Speedlite 540EZ X 550EX

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Canon EOS FAQ forum : One Thread

Hi for all,

My question is:

I4ve just bought an EOS 540EZ but I4m afraid it was not so good alternative because of the 550EX and its E-TTL. So , When will the E-TTL be really a big advantage if I use EOS 50E/ELAN with 550EX? I would like to know the opinion of others photographers about my decision knowing the prices for a 550EX is at least 150US$ more expensive? Are there other big advantages to 550EX agains my 540EZ?

THANKS FOR ALL!

Andre

-- Andre Menezes (pizzarelli@mailcity.com), September 21, 1999

Answers

With the Elan IIE / 540EZ you will not get full functionality of either unit. I find that the 540EZ / Eos 3 combo biases the flash exposure towards wide open as opposed to the EOS 1N which uses the A- TTL ability of the 540EZ and sets apertures accordingly. Basically your combo gives you a good TTL flash setup, I would suggest either the 380EX or 550EX for better results.

-- Dave Mitchell (mitchell@effectnet.com), September 22, 1999.

I won't repeat the other comments about functionality, but the 550 is only about $75 more than the 540 from Adorama. They have the gray market versions for about $265 for the 540, and $340 for the 550. I have waited patiently for the 550EX, and when I saw the initial $500 price tag, I said I would just buy a 540EZ. Then I saw Adorama's price and decided on the 550. I'm putting the purchase off due to financial concerns, but I will buy one soon. There are too many compromises with the 540EZ and Elan II. It is a fine flash, but doesn't take advantage of the Elan II's flash features.

-- Brad (bhutcheson@iname.com), September 23, 1999.

All of the functions of the 540EZ can be used with the Elan II/IIe, including A-TTL, and on-camera setting of flash exposure compensation or 2nd curtain sync. The advanced features of the Elan II/IIe cannot be utilized with the 540EZ (ie. no E-TTL, FEL, FP high-speed sync)

Sorry I'm late to this thread ;)

-- Jon Close (jcclose@yahoo.com), December 21, 2001.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ