Canon 580EX Vs EX II

Derek W · 24 Jul 2010 at 09:59

I've just been reading this review http://photo-tips-online.com/review/canon-580ex-vs-canon-580ex-ii/ about the differences between the two flash units as I suspect that I need to replace my Vivitar 730AFC flash for something with a bit more control. Now although I'm new to flash photography I of course want a decent flash which will hopefully see my needs as I learn. But through reading the review above I cant see too much of a difference between the two other than some minor detailing changes and a faster recharge time :confused:

Is the EXII really worth around £100 more than the 580EX?

Anyone with any comments from personal experience of the two flash units would be appreciated

ChroniC · 24 Jul 2010 at 10:21

i've used both, and I currently own the mk2.
I think the mk2 is better and I would definitely choose it, unless 100quid is important and money is a factor.

The mk1 has a poor hotshoe, easily broken. The mrk2 has a quick release system which is much better. The battery compartment on the mk1 is a nightmare, I feared I would snap it off everytime I used it.
The mrk 2 is faster and more powerful I believe, but not entirely necessary unless you a professional at a job.
Not a great explanation of why its better, maybe for someone new to flash worth 100quid, but it would be my choice.

Derek W · 24 Jul 2010 at 10:42

ChroniC said:
i've used both, and I currently own the mk2.
I think the mk2 is better and I would definitely choose it, unless 100quid is important and money is a factor.

The mk1 has a poor hotshoe, easily broken. The mrk2 has a quick release system which is much better. The battery compartment on the mk1 is a nightmare, I feared I would snap it off everytime I used it.
The mrk 2 is faster and more powerful I believe, but not entirely necessary unless you a professional at a job.
Not a great explanation of why its better, maybe for someone new to flash worth 100quid, but it would be my choice.

certainly the issues of the quick release system and the battery compartment were raised in the review.Although the £100 quid difference doesn't bother me too much, its more a case of is it worth getting the new version compared to the existing model

p0ss3s3d · 24 Jul 2010 at 10:43

I've got a 550EX and I've used a 580II. If the 580 has the same battery system and noise as the 550, the 580II is well worth it!

dannyjo22 · 24 Jul 2010 at 10:48

One problem with the Mk2's quick release system which I've found on my 430ii and is the same on the 580 is the quick release system doesn't hold as securely as the tightening lock in the Mk1. I've been taking shots on portrait and this can sometimes cause poor contact on the shoe which has caused some 'weirdness' with the flash. Miss fires or random firing.

This has happened a few times but the quick release is still a benefit.

The on flash menus are slower to access than the Mk1 but that depends on how you prefer to make changes on the camera body or speedlite.

The speedlite is quiter between recharges and isn't more or less powerfull, it has the same guide number.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-580EX-II-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx

tezmo · 28 Jul 2010 at 10:20

If you get in to flash, youre going to get into remote triggering of flash, and that means pocketwizards (or similar), and the II model suffers with terrible electromagnetic interference which renders it vulnerable to misfire/failure to fire. Worth keeping in mind.

Note as well that this stuff doesnt really depreciate terribly - it aint like buying CPUs - so if you get something and you don't get on with it, you will be able to move it on without a massive hit

john_s · 28 Jul 2010 at 12:22

tezmo said:
If you get in to flash, youre going to get into remote triggering of flash, and that means pocketwizards (or similar), and the II model suffers with terrible electromagnetic interference which renders it vulnerable to misfire/failure to fire. Worth keeping in mind.

I've never had my 580EXII fail to fire when wirelessly triggered using my Skyports.

Derek W · 28 Jul 2010 at 17:50

john_s said:
I've never had my 580EXII fail to fire when wirelessly triggered using my Skyports.

I'm not sure but the previous reply may have just been to get 250 replies so he could get into the members market. I saw he only had 160 responses in the forums this morning and now he has something for sale in the market :eek:

Dunks · 28 Jul 2010 at 18:00

Derek W said:
I'm not sure but the previous reply may have just been to get 250 replies so he could get into the members market. I saw he only had 160 responses in the forums this morning and now he has something for sale in the market

Scandalous

ScarySquirrel · 28 Jul 2010 at 20:35

tezmo said:
If you get in to flash, youre going to get into remote triggering of flash, and that means pocketwizards (or similar), and the II model suffers with terrible electromagnetic interference which renders it vulnerable to misfire/failure to fire. Worth keeping in mind.

Note as well that this stuff doesnt really depreciate terribly - it aint like buying CPUs - so if you get something and you don't get on with it, you will be able to move it on without a massive hit

My cheap Yonguo triggers from eBay haven't failed to fire once, and they were under £50.

tezmo · 28 Jul 2010 at 23:41

gentlemen. Please observe here: http://www.lezot.com/servlet/the-132/Canon-Speedlite-580EX-580/Detail

The 580EXII issue is a very real one with the pocketwizards - I post only to provide information and should not care for you to think ill of me. For what it is worth, I would not let this put me off buying the flash in question - in fact I own two, but I think it is always pertinent to have as much information as possible.