AA20D-
I'd really encourage you to look at the big picture. I don't know what your finances are really like. But I do know about buying equipment that doesn't quite cut the mustard. In the long run it costs you more. If you really can't afford the 580EX but you'd like to, think about the system you're building. Consider buying the 420 or a 550EX instead. I don't think ETTL II is a necessity. It hasn't been available until now and we've been doing fine. The thing you'll likely miss out on if you buy a Metz is the wireless capabilites. If those don't matter to you, no big deal. But if they do, it's best to start down that path now. I don't think you're really going to miss the ETTL II. But if you ever want to add a second flash, you'll be bummed then. You'll either have to buy two flashes or invest in a completely separate wireless system. It's much better to think about the system and make that investment now - even if you have to spend more than you can afford, or make a compromise on flash features.