MKIII and 580EX - Must I Get A 580EX II?

I have a 580EX and now I read that the MKIII will only control the 580EX II

Whats the scoop on this?

The Mark III can control the 580EX II within the menu system itself. That doesn't mean that the 580EX isn't compatible with the Mark III. It simply means that you control the 580EX via the 580EX's buttons and wheel instead...just like you would on any other of the EOS cameras.

Most flash units will work fine

ie: the 580 EX will work exactly as well as it works on the MkII as it will on a MKIII
But the combo of EX2 and MkIII offers more control options through the camera.

If you're used to using the controls on the 580, then you probably won't need the in-cam controls of the II. I never use them, I control everything on the flash. Actually, I find I don't like the II version so I use my older 580EX units instead.

Yeah I do have a 580EX II but not a MK III but I've never actually heard anyone say they actually use the through the camera controls.

But I do now expect to be proved wrong...

picturecrazy wrote in post #4101010
If you're used to using the controls on the 580, then you probably won't need the in-cam controls of the II. I never use them, I control everything on the flash. Actually, I find I don't like the II version so I use my older 580EX units instead.

I know I sure like the master-slave switch right there and easy versus the 580EX II...

But I do like the II's recycle speed and in silence. And the PC connection is great as well.

The camera controls are awesome. But, the 580EX works just fine. However, I do prefer the II.

JasonSTL739 wrote in post #4101709
I know I sure like the master-slave switch right there and easy versus the 580EX II...

yes, this is what pisses me off the most about the II.

It's a PITA to switch between master/slave mode and off. I actually flip that switch quite often throughout a day of shooting. The 580EX II really slows me down like crazy in that department.

I find the best thing about the II is the quick mount.

You get weathersealing too with the 580EX-II if that matters to you.

Papaw wrote in post #4102185
I find the best thing about the II is the quick mount.

Absolutely!! Also I think the battery door is less cumbersome.

Your right, it evens seems like a battery change is faster with the II.