Reviews for Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flashlight

Worthy upgrade for $100-150 more

Strengths: more range, master mode, works with external power source

Weakness: Drains the battery quickly

I bought this unit after playing with one that belongs to my friend. If you are not a hardcore enthusiast, there is a tough decision between this and 430EX. Both are very good for their respective prices. While I wouldn't have been complaining if I had 430EX, I went for this one because the price has come down very much in recent weeks. It offers more flexibility, more manual control. I can be more creative with 580EX II. One important advantage of 580EX II is that the extra power allows me to use diffusers comfortably.

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Canon Speedlite 580EX II

Strengths: Canon's best flash for your DSLR!!!

Weakness: A little bit bulky and heavy.

This flash is much better than the built in one from my DSLR. My camera automatically detected this flash and adjusted to the flash without any problems. You might want to get a diffuser as well. It uses 4 AA batteries and comes with a paded case. This flash upgrade is definitely worth it. Highly recommended.

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My first external flash unit - great product!

Strengths: Quick recycling time, flash power, weather sealed...

Weakness: Big/heavy, expensive, there is a learning curve to take nice flash pictures

I am not a pro, but I am an enthusiast and have been using a film SLR since the mid 90's. This is my first external flash unit and I can say that if you have the budget for it - it is worth the purchase. This can make a huge difference in not only indoor photography, but outdoor as well (used as a fill flash).

I have pretty "fast" lenses which are capable of doing indoor shots (canon ef-s 17-55 f/2.8 and sigma 30mm f/1.4) and I still decided to buy the 580EX II. The pictures come out very nice and natural looking. I pair the flash with a diffuser so that it evens out the flash better.

I would recommend this flash to anyone who is looking at improving their indoor photography and that don't mind the extra weight of an external flash.

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Solid flash with great performance!

Strengths: Weather sealed, easy to operate, a lot of features, latest technology.

Weakness: Haven't discovered any yet.

This is my first external flash that I bought for my brand new Canon EOS 40D. After dropping in batteries and mounting on my camera the flash unit was ready to fire in no time. The camera automatically recognized this flash and made all the internal adjustments automatically. When you start shooting with this flash you will automatically recognize sheer power, speed, and precision of this flash. I absolutely love it and look forward to learning the advanced features of camera/ flash.

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Much Better than 580EX

Strengths: outstanding battery life fast recycling time excellent TTL comes with hot shoe quick release mount

Weakness: bulkier than 420ex

I would say that this flash is worth every penny, and well worth the price premium compared to the 420EX. It beats it hands down in every single category, has an outstanding battery life, and is completely silent .I am not a professional, just an enthusiast, but I can definitely justify its cost, at my level. In other words, you don't need to pair it to a 5D or a 1D Mark III to notice how much better than the 420EX it performs.One other very nice feature is the direct access to "second curtain flash", simply by pressing a button on the flash. No need to go wandering into the Cn functions of the camera body!

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580ex II

Strengths: Canon's best

Weakness: n/a

Worth every cent - this flash will give you a better exposure accuracy over other flashes - even if you shot this thing into a reflector (and I like shooting this way) - first time I tried this flash (about 5 month ago) did not believe it's possible - very powerful and recycling is fast, super fast without drop in flash strength - highly - highly recommend!

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Excellent Flash

Strengths: faster recycling time, significant better exposures control, outstanding battery life

Weakness: a little bigger and bulkier than the 420EX

I upgraded the flash from Canon 420EX to 580EX for my Canon 5D. This is simply the best flash for wedding and portrait. Compared to the 420EX, the advantages are huge. The recycling time is amazingly fast. The quality of the ETTL exposures is also significantly better. The 580EX is capable of serving as the master in a master/slave relationship with other Canon flashes. Gary Fong's Lightsphere II is also a nice accessory for portrait shots with this flash.

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Nice and powerful flash

Strengths: Weather Sealing, Power, Features

Weakness: Alot bigger and heavier than my 430ex, another diffuser kit to buy.

Powerful flash with master features to be used with my 430ex. Weather sealing is a nice addition. The flash feels very well built including the battery door and even the head rotation feels alot more solid than my 430ex. Overall, very good product by Canon. I still use and like my 430ex but this one is just better.

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Still exploring it

Strengths: Very flexible flash angling and output, Outstanding battery life fast recycling time

Weakness: Haven't discovered any yet

It's really bulky but manageable. It can shoot as fast as my camera can shoot. The flexible angling is quite useful. Also, it's using AA battery which is cheaper but may be heavier.

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Excellent Flash

Strengths: Very Good Quality

Weakness: removed slave>master>off switch

I exchanged my old 580EX for this new one 580 II version, it has slightly improved sensor, and photos are a bit better, than from the old one.
Now Canon has also promotional price, that makes that flash unit even much worth to buy :)

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Better features than Speedlite 580 EX

Strengths: Quick flash,dust and water resistance, powerfull

Weakness: heavy

Beter than 580 EX, more features, good design/strong but little bit heavy.
Nice combination with Canon EOS 1D Mark III.
ETTL-II working great, almost all automatic exposure control for flash is handled by the camera.

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Great addition to Canon XTi

Strengths: Very flexible flash angling and output. Well built and very study, weatherproof. Well spaced buttons. Nice green-turquoise back light when light-up button is pressed. Easy open battery compartment.

Weakness: Adds significant weight to XTi alone, and causes slight imbalance. Runs on 4 AA batteries instead of providing rechargeable battery option. (Rechargeble option is not stealth). Expensive.

One of the first things I noticed and somewhat anticipated by that little voice in the back of my head is the size of the 580EX II. I had a feeling the flash was going to throw the camera off balance due to the additional overhead weight on the camera, but I wanted to wait til the flash arrived before purchasing a Canon BG-E3 camera grip to help offset the imbalance. I now realize that I need to order a BG-E3 or similar grip. About the packaging: The 580EX II inside the box, came in a stiff nylon, scratch resistant case. Inside the case is a wrapped 580EX II and a little slip where the packaged 580EX stand is held in place (for external use of the flash, off-camera as a strobe, etc). The build quality is superb, though the black paint doesn't exactly match my XTi's black body. There is slightly more glimmer on the 580EX II paint when compared to the XTI body paint when light is reflected off the surfaces (doesn't bother me as it is a genuine Canon accessory). I have a lot to learn with this flash but when used in automatic mode, in-doors (dim), I did some comparison shots. The bounce off the ceiling provided a very well, evenly lit portrait of my subject whereas having the 580EX shoot straight on at the subject caused a harsh uneven portrait. The 580EX II is vastly greater than the flash integrated on the XTi. I would highly recommend this accessory to anyone who will want to improve their photos in settings where light cannot be manipulated easily.

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Excellent flash support

Strengths: Fast recycle time Weather-proof Strong shoes Fast burst

Weakness: Bulky Heavy Big

The Speedlite 580EX II is the 2nd generation of the 580 series. It has weather proof protection so it is a perfect match for my 5D. Its stronger shoes fit firmly and stably on my camera. The 2nd generation offers faster burst, stronger intensity. However it is slightly bigger and heavier than the old version I.

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580ex II outstanding

Strengths: powerful, great for indoor & outdoor shot.

Weakness: Heavy. Poor documentation, manual.

I would say that this flash is worth every penny, and well worth the price premium compared to the 420EX. I was struggling to choose 430ex & 580ex. Their price are about $100 different. There are many functions on this flash that I don't understand and the manual didn't tell you much at all. I found that there is a Dvd showing you how to use this flash and I am going to get it. I am sure I can do many special tricks with this flash.

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Very nice updates from 580EX

Strengths: 1. Faster recharing 2. Weather-sealed 3. Overall built

Weakness: 1. The master/slave switch is now gone; very inconvenient 2. New design on the hot shoe and connecter. Will not work well on bodies prior 1DIII

First of all, I think this is a very nice flash, same as my 580EX and 430EX. The recharing time now is even faster than the original 580EX and the build of the flash is very sturdy and I think it's going to last a long time.

Now the flash is having the weather seals around the whole flash and it will work well with 1-series, who are also weathered-sealed. However, in order to get it full weather-sealed, Canon changed its foot design. Now the connector/shoe thing is a little different from the original 580EX. Yes, it will still work with elder cameras, but it is very easy to get that connection problem. (bad connections with cameras prior 1DIII). The connector will be just too loose and will not have a good contact between the unit and the camera. So, if you have cameras like 40D or 1DIII or anything that is new, you should be fine. However, if you have old cameras like my 5D and etc, you migtht want to get think about this flash twice.

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580ex II

Strengths: very faster recycling time. powerfull light. ETTL-II. 4 AA battery.

Weakness: bulkier, feel heavy and hard to balance on my 350D

Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful flash for their Canon DLSR, even for the small size xt and xti. With 580ex II in hand, you will never use the integrated flash any more.

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Fantastic Flash

Strengths: Great Features

Weakness: Price

This is a fantastic flash. It is pricey but I was able to get mine on sale for $100 less than regular price so it was a no brainer for me. This flash delivers tremendous lighting for my Canon EOS 40D. I love the fact that I can bounce the flash off the ceilings from every angle. My pictures have come out great and even the people at the camera store have commented favorably on my pictures as they are processed.

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better than 580ex

Strengths: faster recycling time

Weakness: larger

I have both canon 580ex and 580ex II. This latter version has faster recycling time, about 25% faster. one thing I noticed is the size of it is a little bit larger, my omi bounce hood can fit in 580ex properly but can hardly fit in ex II. the nice thing is it has PC terminal so that you can connect it to pocket wizard easily.

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great flash

Strengths: non-slave flash

Weakness: N/A

I was looking for a canon 430 EX flash, but eventually went for this one since its price is not bad during this rebate period. Great fits for my 40D and G2. A must have to event photos.

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A perfect match for Canon EOS 40d DSLR - and other...

Strengths: Bright,can be turned at different angles, many modes available, high speed focusing

Weakness: Large size, expensive

If you are serious about photography and you like taking photos without the perfect lighting at all times...you need this.
I used this on my 40d and the difference is...light and day...literally.
With built in flash, there was always delay in focusing and lag when attempting to do continuous high speed shooting. As soon as I attatched this flash, there was no lag to speak of and you can shoot as fast as your camera can shoot. Also it emits a red light grid that helps focusing at dim light situation which significantly increases the speed of focus--> you will feel like you are focusing as fast as if lighting were perfect...it's that fast.
My only complaint would be the bulky size and high price tag. If price and size is not a concern...then I highly recommend this item as part of your DSLR purchase. Enjoy.

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My favorite flash that Canon makes.

Strengths: Nearly instant ready when switched on with fast and quiet recycling time. Powerful flash with great exposure. AF assist beam in low light conditions. Includes flash exposure compensation. Great new fa

Weakness: Appears a bit big until you get used to it. No quick manual switch for master/slave feature (but I'm getting used to setting that in the menu system)

It's smaller and lighter than the 550EX. One single button to adjust rotation and tilt direction of flash. Faster control dial for settings means quicker adjustment time to take the shots. The flash is quite powerful and bounces off close surround surfaces nicely to light up the subject. It also has a nice flip down diffuser panel that helps to light up the reflection in the subjects eyes when taking portrait type shots when used in a vertical bounce position. It really helps to light up my subjects from close personable shots to groups when the light is dim.

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Canon 580EX II

Strengths: Water resistant, can use to control other canon flashes via wireless, advanced ETTL II technology

Weakness: bigger and heavier than the Canon 430ex

I have really enjoyed the 580ex. I have 2 Canon 430ex flashes that work wonderfully with the 580ex. ETTL II technology is able to distinguish better between backlight subjects, black and white. It has a catchlight panel which allows you to create a catchlight in the subject's eyes to add life to the facial expression. You can set the flash coverage to match the lens focal length from 24mm to 105mm. The flash coverage can be set automatically or manually. It also has a built-in wide panel which expands the flash capability to 14mm wide-andle lenses. You can create various lighting effects via wireless flash with the same ease as using normal E-TTL II autoflash. Wireless E-TTL II autoflash can communicate between your other flashes up to 10m outdoors and 15m indoors.

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Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash

Strengths: Build quality, flash range, 'smarts', ease of operation

Weakness: None

This is a fantastic piece of gear. I used to hate having to use a flash, but unit with a nice diffuser is a joy to use.

Works intelligently with a 40D and is quick to recharge. Has great degree of motion/freedom for the flash direction.

Great build, no worries about it falling apart over time.

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Excellent Flash

Strengths: Top canon flash. Strong power output. Fast recycle time. weather proof. More angle than 430EX

Weakness: bulky and heavy with batteries

I got this on amazon for 350. Only 100 more than 430EX. This is worth every penny. Nice master feature for two or more flash setup. A canon wireless flash transmitter is costing about the same.

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Great Flash

Strengths: Weather seal, beter battery compartment and cap, easy release lock.

Weakness: No switch to set slave, master, off. Thus, takes more time to set electronically.

Overall, this Canon 580EX II is a great and powerful flash. This flash doesn't look as professional as the previous model Canon 580EX, but I do love both of them.

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Canon's most powerful and most-capable flash

Strengths: Auto conversion of flash coverage with compatible digital SLR , good quality build, weatherproof features, metal contacts

Weakness: Price, missing off/master/slave switch so it now takes multiple steps rather than a simple switch compared to old 580EX

- Better exposure for dark with white highlights, would not blow out the highlights. 580EX often blown out in similar scene
- Recharging cycle is silent compared to old Canon flashes
- PC terminal, Pocket Wizard friendly
- Better battery compartment door mechanism

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Best Digital Flash

Bestcovery experts have rated the Canon Speedlite 580EX II as the Best Digital Flash. Bestcovery's experts recommend the best products and services for a particular need based on extensive research and evaluations. Click below to see Bestcovery's full review of this product.

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Canon Speedlite 580EX 2

Testseek.com has collected 5 expert reviews for Canon Speedlite 580EX 2 and the average expert rating is 90 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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