Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash for Canon EOS SLR Digital Cameras - Older Version

by Canon

Product Details

Product Manual [4.64mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 3 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002XQWCK
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (91 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #82 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Flashes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 27, 2006

Product Description

Combining the strengths of its predecessor 550EX while providing additional functions at higher speeds, the SPEEDLITE 580EX is Canon s new flagship flash unit featuring a higher maximum guide number, shorter recycle time, autozoom control for image sensor size, and design improvements for easier handling by digital SLR users ranging from professional to advanced amateur.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

290 of 303 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing flash, December 1, 2004

By 

William D. Colburn "buys things on amazon far... (Socorro, NM USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash for Canon EOS SLR Digital Cameras - Older Version (Electronics)

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.

63 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leave the 420EX at home - this is IT!, July 7, 2005

By 

Michael Horn "mikie" (US Army Combat Support Training Center, Dublin, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash for Canon EOS SLR Digital Cameras - Older Version (Electronics)

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!

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It is what you pay for...., September 19, 2005

By 

Bruno Freitas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash for Canon EOS SLR Digital Cameras - Older Version (Electronics)

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)

;)