Canon 580ex Mark II

[kc7dji]

okay okay, I didn't take time to read all the responses, therefore, my response isn't that of professional grade.... LOL

I can just say I have the 580EX II and use it on a 20d and 30d and it's dead on IMHO. I have to say this is the best flash I've ever had. Maybe that means all my other flashes sucked.. maybe so.. but this one is the bomb!

[Mark McCall]

Scott,
I've heard great things about the 580EXII.
If it holds up...it only took Canon 3 generations to get it right.

[kc7dji]

Hey Mark! I haven't been here in a while but I need to show my face more.

I think it will hold up. It seems solid as a rock so far. I've shot a few weddings with it and I'm very happy with it. I haven't shot it off camera yet (except bracket and off camera cable) but I'm sure it would keep me happy.

Normally if I need anything off camera or on tripods I usually bring out the bees.

How are things down in Texas?

Scott

Originally Posted by Mark McCall

Scott,
I've heard great things about the 580EXII.
If it holds up...it only took Canon 3 generations to get it right.

[drumsergeant]

I have been using a Canon 300D since they came on the market. For now it suites my purposes. Back in the old days (1971) I bought a Vivitar 283 with all the bells and whistles. I had to replace it with the another 283 a couple of years ago. I would like to upgrade the flash, but after all the discussion, I get th3e feeling that the 580ex II woun't work with my set-up. Mark I was also looking at the Metz. I don't use the flash monted on the camera's hotshoe, but on a Vivitar pistolgrip L-Bracket (which I dearly love.) Can I use the new flashes with my camera and set-up? Now I have two extension cords for sync and the remote sensor. I find that the 283 requires me to make a lot of adjustment and readjustment with the small variations in the shooting situation. Can anyone give me some advice.

Thanks, Bill

[Mark McCall]

Bill,
The short answer is yes, you can use the Metz with your pistol grip backet.
BUT...you'll probably have to make the attachment yourself. (something I do all the time).

I still use a Vivitar 285 as a seperate room/background light when shooting in a dark reception hall, but the Metz is my primary.

[WildHorse]

Check out this link from Canon

[lightup]

Great stuff in this thread, I'd been searching all over for info on the 58 af-1 and as a result of the info here will be ordering the Metz on Mon. 580 will either be ebay bound or used as a wireless trigger for the Metz, never did fall for the 580 and consequetly 580 mkII won't even be considered it just didn't perform consistently. Anyway thanks again, will post first impressions.

[lightup]

Originally Posted by lightup

Great stuff in this thread, I'd been searching all over for info on the 58 af-1 and as a result of the info here will be ordering the Metz on Mon. 580 will either be ebay bound or used as a wireless trigger for the Metz, never did fall for the 580 and consequetly 580 mkII won't even be considered it just didn't perform consistently. Anyway thanks again, will post first impressions.

OK the 58 af-1 arrived and has performed flawlessly used with a 5d in all modes, have settled on auto. The menu system is far more intuitive than the 580 which ties you up in knots if you don't use it regularly. On camera it's simple to control canon 430/580 slaves using the canon IR system (unlike the 580). However that won't apply as the 580 and 2 430s are off to ebay. Just won a 54 mz-3 which is eagerly awaited along with some cheapo radio wireless triggers. Hmmm just noticed a 70 mz-5.... well that's me a fully fledged Metz convert, first wedding in April one in June and another in October, bring it on baby!