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

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.
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Features
- Approx. 20% 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
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Great flash
A must have for all pro photographers. Loads of power, decent battery life, excellent build quality. a little spendy, and i actually lucked out and got it $50 cheaper on sale on amazon. So keep your eyes open for a good deal.
4 Stars Welcome to a whole new world of options!
The Canon 580ex II. First up, if you’re still getting by with your on-board flash on your camera… good for you. However, I may seem like the bearer of bad news here but… you have no idea what you’re missing out on! I personally was using my camera’s on-board flash with the Gary Fong “Puffer” to soften the light up for quite some time before I decided to take on a wedding gig. That flash just wasn’t going to get me the “Oomph!” that I figured I would need to really reach out there with my flash (the on-boards are usually good for like… 6-15 feet and that’s it). I bought myself this flash and another diffuser and set to putting it through it’s paces a few months ago and here’s what I’ve got to say: Let’s keep it simple and tidy… so here goes!
What’s hot?
* WAY more reach than an on-board flash.
* Bounce flash option to get more “natural” looking light.
* Fill card and “wide angle” cover are very useful and built right into the head! Easy to use, then store.
* Very adjustable to your specific needs.
* Can be used as a “Master” unit to control “Slave” units that are placed off camera.
* Can be controlled by the Canon 7D’s built in master unit and act as a slave flash off camera.
* Sturdy build quality (even the accessory stand is made of metal).
* Rechargeable Energizer batteries last a lot longer than I was expecting in the unit, while maintaining good recycle rates.
What’s not?
* I’m afraid I’m going to break whatever the mechanism/pin is that locks the head in place (released via a button).
* All those adjustments take you a while to wrap your mind around. You can easily go from beginner to advanced lighting with this unit… a plus, but this means there’s a noticeable learning curve if you want to get it off “Auto” and your pictures to come out looking good.
* Bulky. (Though a battery grip on my 7D seems to help balance the weight out a little more for me)
* I haven’t been able to get the unit to work as a slave that also triggers my studio lights yet… but that’s probably more a “me” thing than a problem with the device.
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.
5 Stars Nice Speedlight
Exactly as expected, Canon Speedlight. Works as expected, i.e., very well.
Bought from Amazon because of excellent low price.
5 Stars Great flash unit
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.
4 Stars Fantastic Product
This flash is fantastic I used a 430E Speedlite before but this produce superseeds it by farit
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Tags: Auto Conversion, Bearer Of Bad News, Board Flash, Cameras Canon, Canon 580ex, Canon 580ex Ii, Canon Eos, Canon Eos Digital, Canon Eos Digital Slr, Canon Speedlite 580ex, Canon Speedlite 580ex Ii, Decent Battery Life, Digital Slr Cameras, Eos 1d Mark Iii, Eos Digital, Flash Coverage, Flash Functions, Gary Fong, Speedlite 580ex Ii, Water Resistance
Canon | admin |
August 5, 2010 2:22 pm |
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Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras

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.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars The top of the Line
Been waiting years to be able to afford the 580EX mk2
I photograph wildfowl at Bosque del Apache in New Mexico in the winter and if you aint’ got a 580 with the X-tender for capturing sunrise and sunset flight of cranes – you aint’ nobody!!
It is a little technical for an old guy but it performs like a jewel!!
5 Stars Lo esperado.
Se ve muy bien, no he encontrado ning
Tags: 1d Mark Iii, Bosque Del Apache, Cameras Canon, Canon Eos, Canon Eos Digital, Canon Eos Digital Slr, Canon Slr, Canon Speedlite 580ex, Canon Speedlite 580ex Ii, Digital Slr Cameras, Eos 1d Mark, Eos 1d Mark Iii, Eos Canon, Eos Digital, Flash Functions, Speedlite 580ex Ii, Sunset Flight, Waiting Years, Water Resistance, Wildfowl
Photography | admin |
June 19, 2010 3:41 pm |
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