Should I buy the 580 EX II or the Speedlite ST-E2?

Hey everyone,

I already own the 430 EX.. but I was told that the 580 EX II can also act as a wireless transmitter for the 430 EX (I hope that info was correct)

The prices I can get both at (brand new, warranty) are as follows:
580 EX II: $350
ST-E2: $140


Let me know.. and please list any advantages of one over the other in conjunction with my 430 EX.
Thank you!

How many flashguns do you need? If the 430EX satisfies ALL your needs then the ST-E2 may be the way to go - if only for the costs involved, but if you buy the 580EXII you'll have two guns and a much more versatile setup (and yes the 580 as 'master' will fire the 430 as 'slave').

Hmmm well I'm thinking I might need the extra flash later down the track.
Does the 580 transmit as good as the ST-E2 does?
That's my main concern.

I used my 430 in combination with a borrowed ST-E2 and it could reach right through the model.. behind her body and head ..
If the 580 can do that, then I'll get that.
If not.. then it's the speedlite.

beethy- wrote in post #6005303
Hmmm well I'm thinking I might need the extra flash later down the track.
Does the 580 transmit as good as the ST-E2 does?
That's my main concern.

I used my 430 in combination with a borrowed ST-E2 and it could reach right through the model.. behind her body and head ..
If the 580 can do that, then I'll get that.
If not.. then it's the speedlite.

I've found the transmission capabilities of the 580EXII to be the same as the ST-E2, which is hardly surprising given that the specification in the manual for each unit is the same.

gofer wrote in post #6005635
I've found the transmission capabilities of the 580EXII to be the same as the ST-E2, which is hardly surprising given that the specification in the manual for each unit is the same.

thanks heaps, that's all i needed to know :]

I agree. If price is not an issue, the 580EX II would probably be the better option.

If you look at it $$ wise for an extra $210 you'll have both a flash and trigger. Having saved a little money isn't handy if you require more light.