Quote Originally Posted by shutterdown View Post

Would they do a better job in a situation like I mentioned above?
No

I shot a wedding today. I have a 580EXII on a Newton flash bracket. The first example is with my 70-300 @ 138mm. As you can see I got red eye because the flash is on the same axis as the lens at this distance.

IMG_0259 by clemmb60, on Flickr

The next is the same setup with my 24-105 @ 82mm. At this distance the flash is above the axis of the lens and so no redeye

IMG_0105 by clemmb60, on Flickr

The best result is the same setup but also two flashes bouncing off the ceiling for better depth. Still the 580EXII on the flash bracket but two flashes on light stands bouncing off ceiling. Much better.

IMG_0385 by clemmb60, on Flickr

Hope this helps