580EXII can trigger.......?

Can the 580EXII only trigger other EX flashguns, or are there any 3rd party flashes available that can be triggered by them?

not bothered about ETTL, just as a cheapish flash to use for multiple flash work. Figured I'd try out the built in master controller rather than buy triggers for now, as it'd be cheaper. Only for indoor for now - can always add triggers later if I progress

Can trigger the 580EX, 580EX II, 430EX, 430EX II, 220EX.

Think about some optical trigger units

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk …1318&_trksid=p3​286.c0.m14

Far better in terms of using it with non Canon flash guns. Trigger system would be your best bet to be honest. Some people have reported the Sigma 530DG can be used but not garanteed.

mrklaw wrote in post #6224402
not bothered about ETTL, just as a cheapish flash to use for multiple flash work.

If you just want to fire a manually adjusted remote flash, an optical slave is the cheapest way to get that done.

Key points:
1) ANY flash unit or studio strobe in manual mode (not E-TTL) can be a "master" to optical slaves.
2) Optical slave sensors can be connected to almost any flash unit, but they don't work well when attached to most EX series speedlites. They work fine when connected to the PC socket of a 580EX II.
3) Optical slaves have similar limitations as Canon's wireless E-TTL system with regard to distance and line-of-sight.

I understand, but any triggers are more money, and I need another flash anyway. So I'm debating a 430EX/580EX which will work with the existing trigger I have in the 580EX, and another 3rd party flash. I've been offered a metz 54 for example.

If/when I do go to triggers I'll probably go radio

Well, you can have my Metz 54, and still have money for triggers, for less than you'd pay for a 430EX, and have more power .

I know , but can it be triggered by a 580EX?

might just stick both feet in and buy some triggers anyway - was thinking less junk is better.

mrklaw wrote in post #6224654
I know , but can it be triggered by a 580EX?

might just stick both feet in and buy some triggers anyway - was thinking less junk is better.

Only with an optical slave, and then shoot it manual.

To be honest, if you're not going to shoot wireless ETTL, then get the cheapest flashes you can (can probably pick up some old Nikon or Vivitar ones for £30 - £40). That way you could get a couple of flashes, and clamps for the same price as one ETTL compatible flash.

mrklaw wrote in post #6224402
Can the 580EXII only trigger other EX flashguns, or are there any 3rd party flashes available that can be triggered by them?

not bothered about ETTL, just as a cheapish flash to use for multiple flash work. Figured I'd try out the built in master controller rather than buy triggers for now, as it'd be cheaper. Only for indoor for now - can always add triggers later if I progress

580ex II can trigger the sigma EF-500 DG SUPER vice versa, but the result is not consistent. Not like when you pair it with the brand , the result is consistent.

580 won't master a 420?

looking at the above replies again, i am also forced to ask if the 580 will fire a 220. I really don't think so, but never tried it. Any help? I always thought the 580 fired the 400 and 500 series as slaves, as well as many aftermarkets, but not the ez series, or the 220. I have a 580 on order, guess i will find out when I open the instructions.

Hi, it's worth double checking, but you're right, the 580 should master the 420.

580 masters the 580, 430, and 420, not the 220, not the ez's. Just got mine today, looking for a good used 430, probably find one when the 430 II's hit.
First impression: I thought flash was a tough thing to master back in the film days, I was right. I thought flash would be simpler with the instant feedback of digital, I was wrong. That thing is complex, and some functions are buried in menus that should probably be on dedicated buttons. Sofar I can make the thing do a strobe light imitation and a flashlight imitation, I bet it will sterilise drinking water if I figure out where that function is located in the menus and custom functions. Lots to learn, I guess thats what we are here for.

Hehe, have you read the EOS flash bible? It's well worth a read .