Canon Speedlite 580EX II USA
- Price: $474.00
- Instant Savings: -$50.00 Offer ends FEB 4 '12
- You Pay: $424.00
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- In Stock
As the Canon top-of-the-line flash for the EOS-system, the Speedlite 580EX II takes the best features from existing models and adds functionality that enhances digital photography. A more powerful flash with a maximum guide number of 190' (58 m) at ISO 100 (at 105mm focal length), faster recycling, more consistent color and enhanced controls are among the improvements that all photographers, especially those who shoot digital, will find useful.
The 580EX version II offers several improvements over the original 580EX version. It has been redesigned 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, a metal hot shoe, and recycling time is both 20% shorter than the 580EX and is completely inaudible.
The flash supports all current versions of TTL, including evaluative E-TTL II. This is great for photographers that shoot high contrast or reflective subjects, like those encountered in wedding photography. Photographers can now capture every detail from the black of tuxedos to the white of wide smiles and wedding dresses.
- Compatibility
- The Speedlite 580EX flash is compatible with Canon's E-TTL II (Evaluative Through The Lens) auto exposure technology. When combined with a compatible Canon camera (EOS-1D/s Mark II, Mark III, D-20, Elan 7N/E, or newer models) and compatible lens, E-TTL II utilizes subject distance and other information that automatically modifies flash power, resulting in accurate flash exposure regardless of subject size, reflectance, or photographic composition.
- Multiple Flash Exposure Modes
- E-TTL II, E-TTL, TTL & Manual
- Faster Recycling Time
- Improved power supply design provides up to 25% improvement in flash recycle time
- Built-in AF-assist beam compatible with EOS multi-point AF systems including 45-point Area AF types
- Built-in catchlight reflector allows a catchlight to be added quickly and conveniently to portraits
Professional Modes
- FE Lock - Flash exposure lock
- FP Mode, or high-speed sync, allows the camera to sync with flash at higher shutter speeds
- Second-curtain sync fires the flash at the end of the exposure, allowing streak of light to flow naturally behind the movement of the subject
- Wireless TTL flash when triggered by other on-camera 580EX; or when combined with ST-E2 Transmitter & multiple 580 or 550 EX's
- Stroboscopic mode shows several minute flashes continuously to easily view flash effect
- FEB - Flash Exposure Bracketing
- 14 Custom Functions that provide maximum control over various flash functions
- Ratio flash lighting of up to 8:1 when used with ST-E2 Transmitter & multiple 550 or 580EX's
- When color temperature data is automatically transmitted from the 580EX, the camera sets the color balance for the optimal flash shot
| Mount | Shoe |
| Guide No. | 190' (57.91 m) at 105 mm position |
| Exposure Control | Manual/TTL |
| Angle of Coverage |
84° - 23.3° Wide-Angle Adapter: 114° - 23.3° |
| Vari-Power | 1/1 - 1/128 |
| TTL Dedication | Yes |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes, 360° |
| Coverage | 24 mm - 105 mm (Full frame) |
| Zoom Head | Full frame: 24 mm - 105 mm |
| Off Camera Terminal | PC |
| Compensation | None |
| Wireless Communication Channels | None |
| Wireless Groups | None |
| Power Source | 4x AA Alkaline, Lithium, NiCad, Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.0 x 5.3 x 4.5" / 7.62 x 13.46 x 11.43 cm |
| Weight | 13.2 oz / 374 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 1864 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast recycling (1362)
- Consistent output (1298)
- Durable (1234)
- Good power output (1111)
- Easy to use (1098)
Cons
- Heavy (336)
- Heavy / bulky (188)
- Slow recycling (57)
- Pricey / poor value (31)
- Not interchangeable (16)
Best Uses
- General purpose (1414)
- Portraits (1255)
- Fill flash (1122)
- Night photography (841)
- Photojournalism (686)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (437), Photo enthusiast (369), Pro photographer (286), Enthusiast (225), Semi-professional (204)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (767), Yes (56)
Most Liked Positive Review
Nice $peedlight- big improvement but...
This is as good as it gets for Canon Speedlights. The EX II design is much improved over the EX version. I have 2 EXII's and 1 EX. The new metal hot shoe/ ...Read complete review
This is as good as it gets for Canon Speedlights. The EX II design is much improved over the EX version. I have 2 EXII's and 1 EX. The new metal hot shoe/ lever lock is a MUCH improved and great design. The new storage case is much better as well-- cordura like case as opposed to the cheesy nylon of the EX. The whole flash feels sturdier and more sleek even though it's a tiny bit larger than the EX. Also, there is no ultra high-pitched whine when it's powered on as is with the EX-- which I like. That said, Canon took away the physical Slave switch on the back, which is a drag. In order to put the EXII in slave mode you have to use the dual action mode button--not too big of a deal, but the older system was much more intuitive. As with ALL Canon user-interfaces, this one is not that great either. The dual-use buttons are mostly confusing, but if you use them a lot, it gets easier to navigate. For this kind of dough, Canon should have designed a decent Graphical User Interface and LCD screen--shame, shame-- FYI, as boring as it is, you really SHOULD read the manual from start to finish (several times if your head's as thick as mine) if you want to get the most out of this flash. I use my 580's with Radio Popper remote triggers (EX in Master mode on camera in non-firing mode, and the other EXII's in Slave mode on light stands). This is a great system as I can shoot with the flashes in Manual mode and can dial up an down the EXII's from the on camera unit. If you're a Strobist, this can save you the time of walking to each unit to adjust the output. Nice. I gave the EXII 4 stars because, like all Canon accessories, it's overpriced and not as user friendly compared to competitors-- the Nikon equivalent is more feature rich and cheaper--but I have all Canon gear so I'll deal with the shortcomings. Hope this was helpful to you.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
BIG TROUBLE IF YOU USE SLAVE FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
See below.
Expertise: Over 150 weddings shot.
Problems Encountered: Never mind all the nice things about this flash. There is one HUGE problem with it that cause...Read complete review
See below.
Expertise: Over 150 weddings shot.
Problems Encountered: Never mind all the nice things about this flash. There is one HUGE problem with it that caused me to return it. Another photographer in our studio returned his new one for the same reason:If you use this flash as a master and another one as a slave, there is NO WAY to quickly turn off the master switch to keep the slave flash from firing. Example: Let's say you're photographing the first dance and you have the slave flash on a light stand on the other side of the room. You're fine while the couple is dancing. But let's say they do a dip. You only have a split second to turn off the master switch. Well. you can't do it on this one. Therefore, your shot comes out ruined, completely black because your slave flash fires right back into your camera. You would have had to go through the menu to get it out of master mode. Well by the time you do that, the dance is over, and the next dance is half-way over too. The first 580 flash has a switch that you can just turn off. Not this one. DO NOT BUY THIS FLASH IF YOU DO SLAVE-FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY. I am going to write to Canon about this directly.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: 430EX, 580EX
Reviewed by 1864 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Have one thousand adjustments (electronic and mechanical) and is very solid. Is extraordinarily powerful.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Used it on my canon 60d and it's sure give me much better focus and light for night photos. Really love the wireless feature. Now I can combine the built-in flash with this external remote flash for my small portrait studio. Great product and would recommend it to Canon camera amateurs and prosumers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
This is my second one and keeps me from stealing my friends!
Two of these works for me just about anywhere I can use extra light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
this flash is well construct and ir operates quite easy with the eos 60d.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I use a couple of the 580s with pocket wizards, completely Seemless operation in all the automatic modes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I use the flash on and off camera. The zoom is really quiet but you can hear it just to know is moving.
Really powerfull.
Excellent built.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I've had my old speedlite for 9 years and finally upgraded. Sorry I waited so long. Flash cycle is astounding.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Flash does a great job calculating the amount of light it needs to release to expose the photo. The best part of this Speedlite 580EX II flash is that it enables you to focus a lot of faster than the built in flash. Great product.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Photojournalism
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
As a professional photographer I prefer to almost always do my camera and flash setting manually.
There are times, however when there is just no time for it as in weddings with a photo-journalistic style and event photography. After borrowing a 480 model and reading other reviews, I decided to buy this mode. It is the first flash I buy with the intent to use the ETTL mode and the tests so far have been just great.
I would recommend it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Perfect addition to my gear bag! Combining the 580exII with my Speedlight 430exII and Cyber Syncs makes a perfect Strobist setup that is MUCH more portable than my 3 Interfit strobes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Great flash, jumped right to the 580EX II and skipped the smaller flashes. It has all the features I demand from a strobe.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Generally I'm not prone to exaggerate or overstate my feelings. However...what a difference this product makes over the built-in flash. Right away by aiming the flash on camera toward the ceiling or wall and shooting ETTL the quality of light indoors is AMAZING! My family photos are so much better I couldn't believe the same camera took the photos. Outdoors the ability to create fill light under a variety of conditions is also a tremendous benefit. All this with no real knowledge of how the 580 works. ETTL is very smart on it's own but combined with some knowledge of Flash Compensation and mechanics of where the flash takes it's reading and Flash Exposure Lock you'll be a star in no time. If you are considering purchasing a flash I would think no more and simply order this one right away!!
My advice? Don't waste time. Buy and enjoy, then delve into the details!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Pros
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
This is my first flash so, I don't have much of a basis for comparison. However I am very impressed with the build quality and can already tell an improvement in my images that I have used the flash on. This should be very helpful with portraits. I also bought the Gary Fong Lightsphere collapsible and they make an impressive combination.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I have been using a Metz CT45 for some time, and have only recently upgraded my old EOS to a Canon D50. The advances in camera control made it possible to upgrade my flash as well. The 580EX II was a front runner and to date I can only say that together with the D50, the integrated camera/flash package is superlative. The felxibility in control settings is second to none, and together with the D50 is hard to beat. I can highly recommend the Canon 580EX II.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Worth buying...Perfect for flash photography..
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Great locking mechanism
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
The locking mechanism is fantastic. Very easy to use. Beats the older models. Comes with a nice durable case. I would recommend this.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Heavy
- Not Interchangeable
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I am very happy with this flash. It's definitely worth the money. The only thing I don't like is that it uses AA batteries that will die quickly. I plan on buying a battery pack for it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
This flash is great! Its very powerful! Gives off great light and really easy to change settings.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I am a part time wedding photgrapher and use the speed lite at every wedding as a on camera flash. I have also used it as a back light with a transmitter. Both ways it is effective and looks great.
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Batteries & Power
Required item:
- Price: $13.99
- Price: $149.95
Not compatible with the optional CPM-E3 Battery Magazine
Flash Diffusers
- Price: $9.25
Reflectors
- Price: $39.95
Brackets
- Price: $35.95
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $69.95
- Price: $14.99
Flash Pouch
- Price: $24.99
Flash Adapters
- Price: $199.95
Flash Accessories
- Price: $99.95
What's in the Box
- Pouch
- Hot Shoe Table Stand
- 1-Year Warranty
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