[CaptnWil]

I been reading the flash threads with Mark McCall and his advice to use a flash that meters externally and sets the flash exposure automatically, and his great experiences with Metz flashes.

Well, right there on page 27 of the 580ex Mark II manual is Custom Function C.Fn-05-3 with instructions on page 30.

It is External metering : Manual.

Just like all the advice on these threads, you set the ISO and aperture setting, and shoot away. You can set the camera any way you desire, but I have tested it in manual mode just like the advice.

Since I have just discovered it, I have only a few test shots, but so far, it works great. You may want to use a little flash compensation to get just what you want, but I have found that to be less than one F-stop. I have also found it to be very consistent.

Here is how I shot:
Camera: 200 ISO, F/5.6, 1/20
Flash: 200 ISO, F/5.6

If you need any flash exposure compensation, it is easier to do it with the ISO settings. If you use the same camera settings as above and change the flash ISO to 100, you will get a flash exposure compensation of plus one F stop.

A reason to consider the 580 II over the Metz is that you can use all the Canon wireless stuff with it. The 580 II guide number is also a little larger than the Metz 54.

The manual says this works will all EOS cameras.

Good luck,
Wil