Is the 580EX worth the extra 80 bucks?

I'm a flash novice. Have a 20D. Want to shoot at a wedding reception.

Will the 580 help cover my inadequate flash experience, over the 550? Are any major 550 issues addressed with the 580 release? Can I go cheap and get the 430?

Any other good flashes one might advise?

Wedding is in 10 days so need to order now.

If you just want to start out and save $s, suggest you get 420EX at B&H @$175. plus shipping.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EY&addedTroughT​ype=search

You can get a 580EX later to use as master or more power if you really get into flash work.

If $s are no object, the 580EX is worth it...more power than 420/430, manual settings, and can be master...also, smaller, lighter, and faster recharge than 550. I have one (just got a 2nd) and love it.

John

jrsforums wrote:
If you just want to start out and save $s, suggest you get 420EX at B&H @$175. plus shipping.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EY&addedTroughT​ype=search

You can get a 580EX later to use as master or more power if you really get into flash work.

If $s are no object, the 580EX is worth it...more power than 420/430, manual settings, and can be master...also, smaller, lighter, and faster recharge than 550. I have one (just got a 2nd) and love it.

John

Thanks.

Why 2 580's? Don't know what a "Master" is, but fast and small sound desirable. You recommend Canon all the way?

Saving $200 is tempting (a $179 400 series) since I will rarely use it, or going off brand (Sigma?), but someone said not to chince on the flash.

I've just ordered the 580EX and I've bought it specifically for a wedding I will do Sunday 25th. As soon as I get it I need to practise because, like you, I haven't used one before. I toyed with the idea of getting a different model but from extensive reading in these forums decided on the 580EX. Good luck with your decision and I'd love to see some results.

Paul

I'll be buying the 580 very soon.
I know next to nothing about flash, but this was an excellent read...
http://photonotes.org/​articles/eos-flash/

Yes it's worth the extra money.

Worth it, on ergonomics alone: Head turns 180 degrees left _and right_ (at last), one release for tilt/turn, wheel instead of buttons, one button (instead of 2 at once) to press to get 2nd curtain sync/HSS. I still have the 550, but as soon as budget allows

for weddings I would buy the 580 - I purchased the 550EX and its a great flash - the chances are if you purchased something cheaper you will only end up buying it later
also the guide number of 580 is 58 whereas the 430 is only 43
Get some NiMH Batts and you will find great recharge time, the 550 is a great fill flash at weddings
also the 580 is colour balanced and zoom control for the 20D

good luck

I like the 580's faster recycle times

I wanted the 2nd 580 for the stated reasons in my post, plus backup for #1, plus, if I ever want to, the 580 can be set manually where the 4xx series cannot.

I have not, recently, tried other flashes, so you will need to ask someone else on the tradeoffs vs. other non-Canon flashes. The Canon 580 has not, in any way, disappointed me....in fact, confirmed by my second purchase.

John

I like my new 580. Got on a deal from Dell and it actually arrived within 3 weeks. I was impressed. Nevertheless, I sold a Sigma 500 because it always seemed to be a stop over exposed, the Canon 550 and 580 seems just perfect. I would like to add a new 430 EX but at $299 I can't see the value over the 420 or even some used 550's.

If you can go Canon. They make great flashes and the 580 is awesome in my book. Very glad I make the investment. That's what it is, an investment.

Regards,

I went the same route like others here, 420 first, now bought the 580. Then I found out I like the multi flash setup a lot, but now I kind of regred getting the 420 first, because it dosen't have manual controls.

So on that I would say get the 580 first, wedding photographer deserve the best . Then add a 550 or 430 later for back up or use as multi speedlite setup.

Thanks everyone. I'm sold. The 580's worth it. Ordering tonight.

Love It - 580EX

As far as recycle times..I can shoot my xt's 3 fps, and probably 7 or 8 out of 10 shots, the 580 fires. Now that's what I call quality.

I've seen side by side results from a 430,550, and 580. 580 takes it. I use it constantly. Well worth the minor extra. As someone said before, "don't chince on your flash". A flash can make or break a good shot.