Official Discontinued List

[Marsu42]

The 580EXII costs a lot less than the new 600EX, so from a pure pricing strategy perspective I cannot see why they're discontinuing it.

Um, you've got it mixed up: Canon are not spending money, they're *receiving* it :-)

[neuroanatomist]

The 580EXII costs a lot less than the new 600EX, so from a pure pricing strategy perspective I cannot see why they're discontinuing it.

There you go, thinking like a consumer.  Fortunately for Canon's shareholders, they think like a corporation, not a consumer.  From a pure pricing standpoint, it makes perfect sense to release a more expensive product, then discontinue the cheaper product that it replaces.

[wickidwombat]

580 ex ii prices have gone up in the last month
at digital rev a month ago you could get them for a bit under $440
now they are over $550

I just picked up a couple more good condition second hand ones for alot less than that

[preppyak]

I cannot see why they're discontinuing it. Anyone shooting with an APS-C body who wishes to use HSS will automatically opt for a new/used 580EX.

You answered your own confusion with the next statement. It gives people another option...which means Canon has to keep up the manufacturing line to produce it, stock the spare parts to repair and replace it, and provide tech support for it. MUCH easier to go with the new flash they just released.

That said, you'll see the 580ex in their refurb store for a while I'd imagine. So it's not like you can't get it; it's just that Canon won't cannibalize its own new item sales by offering too many options

[aj1974]

All

I just saw this on the DWI site.

http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/browse.asp?idCategory=10&brand=2

Can anyone explain to me what a 600EX is?
They have them list as a cheaper model to to 600EX - RT, but i havent been able to any infromation about them.

[scrappydog]

There you go, thinking like a consumer.  Fortunately for Canon's shareholders, they think like a corporation, not a consumer.  From a pure pricing standpoint, it makes perfect sense to release a more expensive product, then discontinue the cheaper product that it replaces.

Not if the new product does not sell, or sell in sufficient quantities to maximize profits.  It makes perfect sense for Canon to maximize profits.  If nobody bought the new flash, Canon would have to scramble.

[RC]

All

I just saw this on the DWI site.

http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/store/browse.asp?idCategory=10&brand=2

Can anyone explain to me what a 600EX is?
They have them list as a cheaper model to to 600EX - RT, but i havent been able to any infromation about them.

The 600EX is the non radio controlled version of the 600EX-RT.  My understanding it's only available in regions where consumer radio controlled devices aren't allowed.  Essentially its optical controlled only, no radio.

[hollybush]

I am a little surprised at the 24mm & 28mm.

I think I read somewhere, maybe this site, that the reason the new ones had to be developed in the first place was that some of the components for the old model were no longer in production but stockpiled, and the stock was destroyed in one of the natural disasters.

[Marsu42]

Not if the new product does not sell, or sell in sufficient quantities to maximize profits.  It makes perfect sense for Canon to maximize profits.  If nobody bought the new flash, Canon would have to scramble.

I'm sure Canon has thought about this, and just wants early adopters to get only the 600rt and for the high starting price. Speaking of maximizing profits, after some month of 5d3 and seeing what people buy it, Canon could also have priced it at $4000 and nearly sold the same amount. Same with the 600rt, I guess.

[ruuneos]

I found few weeks ago second hand 580EX II for 250€ it was 1½month used. New one costs 499€, sadly I didn't get highest bid on it :/

[briansquibb]

Anyone shooting with an APS-C body who wishes to use HSS will automatically opt for a new/used 580EX.

The 430EXII suports hss as well ...

[Marsu42]

The 430EXII suports hss as well ...

... but not as a remote slave with a 60d/7d master, you need a full 580ex2 master for this as I've just learned. I didn't recognize it because when I use hss with my 430ex2, I've got it mounted on my camera.

[briansquibb]

The 430EXII suports hss as well ...

... but not as a remote slave with a 60d/7d master, you need a full 580ex2 master for this as I've just learned. I didn't recognize it because when I use hss with my 430ex2, I've got it mounted on my camera.

You need either:

580EX2
ST-E2
ML-14
MT-24

as master to get hss etc

So the cheapest option is the ST-e2 to get hss

[wickidwombat]

The 430EXII suports hss as well ...

... but not as a remote slave with a 60d/7d master, you need a full 580ex2 master for this as I've just learned. I didn't recognize it because when I use hss with my 430ex2, I've got it mounted on my camera.

You need either:

580EX2
ST-E2
ML-14
MT-24

as master to get hss etc

So the cheapest option is the ST-e2 to get hss

these are even better
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/YONGNUO-Speedlite-Transmitter-ST-E2-Canon-580EXII-F178-/400188007358?pt=AU_Flashes&hash=item5d2d1063be

they take AA batteries
the head rotates so you can point it at the flashes and get better reliability
its half the price

[briansquibb]

these are even better
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/YONGNUO-Speedlite-Transmitter-ST-E2-Canon-580EXII-F178-/400188007358?pt=AU_Flashes&hash=item5d2d1063be

they take AA batteries
the head rotates so you can point it at the flashes and get better reliability
its half the price

I always buy used - mine was £60 - and there are plenty around.

Contrary to street rumours the batteries last some time, so the battery cost is negligable