Canon 600EX-RT vs 580EX II vs 430EX II: what are the main pros and cons?
Asked 3/13/2013
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I'm choosing a Canon Speedlite for my DSLR and I'm comparing the 600EX-RT with the 580EX II and 430EX II. What are the practical advantages and disadvantages of the 600EX-RT versus the other two, especially for on-camera use and off-camera wireless flash?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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Price vs Radio wireless, I have a 600EX-RT and I love it. The wireless radio is the big upgrade. It should support far more complex wireless flash operation, though currently it only works with more of the 600EX-RT flash units. (Presumably there will be more devices in the RT line down the road.)
I don't know if the flash bulb moves to adjust the guide number in the 430EX or not, but I believe it does in the 580EX. I know it does in the 600EX-RT which is a pretty nice feature. The menu system on the 600EX-RT is also very nice and will work very easily through the camera's menu system as well on newer cameras.
So main pros for the 600EX-RT that I notice are the newer design (backlit LCD screen with easy to use controls), wireless radio sync (no line of sight limitation/longer range/more control) and cons are higher price.
Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11392
13y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The 600EX-RT’s biggest advantage is built-in radio wireless control. Compared with the 580EX II/430EX II optical system, radio is more reliable, works without line of sight, and is better outdoors. Canon also expanded wireless features on the RT system, including more groups and channels, making multi-flash setups easier.
It also has a newer interface/design, including a backlit LCD and improved menu integration on newer Canon bodies. Power is slightly higher than the 580EX II and clearly higher than the 430EX II, but the 600 and 580 are much closer to each other than either is to the 430.
Main downside: cost. To use the 600EX-RT’s radio TTL system, you also need a compatible transmitter or another RT-capable flash, so the system cost rises quickly. If you mainly want a single flash on-camera or connected by cord, a 580EX II or 430EX II often gives better value.
In short: choose the 600EX-RT if you want Canon’s built-in radio off-camera system and newer controls. Choose the 580EX II or 430EX II if price matters more and you don’t need RT radio features.
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