580 EX II

Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 7:21 am

It seems that canon is coming out with the 580 EX II in April. I have no idea what the price is. My mom is going to buy me a flash for school. I want to get the 580 EX. She is going to buy it next week. Should I really wait for the new flash to come in April? I can't believe it would be any cheaper than the 580 ex now. April is so far away... :-(

I also see that the 580EX controls the other flashes wirelessly. That is so awesome I didn't know that.

Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 251 Location: Metro Detroit

From Canon's home page:

Further development of Canon's flagship Speedlite has led to the production of the 580 EX II. This is the premier Speedlite for all photographers, including professionals. Newly designed 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.

*Approx. 20% faster recycling time compared to 580EX
*Superior build quality, including a metal foot for higher rigidity
*Max. Guide No. 58 at 105mm setting (GN 190, feet)
*Auto conversion of flash coverage with compatible digital SLR cameras
*White Balance info communicated instantly to compatible digital SLR cameras
*Full swivel, 180° in either direction
*AF-assist beam, compatible with all AiAF points on every EOS SLR
*Dust- and water- resistance to match the EOS-1D Mark III

So in comparison to the original..
faster recycling time, better build quality, same guide # and distance setting, same flash coverage conversion, same side to side coverage (no mention of up/down tilt coverage), seems to have same AF assist, and the added dust/water resistance

The faster recycling time would sell me, since I hate missing a shot because the flash is charging. The better build quality and the whole water/dirt resistant feature also makes me think I'll be waiting for it to come out before running out for the original 580EX. I would imagine it's not going to be all that much more expensive.

Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 1:46 pm

it sounds pretty good. I can't imagine it doesn't swivel. But the picture looks like it doesn't.

Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 7:48 pm

It will definitely swivel. :)