[Kevin Barrett]

Originally Posted by kc7dji

Everyone is talking a lot about the Mark III (I'm not impressed) but what about the new Speedlight 580ex II?

Has anyone had their hands on this? Does it really (really) have a metal shoe on it?

I'd love to hear more!

Yes it really has a metal shoe...

From the press release

Speedlite 580EX II – Increased durability
The Speedlite 580EX II improves on many of the specifications of its predecessor. Recycling is silent and up to 20% faster. Weather seals ensure that when attached to the EOS-1D Mark III, the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 achieves the same level of dust and moisture resistance as the camera itself. A redesigned metal flash foot plate and connector pins allow more stable communication between the camera and flash, while a quick release mechanism minimises wear and tear on both units. The flash head zoom covers the range 24mm to 105mm and an integrated diffusion panel allows extended wide-angle coverage to 14mm.

Summary - A more durable, weatherized and slightly tweaked version of the 580EX.

Curious as to what is not to like about the IDMKIII? It could very well become the "1" series for the rest of us. It's not necessarily for sports shooters anymore.