Canon Speedlite 580EX II

Canon Speedlite 580EX II is a powerful flash guide number 190 (at ISO 100, feet) / 58 (meters) with a fast recycling time in a compact, durable body. It features E-TTL II for compatible all EOS digital SLRs; PowerShot G2, G3, G5, G6, and Pro1; and the following EOS film cameras – EOS-1v, EOS-3, Elan 7N series, Elan 7 series, Elan II series, Rebel T2, Ti, K2, GII, G. TTL operation with all other 35mm EOS SLRs, and Canon T90; Number of Flashes Approx. 100 to 700, with fresh AA-size alkaline batteries.

canon-speedlite-580ex-ii
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ | Latest Price Info: discount up to $221.00 (28%)

It also offer Recycling Time Approx. 0.1 to 6 seconds; Flash Range (At ISO 100, with 50mm f/1.4 lens at f/1.4) – Approx. 1.6 to 98.4 feet / 0.5 to 30m; AF Assist Beam Built-in; covers all focus points in EOS cameras with 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 45 AF points; Distance range – 2 to 32.8 feet (0.6 to 10m) at center; 2 to 16.4 feet (0.6 to 5m) at periphery. The Canon Speedlite 580EX II measures 3.0 x 5.3 x 4.5 inches /76 x 134 x 114mm and weighs 13.2 oz./375g (without batteries).


Expert Reviews

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Expert Reviews

Shutterbug reviews the Canon Speedlite 580EX II and writes;
“I came away from my experiences with a positive feeling about both flash units after using both in E-TTL II mode. On the one hand, there is that comfort factor in sticking with the manufacturer’s own dedicated system tools—a Canon strobe matched to your Canon D-SLR and lenses. However, the 580EX II was developed more for the new EOS-1D Mark III, which extends the flash unit’s functionality. For instance, auto external metering works only on this camera. Manual external metering (not to be confused with Manual mode) is supported on other EOS models, my 5D among them. “
rating: N/A

Photoanswers reviews the Canon Speedlite 580EX II and writes;
“Overall, the newer 580 EX II may be marginally heavier than the previous 580 EX model but the increase in build quality is absolutely superb. If you’re looking for the ultimate Canon flashgun then the 580 EX II is definitely the best choice, but if your budget doesn’t stretch this far it might be worth looking at the lighter and smaller but less powerful 430 EX II. “
Rating: ★★★★☆

The-digital-picture reviews the Canon Speedlite 580EX II and writes;
“The Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash can control (master) and be controlled by (slave) compatible Canon Speedlites as well as the Canon ST-E2 Wireless Transmitter for a very portable and flexible lighting system. This is a powerful feature that I use a lot. The 580EX II is able to control ratios in up to 3 groups (A/B/C – C is for background light only) and is able to enable/disable its own flash in the mix. Note: Even when disabled, the master flash will fire a preflash – making it appear to be enabled. Canon Speedlites use light (not RF) from the flash head for simple wireless flash communications.”
rating: N/A

Video Reviews

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Reviews

Review Video By SuperGadgetGuy

Review Video By logiclounge

Review Video By LuminolBlue

User Opinions

Canon Speedlite 580EX II User Reviews

Speedlite 580 was wise choice, worth the money for a flash, | Rating: ★★★★★
“Was debating on the 430 or the 580, a friend of mine suggested the 580 & I am glad I did. It is a great flash, have used on many occasions & surprised how well the batteries I have in it lasted. Easy to use, I am just an amateur photographer, but hoping to upgrade to the 5D soon & this flash will fit it perfectly.” – By Ryan Moranci

Love my flash! | Rating: ★★★★★
“If you’ve never used a “real” flash before, this can be a bit intimidating, but overall I am very happy with the 580 EX II. After using a vivitar flash for a few years, I upgraded earlier this year and am glad I did. I love the control I have with this flash and after you use it a couple of times, all the settings become second nature. Going from a cheeper piece of equipment to one I can use TTL was like night and day. I definitely recommend just going for it and getting the good flash right from the start. “ – By Rachel S. Reid

Great flash unit | Rating: ★★★★★
“I can’t compare this Speedlite to other models because it is my first one. I am so impressed with what it does as compared to the built in flash. Right now I am using it in the auto mode. I have seen a brighter difference in my night time shots. I have taken around 500 pictures using the flash and the batteries still seem to be strong. It has a very quick recycle time. I don’t have to wait to take the next shot. This is a great investment. I look forward to learning all the ways of using the flash. I would recommend this Speedlite to anyone.” – By Joanne Vaillancourt

Welcome to a whole new world of options! | Rating: ★★★★☆
“All in all I’m pleased with it. It’s given me a new perspective and creative outlet for off-camera, on location flash that I simply can’t have in the studio when I’m anchored in place. I’ll suggest patience and taking time to learn all the ins and outs of the product if you take the plunge. Also… Wedding photography (even as just a “guest”) takes on a whole new level with creative and intelligent use of my Canon 580ex II. I highly recommend this product.” – By Lrn2Go

Great flash, | Rating: ★★★★★
“Works very well… I did have difficulties getting it to master/slave with my 430EX II … the manual isn’t real clear that, after programming the 580 and the 430, that the Canon camera (I have a XS) takes over and does it’s own thing… you need to take it off “auto”, and get it into the flash mode and tell it to enable wireless. I didn’t see that in either the 430 or 580 manuals” – By Robert Williams

This flash is everything I could’ve wanted, albiet pricey. | Rating: ★★★★★
“I’ve heard before that a flash is more critical to getting a great shot than a great lens. After using this flash I couldn’t agree more! This flash is definitely made with the pro in-mind; however, amateur photogs can benefit from this flash immediately. It is expensive, but I feel it is worth it.” – By J. Lee

Excellent!, | Rating: ★★★★★
“If you only have one accessory for your canon rebel camera, this should be it. You will improve your indoor pictures with the bounce feature of this flash. It pivots in two axis allowing bounce mode on portrait and landscape photographs. Get this BEFORE you run out and get that bigger lens.” – By P. McWhorter

Canon 580EXII, | Rating: ★★★★★
“This was the best purchase ever. I love what this flash can do and it isn’t any where near as complicated as I expected. I have never purchased a flash head this expensive but it was a great investment. Going to be getting another instead of a wireless trigger as after some research, it makes the best sense. The wireless triggers are expensive and limited, you get 2 of these flashes for a little extra money and you will be able to do more than the wireless triggers so in the end, probably saving money because you will end up replacing the wireless with another flash eventually anyway. I love my flash and am thrilled with all it can do, it’s crazy how smart this flash is. “ – By DIANE THORSON

Canon 580exll, | Rating: ★★★★★
“The Canon EXll is the flash to own. Very powerful and professional. It takes awhile to read through and program, but sets up for ettl shooting quickly. I would say this is the flash to have as a professional. It also serves as a master flash. I upgraded from the canon 420ex, big upgrade. Thank you, Freelancer. “ – By freelancer

Samples Images

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Sample Photos

- Canon Speedlite 580EX II Sample Photos @ Amazon

Manual

Canon Speedlite 580EX II User Manual

- Download Canon Speedlite 580EX II User Manual (PDF – 5.3MB)

Features

Canon Speedlite 580EX II Features & Specifications

Further development of Canon’s flagship Speedlite has led to the production of the 580 EX II. This is the premier Speedlite for all photographers, including professionals. Newly designed to match with the EOS-1D Mark III in terms of improved dust- and water-resistance, body strength, and the ability to control flash functions and settings from the camera menu (EOS-1D Mark III only). Other features include improved communication reliability through its direct contacts, and recycling time is both 20% shorter than the 580EX and is completely inaudible.

Speedlite 580EX II Flash Highlights

* Approximately 20 percent faster recycling time compared to 580EX
* Superior build quality, including a metal foot for higher rigidity
* Max Guide No. 58 at 105mm setting (GN 190, feet)
* Auto conversion of flash coverage with compatible digital SLR cameras
* White Balance info communicated instantly to compatible digital SLR cameras
* Full swivel, 180 degrees in either direction
* AF-assist beam, compatible with all AiAF points on every EOS SLR
* Dust- and water- resistance to match the EOS-1D Mark III

Popularity: 1%


See also: Accessories | Flashes





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1 Comment »

Comment by Vincent Tassy Subscribed to comments via email
2010-11-09 05:35:30

It’s an excellent Flash for the canon system.
It’s powerful, fast to recycle, it can be put in manual mode when necessary and it’s also able to act as a master with other E-TTL off camera flashes.

 

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