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FORUMS General Gear Talk Flash and Studio Lighting 
Thread started 27 Nov 2011 (Sunday) 15:05
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550EX vs 580EX - output power

 
crissoft
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Nov 27, 2011 15:05 |  #1

Hello,
I know is a little difference between Canon 550 EX and Canon 580 EX, regarding power output. 580EX is slightly powerful than 550EX. But in my case, i think the difference between the 2 flashes is too strong.
I put the flashes in Manual Mode, bounced straight to the ceiling, at 1/128 power, and my camera (Canon 5D with 24-70L) at 400 ISO, 1/200s, f/5.6.
First pic (photo01) is take with OCF 580EX (triggered via Cactus V5s) at 1/128 power, and seems to be ok, regarding exposure.
The next pic (photo02) is take with OCF 550EX at the same settings, and the same position. It's a big difference between the two pics, the second is way too dark.
Photo03 is take with OCF 550EX at 1/1 power output. Is still too dark, compared to first pic (580EX at 1/128).
Then i use my Sekonic L358 lightmeter, to measure the output of the 2 flashes. I set (in the lightmeter) 400 ISO, 1/125s, and the results was:
- 580EX, 1/1 power: f 8.0
- 550EX, 1/1 power: f 4.0
What do you think? Is my 550EX broken? 2 stops difference between flashes? It is normal?
Thanks in advance!


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crissoft
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Nov 27, 2011 15:06 |  #2

photo03


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bobbyz
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Nov 27, 2011 18:15 |  #3

You have a light meter so why not measure based on the GN of the flash.


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tim
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Nov 27, 2011 21:27 |  #4

The 550EX and 580EX have virtually identical power. Your flash, settings, or hotshoe are faulty.


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jra
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Nov 28, 2011 00:42 |  #5

I would agree....something is not working correctly here. They shouldn't be that far apart.




  
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Osa713
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Nov 28, 2011 01:18 |  #6

That pic is disturbing btw


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bobbyz
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Nov 28, 2011 08:33 |  #7

Osa713 wrote in post #13461324 (external link)
That pic is disturbing btw

My wife walked in and said what you looking at.


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crissoft
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Nov 28, 2011 09:17 |  #8

Osa713 wrote in post #13461324 (external link)
That pic is disturbing btw

lol, you're right

:oops: but no intention :oops:


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Osa713
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Nov 28, 2011 16:38 |  #9

bobbyz wrote in post #13462186 (external link)
My wife walked in and said what you looking at.

lmao!


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AntonLargiader
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Dec 01, 2011 05:44 |  #10

It's also possible that the 580 is broken, and is only firing at full power. Why not test both at 1/1 and 1/128.


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crissoft
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Dec 01, 2011 08:08 |  #11

The 580EX is ok, it just back from service (lamp replace). I have tested the 580EX at 1/128, 1/64, ..., 1/1. It firing ok, the difference of power output is clearly visible.

Thanks everybody for your advices.

I have another question now: it is worth to repair the 550EX, or buy a new (or almost new) 430EX(II) at the same price? I use 580EX for on camera flash (ETTL) and want something for backup (ETTL)
For off camera flash (manual only) i'll buy four units of YongNuo 560. So, for ETTL backup, at the same price: new (for me) 430EX(II), or 550EX repair?


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tim
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Dec 01, 2011 13:45 |  #12

550EX is a bit old and clunky, but they're a workhorse. They take a power pack to speed recharges, and they're twice as bright as a 430EX.


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550EX vs 580EX - output power
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