Which Slave to get for my Canon 580exII

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Archive 2008 · Which Slave to get for my Canon 580exII

Michael White
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p.1 #1 · Which Slave to get for my Canon 580exII

just got a Canon 580exII and I am looking toi buy a couple more flashes to work with it in auto mode. My options are:

1: Canon 430ex Flash w/GN 140@100'
2: Sigma 500DG Super w/GN 150@100'
3: Canon 550Ex w/GN 180@100'

Cost is a factor if I go with the Sigma I may be able to get two if I can find a second at a good price or I can get the Sigma and a 430ex basically for the same price as a 550 or 580 flash.

These are going to be used as slaves only since I have the 580exII. I have three Vivitar 285's for use as manual flashes right now and looking to have the option of using wireless ttl is the reason for buying the new flashes. I normally power my flashes with Quantum QB1(+)'s but I may go to the Turbo for the 580exII real soon.

What are the pros and cons of the three flashes listed above?
__________________

Dec 19, 2008 at 05:54 PM

cgardner
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p.1 #2 · Which Slave to get for my Canon 580exII

I'd get the 550ex and use it as the Master/Fill.

-- The 550ex, like the 580ex has a switch on the base for changing from off/master/slave which is more convenient and faster than digging in a menu. With the 580exII as slave switching mode isn't an issue, it will follow the master. The 430ex can't be used as a master.

-- The flash in the role of Master / FIll doesn't need to be as powerful as the off camera flash.

-- The 550ex has a HV port for external power pack the 430ex doesn't.

-- Build quality and interface of either of the Canons is better than Sigma.

If you haven't seen them already check out my Canon tutorials by clicking the WWW button below...

Chuck

Dec 19, 2008 at 09:18 PM

Michael White
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p.1 #3 · Which Slave to get for my Canon 580exII

Thx, Chuck, I am in the process of going through them a little each day or so. I picked up a 550 today that will ship next week. I am still looking for a couple more flashes that will work wirelessly. To bad PW's can't transmit ttl data. I believe radio poppers does but not sure of them yet

Dec 20, 2008 at 03:27 AM

Michael White
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p.1 #4 · Which Slave to get for my Canon 580exII

Well I was able to make arrangements to get a 550 and a 580 both used to fill out my wireless ttl kit. I look forward to modifying these to accept a mini-plug so they can also be used in manual mode with rf triggers. I am using ebay trigger right now without problems but plan on getting some used Pocket wizards in the future for my B-Day. So I will be playing with them and my two 16x16 softboxes with the Photoflex brackets that are being shipped as we speak and the 8" snoot for these flashes that is also being shipped. I have stands and umbrellas already. But I will get some of the Bogen Nano 1 stands with the Wescott double fold umbrellas and a padded case to carry everything in. Next will be another 102 0r 202 Speedotron head and a larger pack for in studio work. And maybe a mid size softbox and a strip box that can be used with either pac heads or speedlights. then My lighting kits will be complete. Plus some more modifiers. Now if I just could find some foam core stock for bookends. and some Black Velour type material for backgrounds and and as a cutter. White Ripstop for use as a reflector, background, diffuser etc.

Dec 21, 2008 at 04:33 AM

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