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It has a good balnce of the most needed features. FP (high speed shutter sync) wireless capability built in when used with command mode on the camera. I have used it with the Nikon D200 and D300. The head can go bacwards for bonce flash from behind when camera mounted. It has focus assist lighting, multi strobe feature, standby mode to save power, and auto zoom for the beam width. It is also fairly compact.
Verified purchase: Yes
This flash is an old design and it's refresh rate is a bit on the slow side compared to new flashes. For studio work or stills it's fine. Definitely wouldn't recommend for events, however.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The speedlite 550 ex has delivered great results thus far. I use it in tandum with an EOS 10D and the Sto-fen Omni Bounce which delivers great results. Although I have shot for professionally years, this is my first experience with TTL or ETTL. The old tried and true way of hand held meters, flash to suject distance and balancing the flash with the ambient light was the way I learned and practiced the craft with my medium format equipment."This is a useful skill to know"..."Although one can get quite speedy with the process, One "CANNOT" keep up with the speed and accuracy of the 550 ex". So far the 550 ex is nailing the balance dead on. Of course it took the normal process of getting to know the unit and the camera it's attached to..."Oh, and reading the manual was a great help". But all kidding aside, I have found the flash to be an invaluable tool. Another very cool aspect of the 550 ex is the ability to function as a master unit in a wireless, multi flash set up. It's seamless to achieve studio type lighting anywhere with another 550 ex, 420 ex or the ST-E2 transmitter."No more nasty cords"....."Free at last, free at last" For those of us old guys practicing the art of photographic expression....PROGRESS IS GOOD, IT IS OUR FRIEND! Strengths: Powerful, accurate, wireless capabilities Weaknesses: Expensive, but well worth itRead full review
I wanted a second flash for my 40D that could be used as a master to control my 430EXII, but I'm just a hobbyist and not a pro, so spending $400-500 for the 580EXII was way out of my budget. After a little looking around, I heard the 550EX performed nearly as well as the 580EXII for a mere fraction of the price. I picked one up that is as good as new and it works just as it should. I haven't done a lot with it yet, but it works great and does the job of controlling my 430EXII just as it should. The battery door is a little awkward versus the newer Speedlites, but it's not that big of a deal to me. The 580EXII is also said to have a longer battery life and recharge time over the 550EX, but for my usage, it doesn't hinder me any. The 550EX has a release button for the tilt and another for the swivel functions of the head. The later 430 and 580 Speedlites have a single button for both tilt and swivel. Being used to my 430EXII, I keep forgetting about the different swivel button when I'm using the 550EX. I also prefer the lock for the mount of the later Speedlites over this 550EX. The 430EXII and 580EXII have a "lever" that you slide to lock it onto the mount and a simple button to unlock and then slide the lever to release. The 550EX (and 580EX) have a wheel that you turn to screw it tight. Again, it's just a minor niggle. The cons of this 550EX Speedlite vs. a 580EXII are really very small and do nothing to hinder the overall performance of this flash. Aside from a slightly shorter battery life, they're all basically just ergonomic nags. If you're a low-budget hobbyist or even a budding professional just starting out and need a reasonably priced master flash or just an additional flash for your collection, the 550EX is a worthy alternative to the 580EXII.Read full review
*Disclaimer: I would say that I am an intermediate level photo enthusiast, and the idea of flash photography is a whole new realm for me, so bear with me, this review isn't going to be thorough. Before purchasing this flash, I only knew it was the predecessor of the 580EX as Canon's top of the line. The one I particularly received was in extremely mint condition, so it was well worth the money. When it comes to usage, I'm not quite sure what to say since I'm still trying to figure out how to get what I want out of it. I use it on ETTL (which I guess is probably auto) and usually use it on Manual (M) or Aperture value (Av). So far, after reading through a variety of online guides, my best photos came out using it indoors and bouncing it off the ceilings or walls. My usual setting is in Manual at 1/60th, f/1.8 to f/4, and ISO 100. The photos indoors always turn out great! The light looks really natural, and I always use the built in diffuser for the catch light. Subjects turn out sharp so it's perfect when inside a building (for reference, I shoot with an XSi/450D, usually with my 50mm f/1.8). I still have issues using it outdoors (both day and night). Photos always turn out with the subject highlighted (I always use it on ETTL mode) and the background always becomes underexposed. I'm trying to find out if I can use the index card method, but so far no success. Directly shooting at the subject also remains unsuccessful. Overall though, I bought this over the 430EX and I am very pleased. I know a lot of people care about the recycle times, size, weight, etc., but I don't see the point, there's really no reason to complain in my opinion. The 550EX is still an excellent flash coming from it's time, being top of the line back then, I would still recommend getting it over the 430EX, (especially since I got it for $197, thanks to eBay).Read full review
