Flash question

[ozonepirate]

I'm about to buy a new flash for my canon..My question is is the Speedlight 580ex II much better than the mark I

[ozonepirate]

is there anybody out there!!!!!

[ozonepirate]

Helllllllooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooo

[Stemmy]

I still use the 550ex and am happy with it.

[Jan]

I also have the 580EX and up until a couple of weeks ago had been pleased with it. But I did an Arts Festival over 4 days, and found the flash recovery time wasn't fast enough and it was overheating.

I've been looking at the mk11, because I understand the flash burst is higher, and you can set the flash settings in the camera. I'm still researching it, so I would also be interested if anyone can draw some comparisons.

Jan

[Pabloverdes]

Hi

Found this write up on onestop-digital

As the Canon top-of-the-line flash for the EOS-system, the Speedlite 580EX II takes the best features from existing models and adds functionality that enhances digital photography. A more powerful flash with a maximum guide number of 58/191 at ISO 100 in meters/feet (at 105mm focal length), faster recycling, more consistent color and enhanced controls are among the improvements that all photographers, especially those who shoot digital, will find useful.

The 580EX version II offers several improvements over the original 580EX version. It has been redesigned to match with the EOS-1D Mark III in terms of improved dust- and water-resistance, body strength, and the ability to control flash functions and settings from the camera menu (EOS-1D Mark III only). Other features include improved communication reliability through its direct contacts, and recycling time is both 20% shorter than the 580EX and is completely inaudible.

The flash supports all current versions of TTL, including evaluative E-TTL II. This is great for photographers that shoot high contrast or reflective subjects, like those encountered in wedding photography. Photographers can now capture every detail from the black of tuxedos to the white of wide smiles and wedding dresses.

Paul

[Ade]

I've had a few issues with the screws coming loose on the 580MkII. I also recently borrowed a 580 Mk1 a couple of weeks ago and prefer the results i got from it, it seemed much more consistent.

I also have a 550 and find that works fine for most shots...

[Jan]

Thanks for that quote Paul. You've saved me some surfing time. I think I'm sold on this one. Despite the possibility of the screws coming loose, it seems to solve the issues I'm having with the Mk1. I have a EOS-1Ds Mark III and even though in the quote it says it works with the 1D only, my camera manual, and also the menu on the camera itself would suggest that it works with the 1Ds.

Jan