Flash for the 5DMKii

Dogdots

I'm wanting to get a flash for my 5DMKii. Which flash works best on this camera?

ziggy53

I'm very pleased with both the Canon 580EX and the Sigma EF-530 DG Super in Canon E-TTL II mount.

The Canon 580EX II and Sigma EF-610 DG Super (in Canon E-TTL II mount) are the current versions.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486706-USA/Canon_1946B002_Speedlite_580EX_II.html
http://www.adorama.com/CA580EX2U.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/741717-REG/Sigma_189101_EF610_DG_Super_Flash.html
http://www.adorama.com/SG610EOS.html

The Canon 580EX II has the advantages of a better controls and menu system, and a better build. The Canon flash also can use an optional external, high-voltage power supply for much faster flash cycling speeds (within reason).

The Sigma EF-610 DG Super flash is much less expensive, has a similar feature set, but the interface is not quite as intuitive (although perfectly usable).

I believe that the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT will also work on the Canon camera bodies, with the caveat that some of the features of the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT are not available from the 5D MKII menu.

I have 4 - Sigma DG Super flashes and only 1 - Canon 580EX flash, only because I wanted the high-speed cycling capability of the 580EX.

This photo used 2 - Sigma flashes as wireless E-TTL slaves to a single Canon 580EX master flash (proving that they are E-TTL wireless compatible):

Dogdots

Thank you Ziggy for all the information ... plus the added photo so I can see how a flash setup works. Nice photo too

Big price difference between the 580EX and the Sigma EF flash. I see here on dgrin and on fredmiranda people are selling their 580's for the newer one out. Since this flash can be used on the MKii maybe I should just buy a used one. I see Nikolai is selling a 580EX II. I posted late last night to see if it's still for sale.

What I don't understand ... why did Canon make a Flash with options that won't work on the MKii and work on the MKiii? Will Canon stop making the 580EX II?

ziggy53

Dogdots wrote: »

... What I don't understand ... why did Canon make a Flash with options that won't work on the MKii and work on the MKiii? Will Canon stop making the 580EX II?

I believe that you can still access the new options (mostly relating to the new radio wireless stuff) directly on the flash itself, and while that new flash is on a 5D MKII. All, or most, of the other capabilities of the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT (i.e. the stuff not relating to the wireless radio stuff) should still be available via the camera interface.

If you want the full capabilities of the 600EX-RT flash via the camera interface, then you should look at the 5D MKIII.

Yes, the 580EX II will be phased out, as were the 580EX and 550EX before that.

Dogdots

ziggy53 wrote: »

I believe that you can still access the new options (mostly relating to the new radio wireless stuff) directly on the flash itself, and while that new flash is on a 5D MKII. All, or most, of the other capabilities of the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT (i.e. the stuff not relating to the wireless radio stuff) should still be available via the camera interface.

If you want the full capabilities of the 600EX-RT flash via the camera interface, then you should look at the 5D MKIII.

Yes, the 580EX II will be phased out, as were the 580EX and 550EX before that.

I'll get the 580EX II. While I'd love the mkiii ... I would have a hard time justifying spending that much money on a camera for what I do photography wise.

Again Ziggy .. thanks for the information