580 vs 580II

Does the II recharge faster?
Is the new locking system better?
New Cfn's?

Is the 580 II a better flash all over?


Espen

Better, probably not by much. If you look at the description it is really a matter of will you use the new features.

"The 580EX version II offers several improvements over the original 580EX version. It has been redesigned to match with the EOS-1D Mark III in terms of improved dust- and water-resistance, body strength, and the ability to control flash functions and settings from the camera menu (EOS-1D Mark III only). Other features include improved communication reliability through its direct contacts, a metal hot shoe, and recycling time is both 20% shorter than the 580EX and is completely inaudible.

I took this from BH Photos website. I hope this helps.

Joe

I have both 580EX and EX II. I definitely love the II more than the original one. It is VERY quick in recycling and quiet. Also, the locking mechanism is much better.

A good review/comparison here: http://www.the-digital-picture.com …eedlite-Flash-Review.aspx

I have both.. the locking system is better on the new one and the battery door is somewhat improved. Doesn't feel as solid as the old one but opening and closing is wayyyy improved.

I actually wish it did make a noise recycling - I miss the whine.

If you don't absolutely need the new features and have the opportunity to pick up a used 580 for a steal I'd go for that - it's a VERY capable flash even before the small changes with the new model.

i have two of the 580EX II. best on-top flash you can get for the money.

If you're into off-camera flash, the 580EX II has two capabilities that its predecessor lacked which make things easier.

First, the external flash metering function of the 580EX II allows automated flash metering without the E-TTL pre-flash. This makes optical slaves a viable triggering method for off-camera units.

Second, the 580EX II will work with an optical slave sensor attached to its PC socket. Previous EX Speedlite models did not work well with optical slaves.

jrsforums wrote in post #4564836
A good review/comparison here: http://www.the-digital-picture.com …eedlite-Flash-Review.aspx

just read it...almost all of it. That's a lot of flash spec info.

At the same time of reading over it, (2) 580ex's sold for $255 and $280 on ebay. Pretty good. I guess you have to pay to play though.