I have a 580EX II I got in January with the last round of rebates; I think it was only $50, not the $70 mentioned in an earlier post. What I do know is that with the rebate/discount I paid $365. I love the flash. It recycles very, very quickly using Energizer 2450 mAh NiMH rechargables and has a long use per set of batteries. I have some cheaper i-Concepts 2700mAh NiMH rechargables, which are from a photo shop, but they have a much shorter life in high demand usage, so now I stay with the better brand names, they just work better for me.


Using history as a guide, the spring rebates should start in a month or so. My advice would be if (1) you have a need for it (you can always find a use for it) and (2) it is in your budget wait the month or so to see if there is a rebate, and then buy one from a reputable source. When Canon comes out with a new model you can always either get it and make the 580EX II a slave or sell it used. There will be someone with a 430EX II budget who will be glad to move up to a good used 580EX II for a fair price.


I agree with everyone above: buy it and use it, you will not regret this purchase! It will have a long life regardless of what new model comes out next.[Y][Y]