Taking the Plunge - 580EX

Business has been very good lately but I still have to turn to the experts in this forum. I am going to purchase the following and need to know some info. I am getting a 1D Mark II and 24-70mm L Lens with the 580 EX. My question is: I have been reading A TON about the 580 and Mark II and noticed that the camera, flash, and lens work very well together. How big of a diffrence is it really? I am currently using a 10D (its been a great camera) with a 550ex but no "L" lens. I have also read that the 580ex works with distancing on certain lenses like the 24-70mm "L". How well does this work? Come on people...help me out here. I would love to see some shots from some of you with a Mark II, 580ex and "L" lens. Thanks everyone!!!

I ordered mine today and I am sorry I waited 6 months. Every pro I know who has one loves it. Long battery life, fast recycle, great exposure control, integrated with digital cameras. One guy uses it as a replacement for Normans. Raves about it. I don't think you will go wrong.

The 580EX is a great flash. It works very well for me on my 1DmkII and 24-70 L. But the 550EX is a great flash, too, and it also works very well for me. Personally, the only thing I'll give the 580EX over the 550EX is the faster recycling time. The other extras, like the crop factor compensation feature isn't really all that important to me.

As far as the distance info is concerned, that has nothing to do with the flash. It's the camera and ETTL-II algorigthm that makes use of it, not the flash. The camera will use the distance info from the lens, if available, whether you are using the 580EX or the 550EX.

I lobe my 580 and use it all the time. My only suggestion is to get some really high powered rechargable batteries. I have 3 sets of the Energizer 2500 mAh batteries and have had great results with them.

But I have a older set of lower rated batteries like 1600 and the 580 eats through them quick.

Thanks for the info everyone. Kinda making me think now. I have had good luck with my 550 as well except on my first camera which was a 300D. I would shoot brides and grooms and for some reason black tuxes made everything freak out even shooting manual. Anyway, I think I will go ahead and get all the equipment. I'm sure with the Mark II and an "l" lens I will already see a difference.

Get ready for a heavy setup. The lens ways 2.1 lbs itself.