Coyboy Studio Mono or Speed Light for fill?

[kingdaddy]

I need a second light for fill and other effects. I already have a 580EXII and an off shoe stand with umbrella and wireless triggering system. I’m wondering if I should get another speed light or a mono light since their about the same price.

Any suggestions?

[davemphoto]

Depends on how you plan on using them. I'm a location shooter, so I've got 3 speedlites because they're smaller, portable and can run on AA batteries. If you're shooting indoors a lot, then those qualities won't make a difference. A monolight will generally have more power than a speedlite, so you're getting more power for the same amount of money. A monolight will need to be near an AC outlet or be paired up with an external power supply to be taken on location. A mono light should also have a modeling light and faster recycle times than a small flash unit.

If you're going to pair up a monolight and the speedlite, you're going to have to lower the power of the monolight to get a decent ratio between the lights.

[PeteQ]

I say go for a second speedlight. With another 580EXII you can start some wireless TTL shooting.

[Pip]

As kingdaddy says, depends on how you shoot... I'd be tempted to go with another speedlite but that's because it fits in with what I want - portable, flexible, linkable. And if you change your mind they seemingly hold their value better than studio lights, at least it seems that way to me.
Have fun making your mind up!
pip

[kingdaddy]

Are there any other speed lights that compare in quality to the canon 580EXII or 430EX? Something a bit more cost effective since I will only be using it for fill flash most of the time.

[Pip]

If you're looking for OCF have you thought about the old 540EZ? As long as you're on manual it's a pretty decent unit.

[kingdaddy]

Yea, but the prices I've seen on used ones are ridiculous. Has anyone but me noticed that Adorama has the most unrealistic pricing on used equipment?