Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras
by Canon
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: CanonFormat: CD
Release Date: 2007-05-10
Model: 1946B002
Color: black
Product features:
- Approx. 20% faster recycling time compared to 580EX
- Superior build quality, including a metal foot for higher rigidity
- Max. Guide No. 58 at 105mm setting (GN 190, feet)
- Auto conversion of flash coverage with compatible digital SLR cameras
- White Balance info communicated instantly to compatible digital SLR cameras
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras
Customer Review: Canon's best dedicated flash
Summary: 5 Stars
If you're on the fence about the 580, it's a fair bet that the other flash you're considering is the Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras. I own both the Speedlite 430EX II and this 580EX II. The 430 is no slouch as a flash, but the 580 is even better.
The similarities: Both support TTL/E-TTL/E-TTL II as well as manual. Both flashes have the same capabilities for bouncing or feathering (head rotates 180 & pivots up 90). Both move the flash element forward or back to broaden the flash for wide angle, or concentrate it for zoom. Both have slide-out wide-diffusers on the head. Both flashes have high speed synchronization, the ability to do 2nd curtain-shutter flashing, and can work as a "slave" in a multi-flash configuration. Both include a quick-release dedicated hot-shoe for Canon cameras and both also come with a mini-stand which also has a threaded hole on it for standard tripod screw mounting (typically only used when firing remotely.) Both support Flash Exposure Compensation to +/- 3 stops. Both include a case. That's where the similarities end.
The differences: The 580 has more power & range (Canon claims 190' vs. 141' at ISO 100). Recycling times are much faster (typically at least twice as fast - but to be honest I haven't tried to measure the difference.) The worst-case is a recycle time of just over 3" on the 580 vs. 6" on the 430 -- but that's after a full-power discharge. Typically you can burst off several rapid shots. While both flashes support Flash Exposure Compensation up to +/- 3 stops, the 580 supports Flash Exposure Bracketing (next three shots will fire at 3 different power levels.) While both flashes can behave as a remote/slave flash in a multi-flash configuration (communicating via built-in infrared), ONLY the 580 can work as the primary/master flash unit (I sometimes run a 2nd flash as a side-light to soften harsh shadows when shooting with straight-on flash -- typically when shooting outdoors and there is no ceiling to bounce OR when indoors but the ceiling isn't practical for bouncing.) While both the 430 and 580 have slide out wide-diffusers, the 580 also has a slide-out bounce card. The 430 handles up to 9 AF focus points (suitable for most any EOS "Rebel" series camera), while the 580 can handle up 45 AF points (suitable for any EOS camera). The batteries will last longer on the 430 than on the 580 (on average, nearly twice as long) but then the 580 has more power/range and recycles about twice as fast as the 430. I've never had the 580 kill a set of fresh batteries in a full evening of shooting, but if your'e using it heavily, can can get an external battery pack (made either by Canon or by 3rd parties) for the 580. There is no socket for an external battery pack on the 430 (although there are 3rd parties who make an insert pack shaped as a cluster of the four AA batteries with a wire leading to a battery pack you wear over the shoulder or clipped to a belt -- but this requires cutting a hole in the battery door.) Physically, the 580 is about 1-1/4" taller (with flash head pointed straight up) is about 1/4" wider and 1/4" thicker.
The bottom line: I like and still use both flashes. Neither is a slouch. Neither has given me any grief or reason to complain. These flashes are made for slightly different target audiences. The 580 has more capabilities. If you're using a Canon EOS "Rebel" and you're not using your camera for professional work, then the 430 is probably more than enough for your needs. If you're using a high-end EOS (non-Rebel), doing professional work, need more power/range, faster recycling speeds, and the abilities to run multiple flashes, then you'll probably want the 580 and I don't think you'll be disappointed with it. It costs more, but it's worth the extra if you plan to use it for the additional features it provides.
Description of Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras
D1) CANON SPEEDLIGHT 580EX II FLASHFlashes
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