Should I Upgrade From The 580EX To The 580EX II?
Before you put your 580EX on the auction block in favor of the 580EX II,
there are a few things you should know. For starters, the two flash units
are largely identical in terms of basic functionality in areas that matter
most. Both offer identical Guide Numbers (GN) and flash coverage, but the
new flash does recycle 20 percent faster, adds auto-thyristor control ("external
metering" in Canon parlance), and gives users of EOS-1D Mark III (and
presumably later models) enhanced flash control. The differences may be
labeled esoteric by some, a sheer necessity by others--you be the judge.
Other key differences and similarities are outlined in the table below. |
| Feature/Model |
580EX II |
580EX |
| E-TTL II, E-TTL, TTL, Flash Exposure Compensation/Bracketing, High-Speed
Sync |
Yes |
Yes |
| Auto Zoom Matches Image Sensor Size; Bounce Panel; Backlit Digital LCD
Full Swivel & Tilt (incl. Macro Tilt); Stroboscopic Flash; Modeling
Flash |
Yes |
Yes |
| Wireless Control |
Yes (selected via function buttons) |
Yes (selected via mechanical switch) |
| Hot Shoe |
Metal (for durability) |
Plastic (not as strong, but I never had a problem with it) |
| Shoe Locking Mechanism |
Positive-locking lever (press Release button to unlock) |
Traditional thumbwheel |
| PC Socket (for conventional sync cord connection) |
Yes |
No |
| Water- & Dust-Resistant/Shock dampening |
Yes (gasketed for dust and moisture resistance) + selected areas rubberized
for modest shock protection |
No/no |
| On/Off Switch |
Two-position lever (à la EOS 5D and kin)--more difficult to
accidentally activate |
Two-position switch |
| Battery Compartment |
Adds locking latch |
Conventional |
| Size |
3x5.4x4.6" |
3x5.3x4.5" |
| Weight |
14.3 oz |
13.2 oz |
While the Canon 580EX II brings a new and improved mounting foot and locking
mechanism to the table, it's not something I've felt a dire need
for, so, for me, the conventional foot on the Metz unit proved more than satisfactory
(although it did require more turns than conventional Canon thumbwheels). That
said, the Canon is better sealed against the elements and becomes a better match
with weather-resistant EOS-1 D-SLRs and L-series Canon EF lenses. Considering
that a flash unit's capacitor stores serious voltage that can prove hazardous
when wet, knowing I have less to worry about when tramping about in the rain
or snow or shooting inside a wet and dripping limestone cave is reason enough
for me to buy the new Canon flash, even if it will only be used with an EOS
5D.
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I
photographed these "pinwheels" and meat patties using
the flash bounced off the ceiling, with the camera handheld. While
I made similar exposures with both flash units with equally good
results, this one was made with the Metz 58 AF-1C--note the
rich color.
All Photos © 2007, Jack Neubart, All Rights Reserved |
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