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

Jan 27

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

Binding: Electronics
ASIN: B000NP3DJW
Manufacturer: Canon Cameras US
Release Date: 2007-05-10
Average Customer Review: (From 183 total reviews)
List Price: ~~$700.00~~
Amazon Price: Too low to display (69 new 3 used available)
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours (Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping)

Price is accurate as of the date/time indicated. Prices and product availability are subject to change. Any price displayed on the Amazon web site at the time of purchase will govern the sale of this product.

Features

dust- and water-resistant construction
heavy-duty metal mounting foot with improved locking mechanism
E-TTL II for compatible Canon EOS cameras and EF series lenses
stroboscopic flash setting
wireless E-TTL flash operation as a “master” or “slave” unit

Accessories

Editorial Reviews

Product Description:
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. Optional External power supply – compatible with Dust- and water- Resistant External Power Pack, Canon battery pack CP-E3 and Transistor Pack E Unit Dimensions – 3.0 x 5.3 x 4.5 inches /76 x 134 x 114mm; Weight – 13.2 oz./375g, without batteries (4 AA alkaline batteries add 3.5 oz./100g)

Customer Reviews

Great ervice by Alan Bueller
I was a little concerned about buying a used product. But the seller said it was like new and it was. It was hard to tell it was ever used. No problem doing business with him

Canon Speedlite 580EX II by D. Pham
Pros:

- Uses 4 AA sized batteries

- E-TTL

- Solid performance

- Built-in pop-up catchlight card and wide angle filter

- Can be used for line of sight infrared remote triggering

- Numerous aftermarket attachments

- Solid metal hotshoe and locking mechanism

- Weather sealed

- FEB bracketing

- Manual control dial as well as in-camera settings

- Backlight and indicator lights

- Silent operation

- Comes bundled with a soft velcro case and off-camera hotshoe mount

- Variety of swivel and tilt settings

Cons:

- Bulky

- Feels solid, but not rugged; the main joint does have a little play

- Lack built in wireless infrared capability of rival flash units in same price range

Thoughts:

I have not shot this for sports yet, so I cannot comment on the high speed firing. 1/250s is the fastest it will sync. It does have high-speed and trailing flash operation. I do not own any other flash units so I cannot say on the comparison to the 580ex or 430ex. Does not have an operation for wireless flash like the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight with the wireless commander operation. To use a feature similar to this, a separate $200~ item is required (STE2 Speedlite Transmitter). For this, I would like to take off a 1/2 star, but amazon only allows in increments of 1. The Nikon SB-900 just offers more features for about the same price.

Regardless, having a dedicated flash unit is the way to go! The 4 AA sized batteries makes it easy to maintain. I use Sanyo Eneloop 2000mAh batteries. These are a type of hybrid NiMH that retain a charge longer (I can carry more of these without having to constantly maintain them). I do not recommend alkaline, lithium, or li-ion (14500) as the last 2 types will probably fry the 580ex II in an instant. I have 5 sets of Eneloops for use with my 580ex II. 4 are stored in a Tamrac MXS536801 battery wallet and the 5th inside the 580ex II ready to go. I recommend using rechargeables without reservation as dedicated flash units use up a lot of juice. Having an even numbered batteries is easy for maintenance. I recommend the Maha Wizard C9000 or the La Crosse BC-900.

The light quality is magnificent compared to the pop-up flash in every lighting scenario. Dedicated flash is the way to go in eliminating red eye. Having the wireless infrared line of sight flash is a good option but that should be skipped and gone straight to the next level, which is off-camera radio flash (Pocketwizard Plus II, multimax, etc). Diffuse lighting is great when natural light is not around. If you’re choosing between a flash or new lens, a dedicated flash unit offers best performance for the price. Paired this with a Stofen Omnibounce or Gary Fong Lightsphere and you’re ready to tackle almost any occasion.

Recommended with:

- Sanyo Eneloop AA (or any NiMH rechargeable)

- La Crosse BC-900

- Stofen Omnibounce

- Gary Fong Lightsphere

- Tamrac MXS536801 Battery & Memory Card Wallet

Bottom line:

Recommended! Whatever you do, if not this one, at least buy a dedication flash unit.

Good investment and Responce by Michael Czarnyszka
I spent more than I wanted to, but I am glad I did. All units I looked at compared themselves to the 580EX II. So, I figured it was the best and I am very happy with my decission. I need to learn more about the powerful flash and how to make it work for me, but I will have fun doing it.

Love it! by Cool Arvey
Love it, but still trying to figure out how to use all of its functions!

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Tags: 24-105, 580ex ii, avchd, camera, canon, canon flash, canon lens, digital slr, flash, hd camcorder, high definition, photography, speedlight, speedlite, strobist

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