Here is my latest gear review on the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT. As you will see below, we have also just recently finished our Crash Course Training Tutorial Video on the 600, and as far as I know it is the only one available right now:
A couple notes on this video and the comparison between the two (as well as for clarity:)
Pros:
– Almost no miss fires with the 600’s, and when it happened it was a battery issue (they were out of juice).
– The Dot Matrix Screen is much more pleasing to the eye and easier to understand.
– Once you get the hang of the controls, it is quicker and easier to navigate.
– The 600 is very, very similar in functionality to a 580EXii. Guide number wise, they are pretty much the same.
– I LOVE the dedicated wireless button the 600, it is very fast and pretty easy to get the hang of using.
– Yes I have personally upgraded, but I am not so convinced spending all that extra money was worth it, because I do not do tons and tons of off camera flash work. For most purposes, the 580 will work great.
– Mad props to Canon for changing the ST-E3 batteries to double A’s. The battery for the ST-E2 was expensive ($20 each) and this adds a lot of value to the transmitter. The ST-E3 is also significantly smaller and lighter than the ST-E2.
Cons:
– As mentioned in the video, price is the biggest con.
– The 600’s are a big bigger and heavier than the 580’s
– The lack of optical controls and AF assist on the ST-E3 is irking to say the least.
– Not a fan that I have to push the -/+ button in Manual mode, even with the shortcut activated in C.Fn 13.
VERY Helpful info Michael – My 580 is not firing like it should be, going to have to send it in – afraid of how much that is going to cost. On the other hand – gotta me so much cheaper than the 600, even if I have to replace it with another 580.
Bit the bullet – sending 580 in for repair, $180 repair bill 🙁 Cheaper than replacing though, and I believe it’s a simple thyristor problem, otherwise still in excellent condition.
I just upgraded from 3 580EX II’s and a 420EX to 4 600EX-RT’s. I don’t shoot wireless very often, but I do have one important, regular portrait gig every year, which requires shooting 2 Speedlites into umbrellas, with a 3rd used as either a hair light, or to illuminate a backdrop. Getting the optical Speedlites to "see" the master was always problematic. Really looking forward to my first wireless shoot with these! I also like the new menu system; it seems much easier to navigate and configure controls as desired, without constantly refering to the manual. I would have purchased an ST-E3 in place of one of the 600’s, but was put off by its lack of AF assist.