Do I actually need my 580exII ??

Hello all,

Over the course of the past month and a half I've pretty much entirely shifted my focus from still to video work. As such, I'm re-evaluating whether or not I really need most of my gear.

Especially my 580exII. While it's been great in the past, I've realized I don't really use it that often, and when I do use it, the only mode I ever shot it in was manual (triggering with rf-602's)

I was wondering if there was a cheaper flash that is comparable to the 580exII's output? I'm essentially looking for a cheaper option that has the same light output, swivel head, but the only mode I need is manual, no ettl etc.

Being able to downgrade would be great and I could free up some cash.

"Dead" equipment that could be converted to cash for something else is just a waste of space (IMO)

If it's sitting, sell it!

gibsonla wrote in post #12204918
Hello all,

Over the course of the past month and a half I've pretty much entirely shifted my focus from still to video work. As such, I'm re-evaluating whether or not I really need most of my gear.

Especially my 580exII. While it's been great in the past, I've realized I don't really use it that often, and when I do use it, the only mode I ever shot it in was manual (triggering with rf-602's)

I was wondering if there was a cheaper flash that is comparable to the 580exII's output? I'm essentially looking for a cheaper option that has the same light output, swivel head, but the only mode I need is manual, no ettl etc.

Being able to downgrade would be great and I could free up some cash.

Keep an eye out for a cheap used 580ex mk1. It's almost exactly the same as the mk2--it would meet your needs, I've picked up two units on FM in the past, one for $225, the other for $250

What about any of the Yong-nuo models? I haven't been keeping up in the world of small flash development

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #12204927
"Dead" equipment that could be converted to cash for something else is just a waste of space (IMO)

If it's sitting, sell it!

... unless you eventually foresee the possibility of using it again in the future. This has happened to me several times in the past, where I stopped using a particular lens or accessory and immediately liquidated it... only to turn around 6-12 months later and decide to buy it again for a pressing need. It's important to keep in mind that every time you sell off junk you're losing money in PP fees and shipping--not to mention your time.

LP160 Quad-sync
Don't cheap on absolute term but a lot more cheap respect the canon speedlight 580exii.
And the power should be "equivalent".

gibsonla wrote in post #12204937
What about any of the Yong-nuo models? I haven't been keeping up in the world of small flash development

Mostly junk. I considered several models as well, but the overly negative reviews and testimony from users here who had their units fall apart or fail to function at an adequate level... turned me off. You get what you pay for.

I own a 580exii, and a lot of the times I use it on Manual as well with my wireless trigger.

However! it really comes in handy when you shoot events. I thought about it before, but it comes in handy every now and then.

you take a hit on depreciation, plus fees and shipping as noted above. Unless the need for cash is a necessity, I'd hang on to it.

MOkoFOko wrote in post #12204947
Mostly junk. I considered several models as well, but the overly negative reviews and testimony from users here who had their units fall apart or fail to function at an adequate level... turned me off. You get what you pay for.

What? Give me a break, have you even owned one?

I own four, and I've never had a problem with any of them. I'd be happy to buy more down the line as well.

And I actually sold my 580EX MkI for ~$350, and replaced it with two YN-460 II's to compliment my two YN-560's ($80 total, for the two 460's), and a used B800 and still had cash left over.

IMO, if you have no use for an ETTL flash, a 580EX I/II serves no purpose other than HSS, which most people barely use. You can replace it with a manual flash and use the left-over cash for something else.

Which YN would you recommend to replace it? How does the light output compare?

BrandonSi wrote in post #12205924
What? Give me a break, have you even owned one?

I own four, and I've never had a problem with any of them. I'd be happy to buy more down the line as well.

And I actually sold my 580EX MkI for ~$350, and replaced it with two YN-460 II's to compliment my two YN-560's ($80 total, for the two 460's), and a used B800 and still had cash left over.

IMO, if you have no use for an ETTL flash, a 580EX I/II serves no purpose other than HSS, which most people barely use. You can replace it with a manual flash and use the left-over cash for something else.

MOkoFOko wrote in post #12204947
Mostly junk. I considered several models as well, but the overly negative reviews and testimony from users here who had their units fall apart or fail to function at an adequate level... turned me off. You get what you pay for.

Interesting. I use my YN-560's as fill in either a softbox or with a shoot thru, never a problem. Been dropped, banged, and otherwise manhandled everywhere and anywhere. Not up to the build quality of a 580 Canon flash, but I can buy 5 of 'em for the price of one 580EX II. If all you want/need is a decent OCF for manual use, I can't see how you can go wrong with these.

gibsonla wrote in post #12207288
Which YN would you recommend to replace it? How does the light output compare?

I would recommend the YN560 for the increased build quality. The comparison tests I've seen put the output (at an equivalent zoom) a bit below the 580exii and a bit above the 430exii. You could also look at the LP160 (mpex), which comes with a 2-year warranty and much fewer complaints about build quality. The light output of the LP160 is roughly the same as the YN560.