Need Advice re: Used Canon 580 EX II

billseye

I have an opportunity to buy a year-old 580 EX II for $360.00. Is that a decent price assuming a low usage history?

Is there a simple way to test it and/or get a flash count from it? What should I ask and look for in determining if it's in good shape?

ziggy53

I don't believe that flashes have counters and a simple flash counter would not necessarily show if the flash had been used into overheating, etc.

Smell the flash to see if circuits have been abused. Get a copy of the owners manual and study the different modes of operation and then take a camera and appropriate external flash with you to test the different features and functions like using the 580EX to control another flash and using another flash to control the prospective 580EX. Try the manual modes. Try the test circuits. Try everything.

Here is a link to the user's manual in PDF:

http://media.the-digital-picture.com/Owners-Manuals/Canon-580EX-II-Speedlite-Flash-Owners-Manual.pdf

billseye

Thanks!

GadgetRick

IMO, $360 isn't all that great of a price for a used 580EX II. You can buy them for $420ish (I believe). I'd not bother with that for this price and just go with a new one.

billseye

GadgetRick wrote: »

IMO, $360 isn't all that great of a price for a used 580EX II. You can buy them for $420ish (I believe). I'd not bother with that for this price and just go with a new one.

Yep... considering all the unknowns of used equipment, I agree. Now, I've got to be sure that for now, I wouldn't be content with a new 480EX II. I guess it's time to really outline my upgrade path for all my equipment and create a logical sequence (that included bodies, lens, lighting, etc.). That discussion might be worth its own thread....