Canon Speedlite 580EX II USA
- Price: $474.00
- Instant Savings: -$30.00 Offer ends MAR 3 '12
- You Pay: $444.00
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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 1884 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast recycling (1379)
- Consistent output (1313)
- Durable (1250)
- Good power output (1126)
- Easy to use (1114)
Cons
- Heavy (341)
- Heavy / bulky (191)
- Slow recycling (57)
- Pricey / poor value (31)
- Not interchangeable (17)
Best Uses
- General purpose (1432)
- Portraits (1270)
- Fill flash (1139)
- Night photography (851)
- Photojournalism (697)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (443), Photo enthusiast (376), Pro photographer (291), Enthusiast (225), Semi-professional (204)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (787), 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 1884 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Studio usage!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
It's not the cheapest piece of gear, but it has a solid, professional build with professional features like 1/3 stop increments on manual mode. It has a quick recycle and lots of power. I haven't put it through the event photo paces yet, but I'm confident it will work fine. So far I've just used it as off camera lighting for editorial work and it's performed well. It's definitely larger than the 430 and others, but what do you expect? Bigger light, more spread, more power. Seems reasonable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Perfect for wildlife when you can't get close enough.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
It's a must to have it with my 5DII.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Not Interchangeable
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I haven't used this flash a great deal yet, but what I have tried I like very much. The Spedlite 580EX II is powerful and quick. I'm a novice, but when I read other reviews on this flash I knew that it was the one for me. What more can I say other than this is a very complete package with instructions and the case included.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I use this flash mostly for interior architectural photography using a flash shot as a color reference for later editing. This flash is BRIGHT and has almost no reload time. I'm glad I got the EXii as opposed to an original, used EX that I found online. Definitely worth the investment.
- 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
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Best of the best...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Love that it will fire before a full recharge, stroboscopic feature is fun, not too heavy for the size and power. Seems very well built.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- none
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Use for Portraiture and commercial photography.
With the available light modifiers the usefulness of the 580 expands beyond belief.
Might even replace my large heavy mono lights.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I bought this lens because I have some weddings coming up in which I need better low-light options than what my lenses offer. I have no actual field testing, except that that I've done in my own house. This thing rocks. On ETTL mode you don't have to think about anything but your normal camera controls, and the flash seemingly talks to your camera to decide what's best. Not to mention it's packed with other settings that I won't even touch in this review. Obviously a straight forward flash is going to look blown out, but this thing packs such a punch that bouncing it off a nearby wall makes it seem as though your not even using a flash, just that you have perfect lighting. The biggest help it's given me thus far however is the ability to focus easier in low lighting. I t has the built in red-light crosshairs and uses those in practically dark rooms to find something to focus on. So sweet. So far, no complaints, works perfectly with my 60D, just wish I had another!
PS-B&H had a great price and delivered it fast without problem. Love 'em.
- 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
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
BUILD QUALITY: Like the Nikon SB-900, the build quality of this pro-spec flashgun is superb. The 580EX II is dust and splash-resistant and the unit's body feels sturdy and reinforced. The flashgun comes with
a metal hotshoe stand.
FEATURES: The 580EX II has a 20 percent faster recycling time than the original 580EX and a built-in diffuser for coverage as wide as 14mm. An intuitive
command wheel makes cycling through the different
functions a breeze. The flashgun can also be used as a
master or a slave unit for off-camera lighting.
PERFORMANCE: The 580EX II returned very clean, crisp
and flattering exposure results. Although the light was strong,
it doesn't appear overbearing and this helped to retain the model's natural skin tones. As you can see from the image below, with the 18-55mm lens set to it's widest focal
length, the flagship Canon unit managed to spread the flash coverage evenly across the whole of the frame.
VERDICT: There's no doubt it's expensive, but for the pro, its durability, features and performance makes it worth it.
Build quality: 5/5
Features: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Value for money: 3/5
Overall:5/5
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Formals
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I'm a wedding photographer and I own both the 580EXII and 430EX flashes. I've been happy with both but it's certainly an upgrade from the 430EX...I only use it in manual so I can't speak for the TTL, but with this flash you have complete control over the output with 1/3 stop intervals. Consistent, strong, SERIOUS flash. LOVE IT!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
-bought it for usage as first flash, will be building up a flash system slowly, been a great buy so far!
- 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:
The compatability with my Canon EOS 5D Mark II Camera is great, considering the flexiblity for on camera or off camera shooting.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
This flash has taken my indoor photos to another level. Can't wait trying it out outdoors in summertime to lighten up shadowed areas.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Shooting events in large meeting rooms, this flash gives me the power to choose how I want to light different situations. Love it so far.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Cost
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Off camera flash
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
After having a 430EX II for around a year, I decided it was time to add the 580EX II to my gear list. I wanted to begin experimenting with the Canon master/slave system, thus needed the 580EX II to act as the master flash. It seems to be a very well built flash, solid and weather-resistant, exactly what I was looking for.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I am an amateur photographer I bought this flash to replace a canon speedlite that I bought some 12 years ago. I use it on my canon eos rebel t3i It does make the camera heavier but it does everything that it said in the specs list. I am working on learning how to use it as a slave flash with my rebel t3i. That was the reason I bought it. I love it lots and when I buy my canon 1dx in a few months it will work well with that.
- 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
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
This product obviously has so many phenomenal reviews already so all I can say is, it is everything I thought it would be. One can change all types of settings to get the photo they dream of having, but it is going to take some work in order to achieve it. At the very least, rest assured this product will deliver what you want it to when you want it to. It seems as though it will last a long time too as it has good build quality and the added protection against rain damage is ideal. Enjoy!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I am new to the Cannon line of products. I have always been a Nikon user but have decided to get a Cannon Camera and Flash. I do lots of outdoor stuff and need to sometimes add a fill flash to my subjects. This flash is perfect for that. It has helped me to move to the next level of outdoor photo's.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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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: $34.98
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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