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.
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