Flash Canon - 580EX II vs. 600EX-RT

[Bubolz]

Hello guys!

I'm looking forward to buy my first flash, and I don't know which one.

My plan is to shoot weeding, graduations, etc.

I would like to here from you guys, which one would be the best:

Canon Speedlite 580EX II: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486706-USA/Canon_1946B002_Speedlite_580EX_II.html
Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/847537-REG/Canon_5296B002_Speedlite_600EX.html

My question: Is it worthy to buy the 600EX? The difference is that big?

Thanks a lot!!

[Sheldon N]

I have both. IMHO there's no reason to spend the extra $$$ to get the 600EX unless you plan to get the flash off camera and use the radio transmitter function. My 580EX II is usually used as my on-camera flash, and I have my 600EX RT set aside to just use with the ST-E3 RT.

[Bubolz]

I have both. IMHO there's no reason to spend the extra $$$ to get the 600EX unless you plan to get the flash off camera and use the radio transmitter function. My 580EX II is usually used as my on-camera flash, and I have my 600EX RT set aside to just use with the ST-E3 RT.

Thanks Sheldon!

I don't know what the ST-E3 RT functionality is. Can you explain a little bit? Do you have any reference where I can look up to understand better the difference?

[Sheldon N]

With the ST-E3 on camera, you can wirelessly trigger/control a remote 600EX off camera with ETTL exposure. The new addition is that it's done via radio trigger rather than optical trigger, which means much more reliable triggering over farther distances, and no requirement for line-of-sight.

[K.C.]

The 600EX-RT has many improvements over the 580EXII. From the back panel display, the expanded zoom range, the hotshoe contacts and the flash head itself to the huge plus of ETTL radio control.

If you're trying to save money as you get started then buy a 430EXII. It's a better flash than the 580EXII, quieter, faster, a heck of a lot lighter, only a half stop less power and you can continue to use it when you realize you want the 600EX-RT.

[francois]

First, I don't own a 580 EX II but if you consider this model you should read (with a critical eye) the article mentioned by Rob Galbraith (RG link or direct link to PDF). This is about the design of the 580 EX II (not about the Pocket Wizard remote trigger system).


LPA Design, maker of PocketWizard wireless radio remotes, has published an analysis of the Canon Speedlite 580EX II that describes a "perfect storm" of design and manufacturing flaws, particularly in the flash tube and head, that can cause the IGBT transistor inside Canon's flagship flash unit to fail.

The company prepared the analysis in reaction to reports of failures of the 580EX II when used with the PocketWizard MiniTT1 or FlexTT5. LPA Design's position is that 580EX II failures are a result of flaws inherent to this Speedlite model rather than a problem being introduced by PocketWizard products, and their detailed and technical analysis provides compelling support for their assertions.

[Nigel Johnson]

Plenty of info on the 600EX-RT and ST-E3-RT including videos are available on the European Canon Professional Network site:
   Syl Arena: new Speedlite system

and info on some on the earlier flashes including the 580EX II:

   Getting the most from Speedlites (Pt. 1)
   Getting the most from Speedlites (Pt. 2)
   Getting the most from Speedlites (Pt. 3)
   Getting the most from Speedlites (Pt. 4)

Some info from the Canon USA Digital Learning Center on the newer flash and transmitter:
   What's new in the Speedlite 600EX-RT
   Speedlite 600EX-RT: Radio wireless basics

and the older flashes:
   Speedlite Tip Series, Part 1: Choosing the Right Flash
   Speedlite Tip Series, Part 2: Beyond the Instruction Manual
   Speedlite Tip Series, Part 3: Wireless Flash Primer[/li][/list]

You can also download the manuals (these are from the European site, I expect they are also available on the US site):
   Speedlite 600EX-RT
   Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT
   Speedlite 580EX II

Regards
Nigel