Absolutely your advice helps! Thank you.
I haven't bought much to date: 40D, 16-35, 24-105, and the 100-400. Pending purchases are the 70-200 f/4 and the 180 macro; we have already discussed and discussed the issue of bodies.;)
On the macro side I will buying the 180; the light setup is totally open.
At the moment I have the Canon "toy" the 220EX; I am planning on buying the 580EX as it is the only Canon flash that can operate as a Master. the 430EX can operate as a slave but carrying two large flash units doesn't make sense. My understanding is that the 220EX will not operate as a wireless slave to the camera or to the 580EX. Does anyone know of a small wireless unit that will operate from a Canon camera either independently or in Master/Slave with the 580EX?
I certainly am not determined to spend money for the sake of spending money. The Canon Twin is $1300; if I can find a suitable Macro lighting system built around what I will already have - the 580EX - great!
As as aside, I know I am asking lots and lots of questions. I really appreciate everyone's patience. Hopefully in the near future when I am again mobile and recovered from this latest knee surgery I will be able to share "keepers" with you. :D