Canon 580EX vs Canon 320EX flash

[Nathaniel]

As I am continuing with my weight reduction exercise, I am thinking of getting the Canon 320 Ex in place of my current 580EX. I have nothing against the 580EX esp as it was only fully re-furbished by Canon last year, but I do find it on the "cumbersome" side. I also think that the 320Ex will fit in well with my Canon G15 in that it won't look ridiculous on the compact. I would like to add that I use flash mainly as a hobbyist would do- to light up the subject/s in venues such as small halls, churches,school platforms/stage.

Once again, I would value your advice and comments from members who own or have used both these flash guns.

Many thanks

Nathaniel

[Cyberman]

Re: Canon 580EX vs Canon 320EX flash

Would the 320EX be too much of a step down for you? It's a reasonable drop in guide number.
Have you considered the 430EX II as an option? I have this and it's pretty good, or is still too large in your opinion.
Of course the 430EX is slightly heavier at 320g over the 320EX at 275g (I think). But still a bit lighter than the 580EX which was about 405g I think.

I guess it comes down to your requirements for use. If size and compactness are key then that's a consideration.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Canon 580EX vs Canon 320EX flash

Thanks Cyberman. I have not used flash in large halls but only in restricted areas mainly inside churches & small halls/private parties. Even here, when I use flash ,I go near the subject as best as possible. I am sure the 580EX, being more powerful,would light up a large area as the single light source but this has never been the case with me. I prefer to go near the subject so that they appear quite large in the photo. Having said that I did own a 430EX before and I sold this when I got the 580 EX; it was a very good flash gun. If the 320Ex can fill a small room,then it will be an ideal accessory to carry in my camera bag.

[colin C]

Re: Canon 580EX vs Canon 320EX flash

Stick with what you have. It'll cope with everything you can throw at it and has the power to perform when you need it. The weight saving will be insignificant against losing shots by not being powerful enough.

By all means get a 320 to compliment your G15 and that will also provide you with an extra off camera flash if you get into more creative lighting.

[tesarver]

Re: Canon 580EX vs Canon 320EX flash

Nat, for light weight, I use the 270 ex, so unless you need the strobe function on the 320 I would recommend the 270 w/stofin cap for a light weight alternative.

Tom

[Muscat]

Re: Canon 580EX vs Canon 320EX flash

Nat I would agree with Colin on keeping the 580 even at the slight weight disadvantage as I am sure that you will start to regret the loss in power when you take your shots in the halls / church. I would also agree with Tom on the suggestion of getting the 270 over the 320 flash as I don't think you would ever use the additional functions of the 320.

[djguk47]

Re: Canon 580EX vs Canon 320EX flash

.......................... I use the 270 ex, so unless you need the strobe function on the 320 I would recommend the 270.......

Tom

Tom, I am looking for a flash for my wife's G16 and am tossing between the 270 and the 320. The 320 has the ability to enable the use of bounce flash, I am not bothered with the other functions, whereas the 270 doesn't. Do you find you "miss" the ability to use bounce flash by having the 270? The cost difference between the two is about £20 so cost difference is not an issue.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Canon 580EX vs Canon 320EX flash

Thanks Colin, Ian,Tom for your advice. For David's benefit I would say that the facility/ability to use the bounce mode is important to me. I would certainly feel "lost" without this in my flash gun. Having said that I note that the 270 is a peach of a flash gun sitting on my G15.

[Columbarius]

Re: Canon 580EX vs Canon 320EX flash

Hi Nat,

I have never used one, but have you considered the Canon 90EX. It weights only 50 grammes and it can act as an optical (line of sight) master for your 580 if necessary. It doesn't swivel though.You can think of it as the inbuilt flash the 6D doesn't have.

[djguk47]

Re: Canon 580EX vs Canon 320EX flash

oops, I was thinking of the 90 that does not have the "bounce flash" ability, the 270 does allow bounce flash.
Following Nat's comment about the 270, I think this may be the one for the G16.