Canon Speedlite 580EX II USA
- Price: $474.00
- Instant Savings: -$30.00 Offer ends MAR 3 '12
- You Pay: $444.00
- Free Shipping (USA)
- 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 1912 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast recycling (1398)
- Consistent output (1331)
- Durable (1264)
- Good power output (1147)
- Easy to use (1135)
Cons
- Heavy (347)
- Heavy / bulky (194)
- Slow recycling (58)
- Pricey / poor value (31)
- Not interchangeable (17)
Best Uses
- General purpose (1454)
- Portraits (1288)
- Fill flash (1159)
- Night photography (867)
- Photojournalism (711)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (451), Photo enthusiast (385), Pro photographer (299), Enthusiast (225), Semi-professional (204)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (814), 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 1912 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
i use it for even, wedding, studio, whatever, and it handles fine. easy to use master. just what i needed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
The 580EX II is much easier to learn than I thought it would be. There are plenty of good books and youtube videos to compensate for a somewhat difficult to read manual.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Obviously I wouldn't make habit of using this as a studio flash unless you did some major work. But if your doing some live events and need something quick and dirty, you won't find better. Plus the extra options this thing has with higher end cameras and slaves make it worth it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I bought this item when it was on sale for [@]. Quick processing and shipping, very satisfied with both service and product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
First and foremost, this is the first flash I've ever played with. That'd said, I'm pretty impressed by it. It's powerful, it versatile amongst Canon models (I've hooked it up to a 5d, an Elan II, and a t2i), I assumed it'd work with the DSLR's but was pleasantly surprised when it also worked with the SLR.
Being a beginner, there is a learning curve with it, but I anticipated that.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I like the product to work
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
We use this to shoot photos of products at our footwear company.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Can't think of any
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
This is used indoors, outdoors, close up and at a distance and it ALWAYS performs very well. Coupled with a flash bracket that lets you either turn the camerea or the flash to keep it over the lens I just can't complain. Battery life is great too.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Main Light
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
There is a learning curve to using this flash, but in ETTL mode, all is automatic.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Great for "on location shooting" when you want ease with portability. I bought a couple of these with the wireless trasmitter as part of the kit and the value and light quality you get is outstanding; specially when doing on location shooting and you have to move constantly. Just get a couple of lightstands and a couple of umbrellas and you're almost all set.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Great flash! It does everything the folks at Canon say it will do. Tremendous coverage and very versatile, as evidenced by being able to control flash output in 1/3 stops. Very quick recycle. There's no way NOT to like this flash ... a must have ofr a serious photographer!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I love this flash and all the options.
Fast recycle, good battery life, powerful.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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:
I was a Pentax user...and had its best flash. Nothing can compare to the Canon Speedlite..the absolute fastest recycle time I have ever seen...5 to 6 shots a second. AMAZING!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I use it on 5D markII
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
Is presently used with a 5D Mark II, and appears to be doing well. The Canon 5D Mark II is superior to everything else - only hope that the 580EX II can hold its own and support the 5D Mark II
- 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:
I love this flash! It has all of the features I need and more. I use this flash quite a bit as fill flash (outdoors) as well as indoor use. Has many power levels and can easily be adjusted, rotated, etc. to get the look that you need.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
This flash has many and amazing features to be creative with photography.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
I now own two 580EXII Speedlights. They are truly versatile and powerful, well worth the price. I use them together as master & slave for even lighting in a variety of situations. Paired with my EOS T2i, I appreciate controlling the two 580s through the camera's menu. There are a multitude of menu options in this flash, so it is well worth reading some additional resources to maximize the utility of the 580EXII. I read the "Speedlighter's Handbook" by Syl Arena, and it is a spectacular guide to getting everything out of this and other Canon speedlight set-ups.
- 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
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
This baby rocks. I use it indoors, outdoors, on camera, and off camera. I use it for fill flash, for main light, for birds, for portraits, for photos that really stand out. It's build is heavy, but for something that packs as much punch as this does, you'd expect it to be sturdy and well built. So many options in manual, ETTL, and a very easy to use menu system. The output is big, one can easily overpower the sun with this flash. The recycle is fast, but if you're putting out 1/1 you better have some rechargeable batteries handy. This is a serious flash for someone who knows what they want.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II:
This unit sysn well with my 5Dmk2 and give my impressive results
- 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: $9.95
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
Rain Protection
- Price: $8.25
What's in the Box
- Pouch
- Hot Shoe Table Stand
- 1-Year Warranty
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