Torn! 70-200IS II or 600EX-RTx2?

I'm feeling so absolutely torn about this decisions. I was originally going to get the 70-200 because I've begun to get a little bored with the focal lengths that I currently have, and it's legendary quality, versatility, and sharpness. I also was planning on upgrading to a 5dmk3 sometime soon, but decided to get glass instead to make the transition more worthwhile when I move to a FF format. No point shooting a 5dmk3 with only a Nifty right?

So here I was ready to plop down some cash for a 70-200 IS ii, and then the little voice in the back of my head started telling me I should buy some quality flashes instead. I currently have a cheap Quantaray QDC 900WA. Flash doesn't always pop all the time, and I've only been using it as a bounce flash at events. I want to start experimenting with a good off camera speedlite setup, learn to use flashes outdoors, model shoots, etc. With some of the money saved from buying 2 flashes instead of the 70-200, I think I'll also be trying to pick up an 85 1.8.

The thing is that I wanted to start shooting some sports more seriously, and I had myself convinced fully that the 70-200 was what I needed to get more serious about sports shooting, but now I'm starting to think that I'll still make do with my 55-250. Decisions like this are so hard! But I guess it's a good thing because I get more time to save some money

You can see my current glass in my sig, and I just got my Sigma calibrated and it is now wonderfuly sharp. Glass? Speedlites? Thanks for looking!

I'd get two 430ex II's and a radio transmitter system. Those 600EX-RTs are a huge ripoff for technology we should have had years ago, in my honest opinion.
(Look into Phottix triggers. They're pretty solid for the price.)

Then buy the 70-200 f/2.8 IS (mark I)
So you can get both for about what you'll spend on a 70-200 mk2.

Get 430EX IIs, but trigger them with your 60D. I have two, and I use them wirelessly in A:B ratio with my 60D. It works extremely well. After you've learned to use your 60D wireless pop-up system, you'll know whether you want or need radio transmitters.

forget those flashes. Get some nice glass and cheaper flashes.

Thanks for the replies! I'm looking to use an RT system specifically. Trying to look around the net, it doesn't seem like I can get Phottix gear locally (in Yokohama area right now). Also, did Phottix discontinue the Odin? That's the name I hear most when it comes to their triggers.

Also, Phottix's Aster model states that it supports "Non Auto TTL Mode." In order to achieve use of HHS with trigers, you need to use an ETTL wireless system correct?

i'd get glass over the new 600exs

get cheap flashguns like bobby said or go with strobes like i did.

it makes more sense to get glass if you are going to upgrade to a 5d3

After looking through the 70-200II thread, I've swayed back to the other side again. If I purchase the 70-200... I get 10% back in points that I can spend on a Nissin 866... BLAH!

Glass over the flash.

Yongnuo 565ex's + Pixel Kings will give you wireless control of off camera flash (but not ettl ratios).

Two sets of these is about £400.00 in the UK.

That will buy you the ST-E3 to fire the 600rx...

Buy something like that and invest the rest in glass...

Canon are charging ridiculous amounts for those new flashes and my yongnuos will light the scene just as well (maybe a little less power), with admittedly less bells and whistles...

Put it this way, you would not know which flash system had been used from the images themselves by looking at the pictures...

You'll use your glass much more than flash. Besides, your talking about the Canon work horse lens. That lens is attached to my M III in the bag and not just because it fits well that way.

I feel your pain. I am chomping at the bit for a 600 and an st-e3-rt.

I like the idea of great glass, but I can be a lot more creative when I have control over how a scene is lit... so I suggest flash. That said, if you primarily shoot ambient then you will probably benefit more from the 70-200.

Edit: Ha! I just voted and am surprised to see that in the "Small Flash and Studio Lighting" section, that it's 89% to 11%, in favor of the glass...

drvnbysound wrote in post #14617761
I like the idea of great glass, but I can be a lot more creative when I have control over how a scene is lit... so I suggest flash. That said, if you primarily shoot ambient then you will probably benefit more from the 70-200.

Edit: Ha! I just voted and am surprised to see that in the "Small Flash and Studio Lighting" section, that it's 89% to 11%, in favor of the glass...

OP is thinking between 70-200mm f2.8 IS II vs 600-ex. Why does one need 600-ex to start OCF thing.

This is an easy one to vote - another glass before flash

With your current gear, I'd say, master the flash to get the most out of the glass.

Edit: After rereading your post, I realized that I had missed out the part where you said you were going to get the 5d MKIII. Now, I'd say get the glass : 3

bobbyz wrote in post #14617812
OP is thinking between 70-200mm f2.8 IS II vs 600-ex. Why does one need 600-ex to start OCF thing.

He doesn't, but the poll question doesn't list models... it's glass vs. speedlites

His current gear list shows a few lenses, but NO flashes...