Thinking of adding a second flash to compliment 580EXii

I'm not looking for another E-TTL flash, resolved to go all manual.

I'm very interested in the LumoPro 120. The only thing keeping me from taking that step right now is trying to decide between that and a used 540EZ.

The pros of the 540EZ as far as I can think right now are power ratios down to 1/128, and that the power output would be identical to my 580EXii. Seems like these are averaging around $95 on fleabay lately.

The pros of the LumoPro 120. It's new, 2 year warranty, supporting a company that is willing to see a need and meet it.

Any suggestions?

BluewookieJim wrote in post #7660336
I'm not looking for another E-TTL flash, resolved to go all manual.

I'm very interested in the LumoPro 120. The only thing keeping me from taking that step right now is trying to decide between that and a used 540EZ.

The pros of the 540EZ as far as I can think right now are power ratios down to 1/128, and that the power output would be identical to my 580EXii. Seems like these are averaging around $95 on fleabay lately.

The pros of the LumoPro 120. It's new, 2 year warranty, supporting a company that is willing to see a need and meet it.

Any suggestions?

I just ran across your post while doing a search on 540EZ. I'm thinking of adding a 540EZ (or 2) as an additional off camera flash & as backup for my 580s, which I use only off-camera.

You might want to check out keh.com & have a look at their 540EZ offerings: http://****/dzm4q3 . They have a few available right now at prices ranging from $56 - $89 depending on condition (Bargain to Like New -.)

Their ratings tend to be very conservative & I've never been disappointed with any of the gear (mostly Hasselblad) I've bought from them. I typically go for EX to EX+ ratings, but have heard that even their BGN gear is quite usable, just not pretty, at least with respect to their lenses. Even their BGN (& even UGLY) rated gear carries a 60 day warranty. They've been in business for many years & are very reliable. Before buying anything on ebay I always check KEH!

In addition to the pluses you mention for the 540EZ, from what I understand it can use the Canon CP-E3 / CP-E4 battery packs, which is a plus if you already have those.

George

I just ordered the LP120. The damn Strobist DVD/blog sold me.

The 120 definitely answers a need in the strobist community, & quite nicely, too. I looked at it but will probably go w/ the 540EZ due to the greater power (comparable to the 580), faster recycle, & ability to use the CP-E3/E4 battery packs. I can pick up an EX - EX+ condition 540 for $62 - $72. The 2 year warranty on the 120 is a huge plus in its favor since virtually any repair to the 540 (or any Canon, Nikon, or other flash) will negate any price advantage.

By the way, I noticed in checking the Nikon flash page at keh ( http://****/cpdcxj ) that they have several SB24,...,28 flashes available as well. Apparently not all of these have been snatched up yet by David Hobby's buds!

KEH seems to be pretty well known on the 'lenses' forum but is seldom referenced on this forum, as indicated by a search on 'keh.' In addition to used Canon, Nikon, Metz, etc flashes, anyone considering an older Quantum flash can often find good deals on T2s.

George