Canon 580EXII - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II

10/28/2007 07:52:58 PM · #1

Just wanted to put this out there, and wondered if other 580EXII owners could add some information. Last week I purchased a 580EXII to replace a 550EX so I could have some weather sealing because of shooting sports in the rain. I used it friday night in a light mist, and used my battery pack with it. I immediatley noticed that I was getting alot more consistent flash coverage and power then I normally did with my 580EX version I. I also got quicker recharge time, and its also quiet. no annoying whine while it recharges, battery life also seems to be better with this flash then the version I. Today I played with burst mode using it for fill in a backlight situation. I could easily keep up with the burst rate of my 1D with no battery pack at -1 FEC. Next thing I love about this flash is the no more thumbscrew to tighten to put it in. A simple slide bar with a release at the end when its time to take it off. It also seems much easier to slide on and off then my other flash. So why am I posting? Those that are looking to upgrade/replace/get a new flash should def. look into this flash. I may eventually replace the 580EX version I with another version II just for the improvements.

MattO

debitipton

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

10/28/2007 08:06:25 PM · #2

Matt - which battery pack are you using?

Love the 580EX11 wouldn't change it for the world. I understand a lighter weight battery pack has come out since I got mine. Would like to have something lighter and less bulky.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

10/28/2007 08:21:09 PM · #3

Originally posted by debitipton:

I'm using the CP-E3 that uses 8 AA batteries. The newer version of mine has some weather proofing, and I'll likely move up to it later as well. Although I normally keep mine under my raincoat when it rains. And I added a small oring at the point where it meets the flash body.

MattO

Judi

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

10/28/2007 10:54:30 PM · #4

They have also designed it so the people who seem to constantly pick up their camera by way of their flash...will now have a flash that can cope with that extra stress.

Just some inside info for you.

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD

10/28/2007 10:57:14 PM · #5

Originally posted by Judi:

LOL well of all the odd ways I grab a camera, that is one I certainly havent tried, but its good to know if I do it should handle it! I am not sure I want to trust that mount to the weight of a 1 series and a 24-70 or a 70-200 though. But thanks for the info.

MattO

MadMan2k

Sony Alpha a6400

10/28/2007 11:56:02 PM · #6

Yeah, I've been kind of disappointed with the build quality of my 550. Everything's just plastic and crappy, it's built like the rebel series cameras and the super cheap lenses rather than the good stuff. It's been dropped and knocked over a few times, and luckily hasn't broken, because there's no way I could afford to replace it.

Might get the 580 II eventually, but it's pretty expensive and I'd get a white lightning 1600 first. I think if I had a big strobe I'd light almost every kind of sports that I shoot now... except maybe soccer.

Mr_Pants

SiPix Blink

10/29/2007 01:32:37 PM · #7

Originally posted by Judi:

I never had a problem picking up the combo by the flash using a 580EX, but the version II feels a whole lot more solid. The ability to set the flash custom functions via the camera's menu is pretty cool, too.

The only niggle I have is that there is no longer a dedicated Master/slave switch.

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/29/2007 02:47:41 PM · #8

Ya, I'm kind of bummed about the master/slave switch, but the new features make up for it. The new battery door is a very welcome addition. I couldn't get my old Lightsphere (the hard Tupperware style) on though, had to heat it up and expand the opening a bit to fit. Shouldn't be a problem with the newer, softer Lightsphere's though.

NstiG8tr

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

10/29/2007 03:13:43 PM · #9

aint worth $400