Think about what you want to do and perhaps consider a used 580EX rather than a new 580EX II. That way, you might save a bit to help buy an improved flash later. I paid $285 for a 580EX on eBay vs $420 for the 580EX II at B&H. On the other hand, you could probably get $325-350 for a used 580EX II on eBay.


From Bryan's review, the main improvements of the 580EX II over the 580EX are:
  • Faster recycling time (that can be very useful or of little consequence; both would be improved by using the external battery pack)
  • Somewhat more rugged (e.g., metal vs plastic foot)
  • Weather-resistant attachment--but only if you have an appropriate camera.
  • PC port (convenient if you use the flash with a remote trigger, though an $8 hot shoe adapter works very well.)
  • Auto and Manual External Metering, though Bryan suggests that it doesn't work very well (significant underexposure)
  • Improved battery door
  • Lever lock vs thumbwheel



One drawback is that setting up the flash for wireless use as a master or slave is a bit more involved.