Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT Not bad!

[Mark Elberson]

Maybe this explains why Pocket Wizards new trigger is so cheap.

The PocketWizard Plus III is a "dumb" trigger. Even though it's cheaper than its predecessor it still makes sense that it can be sold for so "cheap".

there's no need for the ST-E2 anymore

Auto focus assist beam. Other than that, I agree.

I understand that these can NOT be mixed with 580EXIIs they can not mix RT and IR
Is that your understanding.
So I will need to get all new flashes?

Compatibility With 580EX II and Earlier Speedlites — Canon has done a good job of maintaining backwards compatibility with the existing line of Speedlites. The new 600EX-RT system works in radio mode or optical mode — but not both at the same time. This means that you can use the 600EX-RT with earlier generations of EX Speedlites by using optical transmission for wireless mode. Yes, it’s fair to say that, in optical mode, the 600EX-RT a better looking 580EX II.

Check out this article for a comprehensive overview on the 600EX-RT

Ahhh. My bad For $600 it better turn my TV on too.

I don't get this...and I have a read a LOT of people complaining about the price point. The 580EXII is currently selling for $470 and that's with a $30 rebate. Without the RF transmission I'd say that the 600EX is a worth while upgrade. Nikon's flagship flash unit goes for $550 and does not have an RF transmitter.

I would think that some enterprising third party manufacturer (PW??) will come out with some new toys for us to play with that will let us keep our existing flash units. I hope it is soon.

They already have, they Mini/Flex system. I'll continue using it with my lowly 430EX IIs :-)

[jrw]

Wasn't aware that the Flex system is capable of supporting 5 flash groups which is the big upgrade item for me. Built in RT is a very worthwhile feature for moving forward, just want an RT unit that will allow using existing flash units in 5 channel system as it should cost less than replacing all my flash units. Would seem i have more digging to do.

[Mark Elberson]

Wasn't aware that the Flex system is capable of supporting 5 flash groups which is the big upgrade item for me

It doesn't. It has 3 just like the old Canon tech. It would be SUPER cool if Canon came out with an accessory like a FlexTT5 that could sit on older 580EXs and 430EXs, etc and allow them to be RF triggered by either the 600EX-RT or the ST-E3-RT. I feel like they would haven't mentioned it in the press release though. Who knows, time will tell. For people just getting into the game though this is great as I am sure that future units will be backwards compatible. I see this as a rather large leap forward in Canon flash.