580EX / 550EX

Hi

Im looking to get a flash unit I as just wondering, if theres any major difference with the 2 flash units.

Is the 580EX heaveir than the 550EX ?
is the 580EX really worth the extra money ?

Last of all where's the cheapest place to buy these flashes. UK only.

Thanks

The 550EX is bigger and heavier. The 580EX cycles faster, has different menu system (but pretty much the same functions). The 580EX has a slightly more useful swivel system for the head (similar difference with 420EX/430EX) and also has a small white reflector built in intended for producing catchlights in the eye - but it's only useful for very close subjects.

In practice not a lot to choose between them, unless size and weight is a big issue ...I'm certainly not convinced about the wisdom of hanging either of them on the camera hotshoe!

I have the 550EX and it is heavier than the 580EX, my next investment in gear. The TTL technology, as described by Jon in another post, is camera driven. But the 580EX and 430EX are the newest and are more compatible to the new DSLR's in Canon's line, like the 20D, 350XT, etc. If I had a 5D, I'd definitely get the 580EX because they were made to talk to each other. The 550EX was originally made for the EOS 3, which is a film camera. It is still an excellent choice because it has IQ, but most photographers these days go manual anyway. Both can be slaves as well as main flashes, that's really a useful way to use the 550EX if you upgrade. Don't ever trade them in. Slaves are very good for portrait photography.

The 550EX is only a mere one (1) ounce heavier than the 580EX (14.2 oz. vs 13.2 oz.). As for the size, you can judge for yourself.

Whether the 580EX is worth the extra cost for the features you get with it, only you can answer that since not all the new features on the 580EX are important to everybody. Some people value certain features more or less than other people.

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If you want to change settings quickly, the UI of the 580 is *much* faster. Only one button to press to get Highspeed/ second curtain sync, wheel instead of buttons. (Very nice for quickly setting ratios in wireless master/flash. Also M power settings in 1/3 stops rather then full stops. I have both, and use the 550 only as slave...
The 580 is well worth the extra € IMHO.

Thanks for the info guys. I have just bought a 580EX from ebay for £230 2nd hand, in excellent condition. Just need to buy some lenses now. Hopefully im gettin my 1D MKII tomorow.

Previously to owning the 580ex, I hated using flash. I could never control it with the onboard flash NOR my other canon flash (220). I love the simple fact that the flash adjusts exposure depending on your focal length and how you can bounce the flash (avoiding horrible shadows). I am no longer in fear of using a flash due to the 580ex. Love it. Can't live without it.