Advice re flash

[philiph]

I have a 5D and am looking at getting a flash. Presumably the Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash will do the job but is there something different/better that I should be looking at?

[macmich]

philiph
i would have a look in the flash strobist section in forums
there is plenty of info in there to answer just about any question
cheers macca

[philiph]

thanks macca, too many forums and not enough time.....

[Scotty72]

580exii (i have it). It is the bees knees for camera mounted options.

but there are other generic options that may serve your purposes.

[rwg717]

The 430Ex isn't bad either but if you have the cash, go with the 580, no regrets later;)
Richard

[SirNobicus]

If going new, go the 580 II you definately won't regret it. If you see any cheap 550's or 580 MK1s floating about they may get you out of trouble.

Have both 580 1 and 2 and there is not alot of difference between the 2, except I find the battery door a hell of a lot nicer on the 580 II. As for light, there isn't a lot between the 550/580/580mk II

[LJG]

The 580exII is the go. The roller wheel adjustment alone makes it worth the extra.

[cinvala]

I have a Nissin Speedlite Di866, I'm very happy with it

[Bercy]

I've never taken to flash - and if I do they are x2 off camera with a transmitter. I have the old 420Ex's. The 580 is a transmitter as well which would have been the bit to sway me.

[dulvariprestige]

I've got both the nissin 866i and the 580EXII,

The zoom on the nissin is pretty loud, where the 580 is really quite, almost silent,

The canon's custom controls can be control by the 7d, but I can't remember if the 5d can, while the nissin can't

The canon does have more power,

Both can be used as masters,

I like the way the canon attaches to the camera, a slide of a lever to lock and unlock,

The nissin's LCD is bright and can get annoying,

The canon has guide numbers and the nissin doesn't

As I'm inexperience in flash, their would be other things between the two that I can't remember and wouldn't know.

Also, the canon is twice the price.

[mercho]

I have a 580 II and a 430 II and they are both great and work well together. However if your just getting one, go the 580 II, it is a lot easier and quicker to use (button layout), more powerful and has a faster recycle time which helps a lot! :th3: