First flash purchase..

Was looking at the 580 2’s for a while, then came the new 600s.. I’d like 2 or three flashes in the future, therefore instead of getting the 580s, pocket wizards etc I’m leaning towards a 600 now and in the next 6 months or so get another and then followed by a third.

I have a 7d now, but I can see going to a full frame later down the line also, depending on how I progress.

I'm interested in portraits, and outdoor automotive/cycle pictures. Want to get more into night work and some of the artsy in your face type of pics..

Anyone have any ideas or suggestions…?

I think you're going into the right path with the new 600's I think it's worth the money instead getting the 580ex2 and getting radio triggers. I've got three 600's right now but debating if I should sell one to get a ST-E3 but decided to stay with the third flash because I have flash and radio trigger.

Wow I just posted something exactly on this point. Look in the thread under "I love my 600EX-RT". Coincidence!

julius071 wrote in post #14955430
I think you're going into the right path with the new 600's..

i'm thinkin the same also..

HarrisonClicks wrote in post #14955466
Wow I just posted something exactly on this point. Look in the thread under "I love my 600EX-RT". Coincidence!

yes im all about less is better. ive been waiting on flash debates and looks like the 600 is goin to be the new standard..

The new light and st-e would be nice. It's selling at quit the premium though.

I' don't get it why people are so happy with 600EX RT.
I bought it, use it both with 580EX and I'm probably not shooting as long as others here but already I realized that any flash is totally overpriced piece of equipment I own.
If I knew earlier I would save more money and buy
Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set and be set for a loooong time !!!

lukx wrote in post #14960326
I' don't get it why people are so happy with 600EX RT.
I bought it, use it both with 580EX and I'm probably not shooting as long as others here but already I realized that any flash is totally overpriced piece of equipment I own.
If I knew earlier I would save more money and buy
Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set and be set for a loooong time !!!

Two Ranger RX Speed AS packs for me.
I bought a Quadra set last month. Absolutely awesome lights.

I sold two 430EXIIs and now, for speedlights I have 1 - 580EXII and ST-E2.
As I said above, the new Canon light/STE would be nice, but $s

lukx wrote in post #14960326
If I knew earlier I would save more money and buy
Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set and be set for a loooong time !!!

explain? what's the difference? 2k price tag right up front for 2 lights? 2k i can have 3 600s.

id like to know what the difference is between them. it'd be hard to mount it to me body and take it to a car show.

It sounds like you're set on Speedlights.

bk2life wrote in post #14967959
explain? what's the difference? 2k price tag right up front for 2 lights? 2k i can have 3 600s.

id like to know what the difference is between them. it'd be hard to mount it to me body and take it to a car show.

difference ... "poooowweeerrrrrr" like Jeremy Clarkson use to say
hmmm you're saying car shows? I don't have any experience in this type of photography but I would assume that to light big cars with tiny speedlites might be hideous task.

Don't go do speedlights because they offer ETTL. Once you learn manual flash it's actually easier than ETTL and consistent as far as exposure. Either meter your set up and/or know your flash/modifier output at some distances before you go on location. I've got about 3 modifiers that I know what flash power settings at a couple distances give me what output.

It's nice to have the power of a Quadra when balancing ambient/flash outdoor in open sun or haze. 100 ISO at F11.3 60" umbrella at 5 feet is friggin' sweat. It would take 4 - 580EXIIs to get that. Not saying you'd need a modifier that big, but it's nice to have options. The other is shooting indoors and have the ability to dial the Quadra down in B Channel.

If you've not owned or have much experience with flash, get a cheap speedlight and trigger. Learn what they can do. I use to have 1 - 580EXII and 2 - 430EXII along with ST-E2 and Radio Popper triggers. I sold the 2 - 430EXIIs and kept the 580EXII. Speedlights just didn't do it for serious lighting. Don't get me wrong, a nice speedlight is something to have, but if I didn't have my 580EXII, I'd be looking at the Youngo flash.

windpig wrote in post #14968617
If you've not owned or have much experience with flash, get a cheap speedlight and trigger.

I'd either check out an old Nikon SB## (you can find them easy for under $100) or the Lumopro 160 or 120 (a bit over $100) both options are great for learning Manual flash have a pc port and have good build product.

If it's a choice between the 600 or 580 EX2, there is no question that the 600 is the way to go, just cost a little more. You could consider the E*****oms, but the battery pack alone is the size of three of the Canon 600s. You have to ask yourself if you care to lug them around. People are buying the 600s just for the purpose of getting rid of spare baggage like pocket wizards, and farting with the extra batteries. The draw of the 600s is the shear simplicity of the whole arrangement. If that appeals to you, it's a done deal. You could always buy the monster at a later date should you feel the need.

I get the feeling you are doing this mostly for fun, and the 600s are most definitely fun.

Pi_314 wrote in post #14968971
I get the feeling you are doing this mostly for fun, and the 600s are most definitely fun.

yes. ie im in afghan right now and will be for another half a year, and playin around with toys and options..

Digging up a dead thread, I left afghan, came back home, and have been re-sent back here to afghan…
That being said, I just ordered 2 600s, and next week I’ll be ordering a Sigma 50-500mm because I just don’t have enough reach for some of the amazing structures out here. I mean can you imagine going from birth to death and living in a desert/dirt area and your entire life in a home made of mud walls?
There are many things to hate about being here, but on the flip side there are very numerous beauties as well.

-james