Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I bought this unit to use as my main flash unit, and relegated my older 580EX I to slave duty. Compared to the 580EX I, there are some obvious benefits the 580EX II has:

- Better hot shoe connector, with weatherproofing gasket and quicker lock
- Sturdier battery door
- Virtually silent operation. You don't hear the thyristor charging up, which, initially, can be somewhat disconcerting (is the flash working?)
- Faster thyristor charge-to-ready

The button/control layout on the rear of the flash is somewhat different than the 580EX I, but easy to learn. Master-slave control worked flawlessly and was easy to set.

Note: the Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce attachment for the 580EX I will NOT fit on the 580EX II. You will need to buy a new Omni-Bounce attachment for this unit.

Like its older predecessor, it comes with a stand and soft case. Highly recommended for Canon cameras with E-TTL flash control - not just for EOS SLRs and DSLRs; prosumer cameras like the Powershot G9 can use this flash and many of its extra functions.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I have only had my 580EX for a short time. I used in on a fashion shoot (my 1st) and it worked better than I did. Far better, of course, than the pop-up for serious work. The weight and bulk of the 580EX are somewhat of a detraction and convinced me not to use it on a recent, fast-paced trip. (Though inferior, the pop-up is a convenience that is hard to give up.) The 580EX has a wealth of features that will take me months to explore. I will pop back in and add more to this review as time goes on.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

At first I thought the price was steep, but bought it anyway and WOW! Red eye is a thing of the past, the range and zoom are excellent, and no more noisy indoor photos in low light. I don't think I've actually used my camera's built-in flash in months. If you have a Canon camera that has a hot shoe, you can control all the flash's functions and access the custom feature menus from your camera making it very easy to use. Even the high-speed sync works great, but at diminished range (to be expected). I used 4 AA rechargeable batteries, and get a LOT of flashes out of a single charge. Comes with a great storage bag too. Well worth it, and will last for years.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Great flash, just be careful if you use a quantum, it is possible to shove the cord in backwards and reverse the polarity and fry the flash. Not a good thing. Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Love my new flash. I haven't used it as much as I would like, but so far I am loving all the things about it. Especially after using a 380EX all these years! Love the way it swivels to bounce etc., and it's quick response time...very nice!Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I got the Canon 580EX II Speedlite on the recommendation of a friend's father. I was looking at the 420 (because it was cheaper)but he told me to go with the best. I did, and I love it. My pictures shine. I'm a newbie, so I'm still getting used to it. But when I'm out doing my thing, I look more like a professional photographer with it than sticking with the in-house flash. I know this is shallow, but I live in L.A. :) Once I really learn how to use it, I know I'm gonna be doubly happy I got it. You can't go wrong getting the best. This is the best.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

The flash appears to be everything advertised. I was surprised that it seems to have survived the poor packing in it's shipping box! Who ever packaged it is used to shipping books not electronics! Large box with two air pillow bladders, one deflated left all sorts of room for the product to rattle around! Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Although its not that much better tan its younger sibling, its still is a must have for photographers in need of a Speedlight. Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

This can be had for as low as 350 USD.

After buying, play around with the curtain sync settings, bounce, and diffusers. You'll immediately see payoff in your investment, through quality pictures.

This is really indispensible at indoor shooting.

I also see improvements in battery and recharge time compared with make I of this 580 model.

You cant go wrong with this investment.


Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Bigger is not always better. The more you pay for a piece of camera equipment does not necessarily mean you will get more out of it than a less expensive alternative. These are two axioms that I wish I could learn someday, but I guess some lessons have to be learned the hard way.

This is a great flash, don't get me wrong. It's a 5 star flash--if it is what you need. I bought this thinking it was what I needed but as it turns out it is too big and too powerful for me. It is extremely large, powerful, and top-heavy. I sold it back on the used market and picked up a 430ex which comes in at almost half the price. The 430ex is also around half the weight/size but still packs a good 60-80% wallup of the 580ex II. For me, this has been ideal. The 430ex provides enough flash but not too bright, and it isn't top-heavy or attention-grabbing like the gigantic 580ex II.

If you are going to be photographing celebrities, people who are far away from your camera, or other situations which call for a very powerful flash then this is the flash for you. If you are looking for more of a wedding or cocktail party flash, then I believe the 430ex is the flash. It is hard to tell from the pictures just how different the sizes of the two flashes are, so I didn't know the 430ex was such an ideal size compared to the 580ex II.

While I can't say anything bad about this flash, just take another hard look at the 430ex unless you know you need some serious flash-power.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

This flash is incredible! I pair it with a Gary Fong LightSphere & it is the most natural 'artificial light' you could ever wish for without the hassle of studio lighting! You can basically mount it and turn it on, producing wonderful results... But with a little homework to learn the many features available on this flash, you can create wonderful lighting effects! Worth the investment!Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

The 580 EX is a great product! Easy to use and gives great results. if you are thinking about getting one, do it! You won't be sorry.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

This is a great flash for the xti. Use it instead of the on board flash, because it will add dimension to you photos.

At parties, or weddings, use it with a frame.

I use maha rechargeable batteries with this flash, and It has not failed to provide great photos.

The only thing that I would improve would be to give it a optical slave response, that way the on board flash can be used to trigger the main flash. Alas, no luck. Glad it has remote cable trigger though, for studio work.

Over all, I am pleased with this flash. When Canon comes out with an update, I'll gather up a few more of the ex2's.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Love it, love it, love it!!!
I don't know much about using a flash, but I read some directions, set it to ETTL and took some photos. The exposure was spot on, and the skin tones were just perfect!!! I'm quite hooked on how well this works with my Canon 10D and highly recommend it to others who need a new flash attachment. This one is slick!Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

This flash is an excellent product from Canon. I used it for some wedding photography and the results were amazing! I was able to take photos from across the room with excellent results.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

My wife was anticipating getting this new flash, as it was for her photography business and it had come time for her to upgrade and update her equipment, so of course when she got it, she loved it. Just one of the things that she liked about it was the fact that it is a lot easier to mount onto the camera. No, more turning to tighten and un-tighten that pain in the finger wheel on her old flash. This is a must have flash. Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

From page one of the manual:

"Cautions for firing continuous flashes
* To avoid overheating and degrading the flash
head, do not fire more than 20 continuous
flashes. After 20 continuous flashes, allow a rest
time of at least 10 min.
* If you fire more than 20 continuous flashes and
then fire more flashes in short intervals, the
inner overheating prevention function may be
activated to make the recycling time about 8 to
20 sec. If this occurs, allow a rest time of about
15 min. and the flash will then return to normal."

The business end of the flash head browned and melted during the first shoot. It would still fire, but not zoom. It was powered by Duracell 2650mAh NiMH rechargeable AAs and had an Expo Imaging Ray Flash attached to it. It was mounted on a 1D Mark III with 90mm TS-E. It started functioning normally after it cooled down, but I took it back anyway. The 580EX II with Ray flash is a GREAT light weight on camera fill, but this combo is no good for shooting continuously for extended periods (about 3 minutes or longer.) Maybe the Nikon SB-900 if you can live without ttl? Otherwise, Alien Bees or Profoto will do, but at greater expense and much greater weight. The Ray Flash did include two shims, which allowed me to mount it on an old Nikon SB-80DX, but I only took a few test shots with that combo before I returned both items. Good luck!

[...]Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I've tried many substitute Flash attachments for my Canon cameras over the years. Being as "cheap" as I am, I delayed this purchse for years. What a mistake. This is a great device and has exceeded my expectations in every way.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I have to give praise to Amazon and the Canon 580EX II. The delivery was a day ahead of the schedule date of delivery and the pricing is unbelievable compared to anybody else! I will be purchasing another one! Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I purchased this flash for my new Canon 50D. I love it! Although, i am disappointed that a few days after i purchased it from Amazon they dropped the price, but i really needed it for a wedding.

I bought ECO trends rechargeable batteries @ walmart. I didn't have to charge it for the entire day. I was amazed! I will continue to buy from amazon because they are the best in fast shipping. This flash is a great addition to my camera collection. Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

W00T! I ordered this product on Monday afternoon and recieved it on Friday :) boy was I a happy camper!

First I have to say that it was lighter than I expected! from all the reviews I had heard people were complaining about hoe heavy the 580 EX II was I suppose compared to the lower end flashes. Well it does add some weight to my rig (40D +70-200mm 2.8IS) but that really doesn't bother me any.

Second, the User interface was great! I make it a habbit to read the users manuals of all gear before I buy it, so that I am not surprised by how to operate it. No exception with this flash. There are a whole lot of features on this( including the wireless & multi-flash features, which I am really looking forward to using), however it is still quite simple to use the basic ETTL-II, bounced flash, diffuser, and catchlight card, even if you don't read the distructions.

in short: I give the 580EX II 5 stars, it is well built, easy to use, and reasonably priced (especially if you can get one during rebate season :) )Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I purchased the 580 EX II as a replacement for my 430 EX. That flash now serves as a slave for my new 580 EX II.

The 580 has several features I really like and only one that I don't particularly care for.

The Pros: It's powerful, cycles quickly and quietly, has a considerable number of programmable options, built quality is excellent, it's weather resistant, it allows you to individually set the power of the slave flashes (for example you can set one - 1/3 stop an another + 1/3 stop) using the controls on the 580. (In other words you don't have to touch the slaves.) I should also mention that the size of the flash is not a problem at all.

The Con: The process of setting the 580 as the master requires holding the zoom button down for 2 seconds, then dialing to select master and then pressing select. A simple switch like previous models would be better. You can't just leave the 580 in master mode all the time because it will default to 24 mm and stay there regardless of your lens setting. So you have to repeat the process of turning it off and on each time you want to use a slave. It's not like it is a big deal as long as you can remember the process. So now my 430 has a simple switch and my 580 has some buttons to press. Not the best but no reason to avoid buying this flash. It's just something Canon could have done better.

New to photography? If you are buying your first flash and want to know if the 580 EX II is worth the extra money I would say yes. The 430 EX is a good piece of equipment and served me well but over the past couple of years there have been enough times that I missed the extra power the 580 offers that I wished I had paid the extra money and started with a 580. If you have an inexpensive camera and miss a shot it's disappointing but if you have a good quality DSLR and miss a shot because of the flash it's real disappointing!

One more thing: I used my Amazon Visa to buy this item. Anytime you do that the original warranty is doubled and no cost! You can also buy an extended warranty from Visa at very low cost. It's really a good deal. Just call the 800 number for details. Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

After having two well respected third-party flashes break down, I gave in and spent the money on a 580 II. I wish I had done it sooner. I simply love this flash! Solid build, easy access to controlls (I love the wheel on the back for setting FEC or power level), and seriously powerful. Highly recommended.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Great flash for shooting indoors or out-doors pictures. Pictures come out excellent. Recharge times are excellent, battery life is excellent. Features on flash, directional shooting are awesome. Excellent product.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

After receiving my Canon 580 EX II, I tested it at great length. This product worked as advertised. I am very satisfied with my purchase. I highly recommend the Canon EX II flash unit.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Can you find a cheaper flash? Yes. Will it be what you needed? Probably not. This flash unit is superior to the rest. Make the investment it is well worth the extra money. I've used three other flash units and now I have two of these that are my exclusive tools.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I thought long and had about spending this much for a flash unit. This was my second year of doing the local football games and with a start time of 7:30 pm, it didn't take long before there was no daylight to take pictures by. We can't afford big fancy lens, so a good flash was the best answer. I set my camera to 1/200th in the manual mode and boost the ASA to 1600. I get good clear pictures with the unfortunate demon eyes effect in many. I use Photoshop to correct. I love the distance this flash will cover. I also like the fact that my camera battery lasts longer since I am not using the built in flash. I did invest in and recommend good rechargeable AA batteries for the unit. I can't believe I waited this long to get an external flash!Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

The flash is perfect and powerful , arrived in time and in the excellent condition.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Three Canon 580EX II speedlights form the core of my location lighting kit, supplemented by 2 Canon 540EX speedlights. The 580EX II is fast, powerful, easy to use, flexible, built like a tank and is smarter than you and I combined. The 540EX has the same Master/Slave, ETTL and manual circuitry as its newer cousin, about as much power, and sells on Ebay for about $200 or so. The 580EX II is very flexible, very dependable, has a fast recycle time, has twice as much power as a Nikon 800 flash, and the fastest control panel operation I have ever used. The key is a circular control wheel to change modes and settings, similar to the circular wheel on the back of most Canon DSLRs. The design is so good that Nikon stole it for their new generation 900 flash unit.

Canon EX series flash units are controlled by coded pre-flashes rather than infrared light, as are Nikon units. These pre-flashes happen so quickly that one can barely see them. The 580EX II can control three separate groups of flash units (a,b,c) with a virtually unlimited number of flashes assigned to each group. With ETTL operation, one can set the lighting ratio of each group independently through a seven f/stop range, from 8:1 to 1:8. In Manual mode, the output of each group can be set from 1:1 to 1:128 power. The list of options goes on and on: multi-flash setting for true "stroboscopic" effects, auto or manual zooming of the flash coverage from 24mm to 105mm, a wide-angle panel that extends this to 14mm, and a cool little pull-out white card to bounce some light into your subject's eyes when you are bouncing the flash unit off the ceiling or wall or whatever you can find. It syncs with high speed Canon shutter speeds, has automatic or manual matching of the unit's color temperature output to the camera's white balance setting, and full integration with the Canon 40D, 50D, 1D MkIII and, I believe, the new 5D MkII. I control my master 580EX II unit directly from the menu of my Canon 40D camera. The master unit can be set to not fire with the other flashes and still send out the pre-flashes to control all of the slaved strobes. I know I've forgotten a bunch of less frequently used features; the instruction book is about 250 pages long. Oh, did I mention that the flash head swivels 360 degrees from either left or right and points straight ahead and straight up and at any angle in between? Makes it easy to point the flash head into a bounce umbrella or the corner of a room and still aim the sensor at the master flash unit.

I tried to determine the maximum outdoor range over which the 580EX II would trigger a slave flash, and gave up at 175 (measured) feet, when I had run out of driveway and was standing in the woods. I'll test it again someday and see when I reach its limit. And, the 580EX II and 540 EX strobes, when used as masters, can still control all three groups of slaves (in manual mode, not ETTL) when triggered by a sync cord (580EX II) or a wireless remote (both the 580EX II and 540EX).

All in all, the best portable flash I have ever used during a 35 year career in photography.
Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I've just started using the product, but so far it fully meets my expectations. Good power, nice color balance, and easy to use.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Great product. The only thing is I could not get it to trigger my 430ex without it firing too. I followed the manual instructions, but it still kept firing. Overall though, it is a great speedlite. Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

This item is easy to setup and use. It contributes to outstanding photos. Battery life is enhanced by using rechargable lithium batteries.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Works great! I love this flash, although still learning how to use it. I certainly don't understand the ins and outs quite yet. This is certainly worth the extra expense in my opinion. I would suggest a diffuser, however.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

This is one of the nicest flashes that I used. I work really well with my canon 40D camera. The optional functions of the flash really work well inside and out. Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I'm not a professional photographer, and I don't know much about flashes. That said, a less expensive flash would have probably suited my purposes just fine. This is a nice flash, and bounces well. My biggest problem is that it sucks battery power way more quickly than I had expected. I have 2400 mH rechargables, and if I forget to take them out of the flash, they're only good for four pops before they're dead. Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

The 580 EX 2 has new features that are much better than the previous 580. Faster recycle time, an easier mounting lock, and the battery door that doesn't feel like it will break off.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

This is an excellent flash for anyone who wants more power. But what you can't tell from the pics is that is is definitely bulkier than the 430 EX II. That might be fine for many. But my wife hated it when we had it. It was just too big and heavy. And yes, it's only about 1.5 or so ounces more than the 430 EX II. But walking around or taking pictures all day, it can tire you out. And it didn't feel correctly balanced on the XSi, due to how small that camera is. For my amateur purposes, it was overkill. I just needed a flash that takes excellent pics and has great features. I suspect that for most people who want to just take great shots, the 430 would suffice.

So why the 5 five stars? Because objectively speaking, it is an excellent, powerful flash with pro-level features. If I had a better camera, I would buy this again. I don't think it's justified that I take away any stars for a product that, for its purpose, is excellently executed. Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I have a Canon 580EX, but this 580EX II just blows it away. Cycles faster, and everything just works a little better or easier than the original. Highly recommend this flash.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I'm not a flash photography expert by any means, but the 580EX II works great with my 40D. I just attached the flash unit to the camera and they take over. Pictures came out great. I still have a lot to learn about both the flash and the camera, but this was a great start... Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I purchased the 580EX II after much research. I read about the upgrades that were made and was very pleased. This professional flash unit is very robust and confidence inspiring. I wanted a professional, high quality flash unit that I could grow into. The upgrades: a metal foot finally, with a twist-lock that holds it totally securely to the top of the camera, yet removes in less than a second when you want to take it off, are true value and make a excellent flash unit even better. Canon quality is demonstrated in every aspect.

I also purchased the DVD "Understanding the Canon Speedlite 580EX/430EX" by Blue Crane Digital. This is a great companion that I highly recommend.

I had used a Vivitar 283 flash with my 35mm SLR system for years, using guide numbers, etc., before I moved to digital. So, I wasn't sure what to expect.

It is totally silent which means no curious head turning just before you're about to get the money shot. The flash head twists easily and quickly in every direction to do wall or ceiling bounces for vertical shots. There are so many possible settings for this flash unit, so there is a bit of a learning curve. However, the instruction manual is very informative and straight forward. After many test, I discovered that the unit will misfire when you are shooting multiple frames. For me, this is no big deal.

After taking many shots and watching the aforementioned DVD, I decided to invest into another flash unit, the Canon 430EX II to be used as a slave. The idea of master and slave units and groups was to me just wild! At Christmas, I set up a reflector umbrella and mound my slave flash [430EX II] unit at a key location, as fill. My 580EX II was mounted on my camera [bounce]. I set the ratio 1:8 and shot away. WOW , WOW, WOW! What excellent shots! No "deer -in-the headlight looks!" No washed out faces. No black dark corners. All exposures were perfect, no harsh shadows, excellent color and mid tones. What a great system. Even as I moved about to frame the shot, it was outstanding!

I have taken many shots with master/slave and just a single flash unit. Shots are still great. You don't have to have the slave flash but it sure does add another dimension to your flash photography.

You can't go wrong with this unit. You can start simple, flash on camera. Add an extension cable and get the flash off the cameras, improving your shots. Then, if you want move up to the big time and add a slave. Depending upon the subject, you may use any of the aforementioned techniques as I do. Can't go wrong! Excellent investment.
Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

wow " this flash is every thing i expected. it removes the dark shadows when set at 75% bounce . i have wanted one for a long time . it was a bit pricey but well worth the money. i would rcomend to any one amazon is great to deal with. ihave ordered many times from them . they a little higher priced ; but you get what you order in a timley manor and they will take it back if damaged or is not as repensented by the seller. in all a good safe place to roder from . thank you amazon.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

This flash was new and just what i was looking for. It came promptly and works great!Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I previously used a 420 Speedlite and was quite satisfied with that. However, I felt it was time to update and figured I would spend the extra money and go for the 580EX II Speedlite. I never imagined the difference would be so significant. The quality of the photos, the speed in being able to reshoot immediately is well worth the extra money. This is easily a five star item.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I have had the 430 EX for about a year and a half, and wanted the 580 EX II to fire my 430 as a slave flash. The build quality, as expected, is excellent. The flash has a guide number of 58 meter, which theoretically will give the right exposure on a gray card 14.5 m away (about 48 feet)on a moonless night at f4 ISO 100. The extra flash power is useful for bounce, reflected, softened, and otherwise modified flash. The eTTL gets the right exposure even when bouncing flash, although you may want to set flash exposure comp (FEC) in some cases. FEC is done by a button and a dial (with clicks you can feel), so you can do it in the dark.
The weight of the flash makes me wonder if shooting in portrait mode would put undue stress on the flash base or the hotshoe. I have gotten a stroboframe flip bracket and the Canon flash cable (expensive!) to shoot in portrait mode.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

This flash is great. I have used it for over a year now and find it to be well made and smart. I say smart because it is very accurate when matched up against my Canon SLR. I have created a small studio in my home and use additional "always on" lighting but still use the flash when I need a certain effect. The head swivels 180 degrees and straight up making it great for bouncing. It is worth the price for a quality product.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

The Canon Speedlite 580EX II is an excellent flash product. It serves as master flash so it's especially useful if you have an older Canon Speedlite that you'd like to continue using as a slave flash.

The controls are easy to use and learn for an aspiring photographer and strobist. If you're serious about photography, especially with portrait, wedding, event and even wild life photography this flash is highly recommended. Yes, even from 100 yards away setting the flash properly while taking photos with your 400mm lens will give the animal's eyes the "pop" you need to make the image outstanding.

The camera comes with a wide angle deflector built in and a bounce card so you can go without a flash diffuser if you are concerned about having too harsh of light coming off this flash and you don't have any good surfaces to bounce the light from. But I chose to buy this product with Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce for the Canon 580EX Flash a good accessory to have in your camera bag.

As far as battery usage is concerned, I've been using my flash on and off for a few months now without having to change the batteries. I'm not doing weddings or events at the moment so I haven't had the opportunity to use the flash a lot at one time, but I've taken about 150 images so far and not had to replace the batteries even with the flash sitting there unused between uses.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Love it, but still trying to figure out how to use all of its functions! :)Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I spent more than I wanted to, but I am glad I did. All units I looked at compared themselves to the 580EX II. So, I figured it was the best and I am very happy with my decission. I need to learn more about the powerful flash and how to make it work for me, but I will have fun doing it.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

Pros:
- Uses 4 AA sized batteries
- E-TTL
- Solid performance
- Built-in pop-up catchlight card and wide angle filter
- Can be used for line of sight infrared remote triggering
- Numerous aftermarket attachments
- Solid metal hotshoe and locking mechanism
- Weather sealed
- FEB bracketing
- Manual control dial as well as in-camera settings
- Backlight and indicator lights
- Silent operation
- Comes bundled with a soft velcro case and off-camera hotshoe mount
- Variety of swivel and tilt settings

Cons:
- Bulky
- Feels solid, but not rugged; the main joint does have a little play
- Lack built in wireless infrared capability of rival flash units in same price range

Thoughts:
I have not shot this for sports yet, so I cannot comment on the high speed firing. 1/250s is the fastest it will sync. It does have high-speed and trailing flash operation. I do not own any other flash units so I cannot say on the comparison to the 580ex or 430ex. Does not have an operation for wireless flash like the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight with the wireless commander operation. To use a feature similar to this, a separate $200~ item is required (STE2 Speedlite Transmitter). For this, I would like to take off a 1/2 star, but amazon only allows in increments of 1. The Nikon SB-900 just offers more features for about the same price.

Regardless, having a dedicated flash unit is the way to go! The 4 AA sized batteries makes it easy to maintain. I use Sanyo Eneloop 2000mAh batteries. These are a type of hybrid NiMH that retain a charge longer (I can carry more of these without having to constantly maintain them). I do not recommend alkaline, lithium, or li-ion (14500) as the last 2 types will probably fry the 580ex II in an instant. I have 5 sets of Eneloops for use with my 580ex II. 4 are stored in a Tamrac MXS536801 battery wallet and the 5th inside the 580ex II ready to go. I recommend using rechargeables without reservation as dedicated flash units use up a lot of juice. Having an even numbered batteries is easy for maintenance. I recommend the Maha Wizard C9000 or the La Crosse BC-900.

The light quality is magnificent compared to the pop-up flash in every lighting scenario. Dedicated flash is the way to go in eliminating red eye. Having the wireless infrared line of sight flash is a good option but that should be skipped and gone straight to the next level, which is off-camera radio flash (Pocketwizard Plus II, multimax, etc). Diffuse lighting is great when natural light is not around. If you're choosing between a flash or new lens, a dedicated flash unit offers best performance for the price. Paired this with a Stofen Omnibounce or Gary Fong Lightsphere and you're ready to tackle almost any occasion.

Recommended with:
- Sanyo Eneloop AA (or any NiMH rechargeable)
- La Crosse BC-900
- Stofen Omnibounce
- Gary Fong Lightsphere
- Tamrac MXS536801 Battery & Memory Card Wallet

Bottom line:
Recommended! Whatever you do, if not this one, at least buy a dedication flash unit.Get more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

I was a little concerned about buying a used product. But the seller said it was like new and it was. It was hard to tell it was ever used. No problem doing business with himGet more detail about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.