of the ST-E2.

SunTsu wrote in post #2602401
I did a search and found that the 550EX was released in 1997 and the 580EX in 2004. That gave the 550EX a good 7 year run. So do you think there is any chance that the 580EX is going to be replaced any time soon?

Your logic escapes me

Is the 2 year run the same as the 7 year due to the fact that our attention span has more than halved in those few years?

farrukh wrote in post #2625226
Obviously most of them use orignal party products. But this Metz 58-AF1 annoucned on photokina last year and it got some interesting featues that a Canon flagship flash suppose to have.

Metz 58-AF1 got all the features of 580ex and some major additional feautes such as...

1-firmware through USB upgrade
2- Auto mode (flash exposure controled by flash sensor)
3- Secondary reflector.

Item #2 is a step backward not forward. Before there was TTL flash most thyristor flashes had some form flash sensor on board but was not very accurate. But with onset of newer TTL technology such as ETTL-2 on complimented lenses its capable of reading more info which translate to better control.

lostdoggy wrote in post #2745045
which translate to better control.

Are you sure you are talking about Canons ETTL?

Let em replace it, I am after a QFLASH

Speedlite 580EX II is OFFICIAL!!!

Read this
http://www.usa.canon.c​om ...39&modelid=14999&pa​geno=3

For your reading pleasure... WFT-E1A and 580 are updated officially!
http://www.robgalbrait​h.com ..._page.asp?cid=7-8736-8850

Speedlite 580EX II Flash
The popular Speedlite 580EX Flash is being replaced by the new Speedlite 580EX II Flash, which features a host of improvements, including a metal hot shoe with an improved locking mechanism for added durability, an external metering sensor for non-TTL automatic flash exposure control and a PC socket for use with non-dedicated slave triggers. Fully compatible with all EOS SLRs, the new Speedlite 580EX II is gasketed for dust and moisture resistance, making it possible for users of EOS-1 class digital SLRs and many L-series EF lenses to use flash safely when shooting in dusty or wet environments.


Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2A
The new accessory dedicated Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2A allows wireless transfer and backup, as well as remote control of the camera in Live View mode. The new transmitter is much smaller and lighter than its predecessor and more affordable as well. The WFT-E2A has many useful capabilities besides wireless transmission of digital photos. In addition to supporting the EOS-1D Mark III Digital SLR’s Remote Live View functions, it can also be connected to various Hi-Speed USB 2.0 external storage devices such as high-capacity hard drives or convenient flash drives with much larger storage capacity than the memory cards in the camera, for instant backup as images are captured. Whats more, the WFT-E2A can be connected to portable GPS devices to record GPS information (longitude, latitude, altitude, UTC) which is added to file metadata and displayed on the camera’s LCD screen below the histogram.

Four Winds wrote in post #2607014
I'm sure they'll replace it very soon...because I bought one this week.

Isn't that they way it always goes?...just about the time you're ready to shell out big bucks for product X, a replacement comes out shortly thereafter.

Lol, how prophetic!

Oh for Pete's sake. Why? Why? Does anyone know when the 580EX II might actually hit store shelves?

The Canon site says the 580EX II is available April 2007, but I wonder if that means you can actually buy one then.

Also, I wonder if anyone has an idea what the street price for the 580EX II will be (i.e. the price that B&H will end up selling it for)?

Of course, Canon releases an updated 580EX to go along with the 1D MkIII:

http://www.usa.canon.c​om ...egoryid=141&modelid​=14998

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #2739567
Your logic escapes me

Is the 2 year run the same as the 7 year due to the fact that our attention span has more than halved in those few years?

I almost agreed with this post yesterday!

okay, I still do...but it looks like a nice little upgrade they did with the 580.

Any word on a price for this? My company are paying me my Christmas bonus in a couple of weeks (yes, I know, I should buy them a calendar...) and I've been promising myself a 580EX - now I need to decide whether to get a 580EX II or wait for the corresponding drop in prices for the old model.

Also, does anyone know (or have any opinions) on whether the metering sensor will work when the flash is off-camera (i.e. triggered by a pocketwizard or similar), or will you still only have the choice of manual control only?

lostdoggy wrote in post #2745045
Item #2 is a step backward not forward. Before there was TTL flash most thyristor flashes had some form flash sensor on board but was not very accurate. But with onset of newer TTL technology such as ETTL-2 on complimented lenses its capable of reading more info which translate to better control.

I find my Sunpak 383 Thyristor Sensor to be more accurate than my 580EXs' Thyroid Glands. Control-wise it isn't much of a loss/gain. ISO up or down for the corresponding FEC you'd make on a Speedlite if you want to maintain the same working aperture. Not that you have identical freedoms but everything's a compromise if you're not Dante.

Rokkorfan wrote in post #2627237
To the OP, there is no likelihood of the 580EX being replaced in the short term. The only flash accessory that may be replaced this year is the ST-E2.

Well go figure - I'm no Nostradamus. Thank goodness I don't dabble in the stock exchange.