Canon 600 EX VS EX II - worth the difference?

So I've currently got a single 580EX II flash and the fact that my brother is getting married* in a few months has resulted in me being asked to do some photography at their event - so I'm using this as an excuse to upgrade my flash setup a bit.


The new 600EX RT flashes are ideal as they offer wireless control via radio without having to add something like Pocketwizards to the set up as well. So I'm already sold on that aspect of the system. However I'm wondering if the improved menu and thermal performance of the EXII is worth the jump in price over the original versions of those flashes.

My main areas of interest are action/wildlife/insect​/macro photography so I'm wondering if a faster recycling speed offered would give a real world noticeable difference in performance for those kind of situations; or if the real world difference is really more marginal and not worth it.

I already use a Pixel battery pack** with my 580 and would plan to add another pixel for the second flash as well for, again, the improved recycling performance there.


So is it worth it or am I chasing tiny improvements that won't net me much if any real world difference in performance.

*I am aware that standard advice is to move house, change my name and deny any relation in a bid to escape this terrifying prospect.
I'll also note that I've a pair of modest softboxes and stands (have to borrow my sisters flash to use the second box) so I've some basic lighting that I can use to setup for a screen (which I've been assured they have).

**I also use it with my macro twinflash where it makes a massive difference to recycling speeds

I've been very happy with my 7 600EX-rts that I own and use for weddings with battery packs fwiw.

Personally, I might consider selling your 580 and then buying 2 used (if you can find them) 600 (version 1) so that you can utilize one as a master and one as an off camera flash during formal portraits (i.e. a very simply but good wedding setup). This is one of my goto set ups if the situation / location / timing allows it.

NO not worth it

Go Buy a Godox V860

Exact light v/s canon and the Godox allows you to use an X1 trigger which the canon system does not

also price.... $550.00 for canon v/s $179.00 from Godox.....No Brainer

Buy the product from adorama and get a 2 yr drop/break warranty for an additional $28.00

I will never buy a canon speedlight again. When my 580EX needed a flash tube, it cost me $148.00 with my CPS Platinum discount to get it fixed

I Caught the adorama versions on sale at last Black friday sale for $126.00 from adorama and got a 2 yrs warranty for what it costs to get a speedlight fixed from Canon

Canon has their heads firmly place between their legs with their speedlights. Overpriced and Canon has pocketwizard mentality.....Godox just took the market from them

Last thing.... Godox TTL works better than Canons TTL for the speedlights.

Done with Canon speedlight products especially at its price point

Overread wrote in post #18309442
So I've currently got a single 580EX II flash and the fact that my brother is getting married* in a few months has resulted in me being asked to do some photography at their event - so I'm using this as an excuse to upgrade my flash setup a bit.


The new 600EX RT flashes are ideal as they offer wireless control via radio without having to add something like Pocketwizards to the set up as well. So I'm already sold on that aspect of the system. However I'm wondering if the improved menu and thermal performance of the EXII is worth the jump in price over the original versions of those flashes.

My main areas of interest are action/wildlife/insect​/macro photography so I'm wondering if a faster recycling speed offered would give a real world noticeable difference in performance for those kind of situations; or if the real world difference is really more marginal and not worth it.

I already use a Pixel battery pack** with my 580 and would plan to add another pixel for the second flash as well for, again, the improved recycling performance there.


So is it worth it or am I chasing tiny improvements that won't net me much if any real world difference in performance.

*I am aware that standard advice is to move house, change my name and deny any relation in a bid to escape this terrifying prospect.
I'll also note that I've a pair of modest softboxes and stands (have to borrow my sisters flash to use the second box) so I've some basic lighting that I can use to setup for a screen (which I've been assured they have).

**I also use it with my macro twinflash where it makes a massive difference to recycling speeds

Overread.
Having been an early adapter to the 600 EX-RT System in the Spring of 2012, I can say for sure they are worth it for me, Even if there are less expensive options today. Having 5 600's and 2 ST-E3 RT Transmitters, they have worked like a charm in all situations, paid or pleasure. The need for a Sixth 600 may lead me to the 600 EXII -RT as original 600's are off the shelves.
I'd buy new if possible to give you a solid history of the unit.
If you go this route you may find situations to use them you never thought a bought before.
Enjoy