Speedlite 580EX II Flash

I’ve been very pleased with the Canon Speedlite 580EX II. It delivers consistent, high-quality lighting that significantly enhances my photography, producing sharp and well-lit images every time. The flash’s versatile features and reliable output make it a fantastic tool for both amateur and professional photographers. Recently, the unit experienced a fall, but impressively, the outer casing remains intact with only the white latch needing repair. This speaks to its durable build quality. Overall, the 580EX II is a robust and dependable flash that I highly recommend for anyone serious about improving their lighting setup.

Very powerful, and accurate in ETTL II mode. I also own the original 580EX, and I was thrilled to see that the diffuser for my original one also fits the new 580EX II. The new 580EX II definitely seems stronger (especially at the shoe), and appears to be better sealed. Also, the battery compartment door is simple to open and use, which is a great improvement over the original. Also, the PC Synch chord attachment is a very nice addition, so now it's compatible with wireless pocket wizards or industry standard flash synch cords. For fully automatic ETTL II, then I also love using this as a master, and my original 580EX as a wireless slave. It also works great with the ST-E2 wireless trigger for fully automatic operation, and control of flash power ratios from the camera. The ST-E2 does have a fairly wide spread which does bounce, so the "line-of-sight" issue doesn't give me trouble too often. The fully automatic operation makes up for the "line-of-sight" requirement, I think. Of course, you could always use a pocket wizard or a sync cord in manual mode, if you can't do a line-of-sight remote trigger. I like the bar on the back that tells you how many feet are in the flash's range, based on your camera's settings, which are automatically given to the flash. It even gives the flash focusing distance information from the lens, on the higher quality Canon lenses. I love seeing the feet range bar move when I change the aperature on the camera, or change the zoom on the lens. I love watching it move all the settings automatically as quickly as it changes on the camera. I also love the auto power off/power on that is in sync with the camera. All those above mentioned features justify the cost of this flash over any thing else I've seen, including the 430EX, or any other brands that are supposedly Canon compatible. Yes, it's expensive, but this new quality design, and stronger shoe lock, will help ensure this flash lasts a long time. Plus, the quality of the photos it creates, hopefully, will help it pay for itself.

It communicate very well with my Canon 20D. The 589EX II will act the same as the built-in flash of 20D, except it is 16 times more powerful. The power level adjustment is useful for multiple flash set up. I have been considering to buy it for 2 years. My hesitation is due to the steep $500 price tag and my Vivitar 285HV. After using it for 2 weeks. I can kick myself not to buy it earlier. The ETT II gives me excellent exposure ( no more wash out of the object) regardless of the back ground, that the 285HV cannot do. It is a perfect flash for my 20D. I have five friendly advices: 1. Set C.Fn 6 to 1. This enables the quick flash mode. The flash can be fired without a full charge. Good for rapid shooting at a reduced range. 2. Use rechargeable batteries. This will make the flash charges faster. Also you are helping to save the earth. 3. This is the most powerful flash that Canon makes. From my 40 years as photographer, you should buy the most powerful flash. Do not buy the lower model even you can save $150. The 580EX II will allow you to use a smaller aperture to do a better job as a fill in light for the shadow under the sun or have a faster recycle time when shooting at night. Also you will still have enough light output even with flash attachments, i.e. diffuser, reflector etc. 4. The 580EX II tends to be slightly (1/3 to 1/2 stop) under-expose the object. It may not be a problem if you prefer slightly saturated color. Otherwise you can give it a +1/3 or 1/2 flash exposure compensation( It is much easier to set it up on the camera rather than on the flash) However,it will be perfect as a fill in flash for shadow underneath the sun without using flash exposure compensation. 5. In order for the TTL II to work right, make sure that the lens you use will pass the distance information to the camera and hence to the 580EX II. Complain: The owner's manual does not spell out some of the interaction between the camera and the 580EX II. e.g. the high speed syn will be disabled automatically if the shutter speed is below the maximum normal flash syn speed, high speed syn will not over heat the flash as long as it obeys the rule for maximum number of consecutive normal flash, The focal length indication shows the real focal length of the lens, not the equivalent focal length of the APS-C sensor, any focal length shorter than 24mm still indicates as 24mm, even the Zooming flash head might have zoom to 27mm equivalent(17mm actual) focal length.

The price was right and the product is amazing. I don't use a flash much, but when I need it it's great!

Flash arrived with batteries in the battery compartment of the flash and some corrosion on the terminals. Flash still works.

Modèle haut de gamme et expert de Canon, qui permet de maitriser parfaitement son éclairage Mais pour un prix un peu élevé ! [Edit 31/07/2014] 4 ans après, j'ajoute : - oui ce flash est toujours aussi bon et fonctionnel, mais la concurrence est sévère, à un prix bien inférieur. Ce serait à refaire, je choisirais sans doute son équivalent chinois : Yongnuo YN568EX II flash/speedlite maître sans fil et synchrone TTL sabot/griffe GN58 pour caméras de Canon 7D, 60D, 600D +Cadeau Sabot