New Toys

[ktixx]

Just thought I would post a little update on my new Speedlite 580ex. I am absolutely floored by the ability of this flash. For anyone who is a Canon SLR user, this flash is for you. Because this is a very complex flash, with a lot of functions, I have not yet fully explored the ability, however the one thing I was most impressed with is the improved focus. With this flash on (and the Sigma 24-70 EX DG Macro DF attached) I can literally focus in a virtually pitch black room. Without the flash the lens searches and searches. Ultimately I was torn between the Sigma 500 and the Canon 580; I don't think I will regret my Decision
Ken

[NewTekBuzz]

580!!! wow, is that 20D real top heavy now? he he nice pick, did you concider the 480??

[ktixx]

580!!! wow, is that 20D real top heavy now? he he nice pick, did you concider the 480??
I think you may mean the 430? No I never really considered this one. I figured for the extra $100 that the 580 would cost me, I might as well have the best. I paid $380 with a $20 rebate (ie: I paid $360); The 430 sells for $250. And yes the weight:
Canon 20d: 685g
Sigma 24-70: 715g
Canon 589: 375g
Total ------ 1775g or 3.92 lbs.
Thats a lot of weight around your neck - and very top heavy!
Ken

[ReF]

i've got the sigma 500 and when the time has come i'll be switching to the canon 580 as well. it's really just about the recycle speed though.

you'll get used to that weight. i'm using an XT + 70-200 f2.8(with collar) + sigma 500 + two metal quick release plates and it actually doesn't feel all that heavy. just takes some adjustment

[cdifoto]

It's all about perspective. I started out with Bigma...so anything else feels like featherweight in comparison.

I too will be upgrading to the 580EX from the Sigma EF-500 when I can afford it. Same reasons. Recycle time. Otherwise the Sigma is more than enough.

[woffles]

How much faster is the 580 compared to the Sigma 500 DG? That's what I use right now. The Optech slings are much more comfortable compared to the strap that comes with the camera. Makes it feel lighter.

[ktixx]

Here are the specs (Taken from B&H photo/video):
Canon 580ex ($360 after rebate) (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=348457&is=USA&addedTroughType=search):
Type Shoe mount
Guide No. 138' (42 m) at 50mm
190' (58 m) at 105mm
Angle of Coverage 84° (24mm in 35mm format) to 23.3° (105mm)
114° (14mm) with included wideangle adapter
Auto Distance Range Full TTL at all apertures
Auto f/Stops Full TTL at all apertures
Vari-Power 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8th, 1/16th, 1/32nd, 1/64th & 1/128th (in 1/3 stop increments)
TTL Dedication E-TTL II with EOS-1D/s Mark II, D-20
E-TTL & 21-zone evaluative metering with EOS-3, 1V, Elan 7/7E & Rebel TI, 2000
A-TTL 3-zone metering with other EOS cameras
Bounce Head Yes
Swivel Head Yes
Zoom Head 24-105mm (auto-zoom, with auto adjustment for diferent CMOS sizes)
Off Camera Terminal No
Recycle Time 6 Seconds in normal mode (based on fresh alkaline batteries & full power)
3 Seconds in rapid mode (based on fresh alkaline batteries & full power)
Power Source Four 1.5-Volt "AA" batteries (alkaline, lithium, NiMh or NiCd)
Dimensions 3 x 5.3 x 4.5" (75 x 134 x 114mm) WxHxD
Weight 13.2 oz (375 g)

Sigma EF-500 DG ($220) (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=352101&is=REG&addedTroughType=search):
Type Shoe Mount
Guide No. 132' (40.2 m) at 50mm
Angle of Coverage 75° to 23° (28-105mm lenses in 35mm format)
103° (17mm with Wide Panel supplied)
Variable Power 1/1, 1/2, 1/4th, 1/8th, 1/16th, 1/32nd, 1/64th & 1/128th
TTL Dedication Yes
Bounce Head Yes
Swivel Head Yes
Zoom Head 28-105mm (flash senses focal length & adjusts)
Off Camera Terminal No
Recycle Time 6 seconds (based on fresh alkaline batteries & full power)
4 seconds (based on fresh Ni-MH batteries & full power)
Power Source Four 1.5-Volt "AA" batteries (alkaline, lithium, NiCad & NiMH)
Dimensions 3.0 x 5.5 x 4.6" (76 x 140 x 117mm) WxHxD
Weight 11.8 oz (335 g)

I didn't do much research on the Sigma, for some reason I just felt like the Extra $140 was worth it because it is a stronger flash, and who knows canon metering better than canon. I like a few of the added features that the Canon has, such as automtically adjusting the focal length of the flash for the 1.6x crop factor for my 20d, so none of the flash is wasted. For you guys who have the sigma - it won't go to waste as you can use it as a slave.
Ken