Canon 580EX II

[Brent Smith]

Has anyone worked with the new 580EX II yet? I'm thinking about getting rid of my 580 and switching to the newer model but I don't know if it is worth it. I was looking for some input from those who have used it and how it compares to the 580EX. Thanks.

[John Jovic]

Don't know about the 580 but I have the 580exii and it is good, no major complaints.
JJ

[Ted Zombek]

Brent,
I had a chance to try the 580EX II and the Metz 58AF1. I like the Metz because it has a better auto function and a "twinkle light" to pop a little light into the eyes when using the flash in bounce mode. The Metz can be updated via its USB port. The EXII has a new metal foot which is stronger. Both can be used as a master or remote slave. You can fire the 580 with a paramount shoe and PW, but I haven't been able to do it with the metz. The Metz is less expensive. Both are excellent.

Ted

[Mike Maez]

Brent - I own two 580 EX II's and two 580EX's and to be perfectly honest, everything about the 580EX II is better.
Weather sealed, faster recycle, upgraded metal foot, single locking base (love it!), easier to open battery door, etc etc etc. but at the end of the day, I am certainly not dying to upgrade my existing older 580's and do not think it is worth the upgrade if you already have a 580. It would certainly be an upgrade for a 420/430ex owner for sure, but not an existing 580 owner IMO.