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Product Description
SN120570
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
292 of 305 people found the following review helpful
This is expensive, but worth it. When I bought my 300D in October of 2003 I got the 420EX flash with it. When I upgraded to the 20D I also upgraded my flash to the 580EX. The difference between them is astounding. The 420 did basically nothing. Well, it flashed, but that is it. The 580 has a stobe setting! I can set my camera for a 10 second exposure and tell the flash to operate at 1/10 power and 1hz to get stop motion pictures!
It seems to have a rocket-fast recycle time, even with the partially used batteries I stuck in it out of my 420. I accidentally had my 20D in continuous mode with the flash on, and accidentally took four flash photographs in less than a second (the flash didn't fire on the fifth photograph). Once my battery pack arrives I should be extra-dangerous.
The 580 is a master flash, so I was able to wirelessly control my old 420 flash and have them both go off at the same time.
The flash is complicated. The manual on the flash is 172 pages long (admittedly in 3 languages, however). The manual for the 20D is 168 pages long (in only one language).
As for effectiveness, the 580EX and 20D combination far outshines the 420EX on the 300D. I haven't tried the 420EX on the 20D yet, but it is only E-TTL and not E-TTL2 like the 580EX. My pictures come out much better with the 580. The old 300/420 used to blow out the highlights all the time. I've only taken a few flash photos with the 580, but it seems to meter tremendously better.
If it doesn't meter right, you can manually set the flash, or use flash exposure compensation, to get the exposure you want.
I'm sure tihs flash does more, but I've barely had time to play with it, so I've reachde the end of what I can write authoritatively about.
It seems to have a rocket-fast recycle time, even with the partially used batteries I stuck in it out of my 420. I accidentally had my 20D in continuous mode with the flash on, and accidentally took four flash photographs in less than a second (the flash didn't fire on the fifth photograph). Once my battery pack arrives I should be extra-dangerous.
The 580 is a master flash, so I was able to wirelessly control my old 420 flash and have them both go off at the same time.
The flash is complicated. The manual on the flash is 172 pages long (admittedly in 3 languages, however). The manual for the 20D is 168 pages long (in only one language).
As for effectiveness, the 580EX and 20D combination far outshines the 420EX on the 300D. I haven't tried the 420EX on the 20D yet, but it is only E-TTL and not E-TTL2 like the 580EX. My pictures come out much better with the 580. The old 300/420 used to blow out the highlights all the time. I've only taken a few flash photos with the 580, but it seems to meter tremendously better.
If it doesn't meter right, you can manually set the flash, or use flash exposure compensation, to get the exposure you want.
I'm sure tihs flash does more, but I've barely had time to play with it, so I've reachde the end of what I can write authoritatively about.
65 of 65 people found the following review helpful
By Michael Horn
Disappointed with large room/high ceiling picture results with my Canon 420EX speedlight (see my review) mounted on my Canon dRebel - sent me shopping about 6 months ago for more light (you can never have enough light). My E-TTL flash metering with the 420EX also proved uneven - with sometimes unexpected over exposures and blown highlights. A solution for both was found!
The 580EX appears to get me an additional TWO F-Stops and much better metering (E-TTL2) on my new Canon D20. Less time in Photoshop with better exposures, fewer blown highlights and the fantastic multi-shot strobe function are paying dividends with every indoor photoshoot I cover. It is worth the price for people who use the camera for a living - or are serious "pro-sumer" phototographers.
I've since purchased a Canon D20 camera - paired it with my 580EX and am EXTREMELY happy with the result. The two items are made for each other. As happy as I am with my 300D (dRebel) and overall happy with my 420EX (see my review) the 580EX has allowed me to take my photography to the next level.
I carry 3 sets (4AA) of 2500 amp/hr Ni-Mh rechargables good for over 100-150 (or more) shots per battery charge. I "fast recharge" two sets while using the other. I'm investigating a battery pack - but have not yet justified the expense - as the Ni-Mn rechargable prices continue to tumble.
Using my dRebel, I shoot portraits with a battery grip from Canon (BGE1-see my review) and a speedlight flip bracket from Stroboframe (see review) and the Canon hotshoe off camera shoe cord (see my review). The lighter weight of the 580EX than the older 550EX which I nixed - allows me longer shoots with less hand fatigue and better camera balance. Be aware it is still larger and heavier than the smaller 420EX and is not for everyone.
The 580EX is a Canon "Master" speedlight - allowing my 420EX life extension as a very dependable "slave" unit with very positive results on my portrait and event work.
Is it worth the price?
Yes - if:
1. You can never have enough light
2. You are a professional or serious hobbyist
3. Are having metering problems with E-TTL metered speedlights
4. Need a "Master" speedlight to power a "slave" unit
5. It doesn't break your bank
No - if:
1. You are a casual photographer (420EX should work fine)
2. You are on a budget (420EX should work mostly fine)
3. Don't need the performance and features (which are twice the cost of the 420EX).
Canon products are well made, well engineered, dependable and fairly priced. All my major purchases of cameras, lenses, speedlights and printers have all been good performers over time.
With that said, the battery door gives me the same occasional latching problem that my 420EX exhibits (rolling batteries around on the floor in front of a client is NOT a pretty sight -- I know - I shouldn't be in such a hurry...
The Canon 580EX: for the discriminating and serious photographer. More than just an expensive toy - but still not for everyone!
The 580EX appears to get me an additional TWO F-Stops and much better metering (E-TTL2) on my new Canon D20. Less time in Photoshop with better exposures, fewer blown highlights and the fantastic multi-shot strobe function are paying dividends with every indoor photoshoot I cover. It is worth the price for people who use the camera for a living - or are serious "pro-sumer" phototographers.
I've since purchased a Canon D20 camera - paired it with my 580EX and am EXTREMELY happy with the result. The two items are made for each other. As happy as I am with my 300D (dRebel) and overall happy with my 420EX (see my review) the 580EX has allowed me to take my photography to the next level.
I carry 3 sets (4AA) of 2500 amp/hr Ni-Mh rechargables good for over 100-150 (or more) shots per battery charge. I "fast recharge" two sets while using the other. I'm investigating a battery pack - but have not yet justified the expense - as the Ni-Mn rechargable prices continue to tumble.
Using my dRebel, I shoot portraits with a battery grip from Canon (BGE1-see my review) and a speedlight flip bracket from Stroboframe (see review) and the Canon hotshoe off camera shoe cord (see my review). The lighter weight of the 580EX than the older 550EX which I nixed - allows me longer shoots with less hand fatigue and better camera balance. Be aware it is still larger and heavier than the smaller 420EX and is not for everyone.
The 580EX is a Canon "Master" speedlight - allowing my 420EX life extension as a very dependable "slave" unit with very positive results on my portrait and event work.
Is it worth the price?
Yes - if:
1. You can never have enough light
2. You are a professional or serious hobbyist
3. Are having metering problems with E-TTL metered speedlights
4. Need a "Master" speedlight to power a "slave" unit
5. It doesn't break your bank
No - if:
1. You are a casual photographer (420EX should work fine)
2. You are on a budget (420EX should work mostly fine)
3. Don't need the performance and features (which are twice the cost of the 420EX).
Canon products are well made, well engineered, dependable and fairly priced. All my major purchases of cameras, lenses, speedlights and printers have all been good performers over time.
With that said, the battery door gives me the same occasional latching problem that my 420EX exhibits (rolling batteries around on the floor in front of a client is NOT a pretty sight -- I know - I shouldn't be in such a hurry...
The Canon 580EX: for the discriminating and serious photographer. More than just an expensive toy - but still not for everyone!
36 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
Expensive, yes.... But worth every cent...
Here is what i liked about it so far....
The PRO's:
1. It is fast !! It may give you 5-6 pics in a row without halting and "asking for a little bit of time to rest" ;)
2. The Manual settings, if you like to use it... you will love it...
3. Nice Battery usage (I am using Sony Recharg. 2300mh and 2800mh) and it takes quite a lot of photos... Just about what the manual says...
100-300, depending on how much light power you will be demanding from it...
4. I am still about to find more good stuff about it... As for the size... As for the catchligt...
The CONS:
1. It's Expensive.... A Big Drawback for some..
2. The Battery door compartment, could be better on a piece of equipment like this...
Like said before... It is what you pay for....
The best on it's category... (this go for all Canon Lover's)
;)
Here is what i liked about it so far....
The PRO's:
1. It is fast !! It may give you 5-6 pics in a row without halting and "asking for a little bit of time to rest" ;)
2. The Manual settings, if you like to use it... you will love it...
3. Nice Battery usage (I am using Sony Recharg. 2300mh and 2800mh) and it takes quite a lot of photos... Just about what the manual says...
100-300, depending on how much light power you will be demanding from it...
4. I am still about to find more good stuff about it... As for the size... As for the catchligt...
The CONS:
1. It's Expensive.... A Big Drawback for some..
2. The Battery door compartment, could be better on a piece of equipment like this...
Like said before... It is what you pay for....
The best on it's category... (this go for all Canon Lover's)
;)
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
canon speedlite 580 ex
Worked very good every thing was good # ddd ddd d
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Published 7 months ago by ben
5.0 out of 5 stars
I LOVE you guys!
Thank you sooooooo much! This was the BEST service I got from all my purchases from Amazon! Thank you upgrading my shipping, that was a nice touch! It was so nice of you guys! Read more
Published on February 21, 2010 by Harold&Kumar
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great flash... I wish it was still in production.
I have been using this unit for over two years now, with no problems. Over the course of time I have gotten better with using a flash and I have yet to use all of the available... Read more
Published on December 30, 2008 by J. Murphy
2.0 out of 5 stars
Didn't meet expectation
This flash fell short of my expectation most of the time I have to manually set the zoom distance doesn't seem to work on my canon xt that I have. Read more
Published on June 9, 2008 by Kelly Evarts
5.0 out of 5 stars
Canon Speedlite 580EX
The Canon 580EX is an excellent flash.
It has plenty of power. It recycled fast. There are many setting that allow you to configure it for any situation or environment. Read more
It has plenty of power. It recycled fast. There are many setting that allow you to configure it for any situation or environment. Read more
Published on May 27, 2008 by Jerry Strickland
2.0 out of 5 stars
Beware of slave trigger and RF wireless connection issues
You want to use the 580EX in a simple task by working as a hair or back light with your more powerful studio strobes? Read more
Published on January 20, 2008 by PJ
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent flash unit, good upgrade from 430EX
Bought the 580 EX (Mark 1) over a year ago when I started shooting weddings. This one held really well and never missed an exposure in an Indian wedding. Read more
Published on January 6, 2008 by Vijay Raghavendiran
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Flash
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR CamerasCanon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras
So far I have no complaints about this... Read more
So far I have no complaints about this... Read more
Published on November 24, 2007 by Dave
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Canon Flash
This flash is fantastic. Unbelievable range and spectacular results. Shadows are greatly reduced and many times non-existant. You'll want a good supply of ni-cads on hand.
Published on November 21, 2007 by David Bechtold
4.0 out of 5 stars
First impressions...
I really bought this flash to use my 430ex as a slave, not expecting it to much imrprove my image quality. I used it for a wedding yesterday and I was really impressed! Read more
Published on April 30, 2007 by Bryan Duggan
