Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT, Shoe Mount Flash with Guide Number of 196 Feet at ISO 100, U.S.A. Warranty

SKU: CA600EXU

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Q&A

Questions & Answers

Shopper : Hi! I'm new to multiple flash setups. Would I need to buy a transmitter and reciever if I want to use the 600 with the 430 EXII?YIMI O : Not you dont need if you used a canon 600ex rt as a master to trigger others canon speeds lights.LUIZ O : If you use the optical slave mode the 600 should work with the 430. To use the radio frequency slave mode that the 600 has you will need another 600. In both cases one will be set to master and the other slave.
LOUIS A : The radio wireless control feature will do high speed synch on an off camera 600 ex-rt slave triggerred from either another 600 ex-rt master or an st-e3-rt shoe mounted on a canon 70d, correct?NOEL DEL P : Yes! You can see this video! Google this words in you tube: EOS 70D Training Video: Part 15 - Flash controlJEFF A : I have a 7D, 2 600EX-RTs and the dedicated master controller for them as well. I use both the 600ex and master controller as my master and they work amazingly and do allow for high speed sync. Its so nice to place lights in places that don't have line of sight. Hope this helpsCHRIS G : Yes... I would add, I have 4 of these speedlites... and the st e3 rt... and have had most flash system's canon has ever made... This one is the best ever !BRIAN S : Yep. I do it all the time both with St-rt and Strobe as a Master.ADILA P : Sorry, I didn't test yet. I know, in camera, this function, its work!
leslie f : Good for high speed photography?DUC N : oh yeahTHE DENMARK GRO I : Yes, using the high speed sync feature. I've seen photos at 1/8000 shutter speed using high speed sync feature.Todd S : Short answer: yes. But please be aware of some dynamics. Shutter sync is at 1/250 sec on late-model cameras. A faster shutter speed faster than that requires high speed sync, which means a reduction in output for the flash. The faster the shutter speed, the less light and distance you'll get. You can find many articles on the difference between high speed sync and regular sync. Basically, rather than one big burst, it strobes several times very quickly to overcome shutter drag. This is limitation among all speedlights, Canon, Nikon, or third party. As with any speedlite, the brighter the ambient light, the less effect the speedlite will have on your subject. Could even limit it to fill flash only for high speed photography. If, on the other hand, you're trying to stop motion for things like hummingbirds, a speed light is just what you need and is better than alternatives like strobes. But even with extremely fast motion subjects, you need to use low power flash to get a shorter burst. The flash only turns "on" or "off". Brighter "flashes" are a result of flashing for a longer duration. If you need more light, you can combine for more output, but realize you need to double and double again for the same linear increase. I'd recommend reading about high speed sync. Syl Arena's book is good. High speed sync an be tricky, depending on what you're doing.NOEL DEL P : Yes! Many sports photographers use it for stop the action!

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2018-01-16T07:14:56

Rated 5 out of 5

The Canon standard for professional work

I have four of these 600EX-RT strobes, which perform as described on camera of off camera with the ST-E3-RT speedlight transmitter.

DENNIS C.

2017-10-02T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great stand-alone flash for general purposes

I bought my 600 EX RT in late 2015 after I thought my 550 had been stolen, so this is really not a case of an upgrade, just buying a top of the line flash out of desire for the most options and reach. Disclosure up front: I do not use this flash in studio / multiple flash settings, so I can’t offer any comment or advice about those applications. I use it strictly as an on-camera, all-purpose flash for family pictures, backlit fill situations, and the like (pretty much amateur stuff but with a nice pro look. My favorite features of this flash are: I can’t recall a single instance of having a bad exposure in many difficult lighting situations unless it was my fault; the recycle time is incredibly short even with marginal batteries; and the overall ease of use, conceding I only use about 20% of its capabilities. But a word of caution (not a complaint but a fact with my unit), when the batteries go, they are gone! No warning by way of a progressively slow cycle-up, they just go. If you have any concern about the condition of your flash batteries, have replacements close at hand. Just know you won’t get much / any warning of battery failure with this flash. This a great flash for the way I use it and would highly recommend it for those who would use it the way I do.

adamh

2017-09-11T05:51:09

Rated 5 out of 5

Works very well

Another Canon product that works very well.

JIM T.

2017-06-13T12:26:25

Rated 5 out of 5

A lot to learn

Still learning how to use.

Diane A.

2017-06-02T12:00:29

Rated 4 out of 5

Works well but...

It has features that other don't. But... for the money that they charge it could have been made better. Others have had the same problem. An error message for the batteries came on telling me my batteries were hot or dead. Not sure which but I hadn't used it and switched out the batteries anyway. I had to head to the internet to find out the battery connections need some attention on occasion. I have not yet tried to fix the problem but I am not that worried about it because it was a common complaint among users and had a solution. Just thought with a quality speedlite it would be made better.

JODI F.

2017-05-24T11:28:46

Rated 5 out of 5

Don't skimp on price

When it comes to flashes...Cannon is worth spending the money on. You can't compare cheaper products with this. I have tried some cheaper flashes and was very dissapointed. in the end I wound up spending more money to try to save money. I should have just went with the product I knew would work well. I shoot a lot of weddings and corporate events and can not afford to have a flash not perform well...I'll be sticking with Cannon moving forward.

TINA G.

2017-04-17T20:00:00

Rated 2 out of 5

1 of 3 Speedlite 600ex-rt failed

Purchased 3 new flashes from Adorama. I used the failed flash only for 2 weddings.

Tim O.

2017-03-01T09:43:14

Rated 5 out of 5

Infinite off-camera flash possibilities

Added another pair of these flashes for a total of six. Coupled with the ST-E3-RT, these units allow me to create so many different setups. And, not having to deal with line-of-sight I'd say is the best feature of these units over earlier models. I've been using these units for 3 years now; starting with a single flash and building up the years. It makes for a very extensible solution. While I could have picked up the newer version II units, I stuck with the originals as I make heavy use of the clear gel holder (missing on the newer version). I use a mixture of corrective and creative gels. To include ND gels to allow me to reduce the output far below the 1/128 minimum power limitation. Attached image was from a fun test I used to verify the new units all were functioning correctly. Six flashes in 5 groups; all in manual.

Ricky S.

2017-01-25T10:50:08

Rated 5 out of 5

The experience was great the people were nice and helpful and I highly recommend them

My experience with adorama was excellent. There are people were very knowledgeable made great suggestions on different lenses and how to use them. My packages came very quickly and overall my experience was great. I would highly recommend them to anybody looking to buy camera equipment

WILLIAM P.

2017-01-01T09:19:05

Rated 5 out of 5

works well

I own three Canon 430 speedlites and for the most part do what I want. Some night time outdoor shooting thou I needed the extra light at distances.

Blair W.

2016-12-05T10:00:05

Rated 5 out of 5

Very compact peace of equipment very well engineered To achieve some of the best images that each photographer sees through the lens

I personally think this product has good power from such small speed light a very easy to used and controls are easy to get used to it this is a speed light that I would buy again in the future to have at least 4 of them.

YIMI O.

2016-10-24T19:35:32

Rated 5 out of 5

Best flash for Canon!

This is one of the best Canon flashes at this moment. It is very precise in the E-TTL mode that I use all the time. For best options, buy two of them, and use one on camera for fill flash and one off camera for main light, using the RATION system. Also, if you like manual mode, it is available and has High Speed Sync!

Noel P.

2016-07-06T20:50:56

Rated 5 out of 5

Photography Lover

Always was interested in photography. Retired two years ago and now pursuing my lifelong interest. Wish me LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CHARLES T.

2016-07-01T12:43:08

Rated 5 out of 5

Liking the 600EX-RT units...

Purchased two new 600EX-RT units, as Canon is coming out with a slightly modified, newer version, 600EX-RTII. So, Adorama's price made for a good deal. I'm quite happy with the flashes on TTL use, it seems this is a much improved flash over the 580EXII., which I found to be erratic-- too often yielding over exposed images. Previously, I've been happy using TTL Pocket Wizards and 480EXII units and had great experience and excellent results, although with a little less light out put from those flashes. With the need for additional power, I decided my best move was to go with the 600EX-RT units, for trustworthy, portable, "on camera" flashes. I will add another 600EX-RT to my kit soon.

GARY H.

2016-06-09T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Greatest flash ever used worth the cost

I used a non Canon Flash for the last couple of years. I always had issues controlling the flash and the image was to dark or blown out. When the opportunity arose to purchase the 600 ex-rt at a real good price I figured why not what do I have to loose. I used it this past weekend for a wedding shoot. The match up was perfect to my 1dx. It synced without missing a step. The images came out perfect on the screen, they were even better on the computer. SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY ON THIS FLASH !!!! you won't be sorry.

baffles3249

2016-01-20T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Awesome Flash!!! Soo happy I got this flash!

I bought this flash a year ago and I am very very happy I did! I had a few of the 580EXII, but this is a way better flash! Built more solid than the 580EXII with better features. I am a person that really uses my camera equipment. I don't baby it! I use my equipment to the point that even the warranty don't cover some of the damage it gets. So my equipment gets thoroughly tested.  Ocean spray, rain, wind, dirt, dust, mud, so if I like it I'm sure you will be happy with it too!

Bobby

2015-11-19T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Amazing Flash System

I'm an advanced amateur photographer getting his start as a strobist. I do some freelance work with local companies in the Nashville area and my occasional clients/gigs as time permits. I have to give credit where due, as this 600ex-rt system is a top performer on my list. Although some will rave that speedlites don't stand up to studio flash, I'll say from experience the 600 is darn close. Anyone who uses speedlites know to increase output/light intensity and recycle speeds you simply bundle more lights. Well this guy makes that job easy. A simple multi-mount flash bracket like the triple threat and your trusty transmitter, st-e3-rt, and you're off to the races. Oh wait, don't forget there's NO CORDS! My favorite part is that I can literally pack for practically any event with one bag and shave weight from that bag in the process. Let me see you do that with studio strobes!

Fivefinguz

2015-05-18T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Best External Flah Ever

I've been using this unit for the past two weeks on a variety of challenging on-site photo shoots of heavy metal bands in the New England area. It has performed flawlessly as a primary flash and as the master for my 430 EX. I was surprised that the batteries lasted for entire shoots (300+ images) without needing to be replaced.

TOM H.

2015-05-10T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

This Flash fits my current setup.

Use primarily for event and portrait photography. This flash works very well with my Canon systems (5D Mark 3 & 7D Mark 2). This is my 4th 600EX-RT flash. While other similar wireless flash systems may cost less, this flash is very easy to control using the internal menu system on my Canon camera bodies. I find the Canon menus much easier to use than the buttons and dials on the back of the flash unit. Canon could expand the set of filters provided with the unit. A lower price would be very helpful.

MICHAEL J.

2015-04-14T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Very Happy

I needed a speedlite to provide hair and rim light to supliment my protable monolights. As expected the 600EX-RT fits the bill for these duties. Adorama had what I wanted and was quick to ship.

Brian J.

2015-01-26T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Switched back from other brand

I've been an international photographer for over 11 years now. Just switched back to Canon after 6 years with another brand. After all that time I just never bonded with the other brand. I love the quality I get with my Canon system over any other system I've ever used.

LA P.

2015-01-23T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

expectations

This flash has definitely exceeded my expectations. I have low light over half the year living in Alaska . The capabilities of this device are phenomenal. I just started in photography and this flash gives me the opportunity to expand. This new technology has the ability to sync and control multiple flashes with this device.

alaskan v.

2014-12-12T19:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

This was by far the best flash that I own. Recently, however, the "A" icon( for the Auto zoom for sensor size) seems to have just vanished, and only the "M" will display. I've come across a few other folks who have encountered this. Maybe there is a simple fix for this problem, but I haven't found it yet. If anyone here has encountered this, I'd sure appreciate your feedback.

Canon u.

2014-11-04T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

The greatest flash ever

The greatest flash ever, I love it all around.

Zhijun L.

2014-08-12T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Fantastic! Expensive!

Just as every reviews you have read, this is an excellent Speedlite in terms of performance, quality, & reliability—all this comes with a price. I would say, if your work pays you well enough & requires your equipment to have a 99.9% reliability rate, go for it. Otherwise, the Yongnuo YN600EX-RT may be a good alternative.

ETHER L.

2014-07-28T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Best Speedlite

Just upgraded from a 580ex and let me say this is the best hands down. Adorama delivers, that is why I keep going back. AAAAA+++++

Snap h.

2014-07-08T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Just the ticket

I ordered this product specifically for a special event I had to go along with my 2 -canon 580's. Since I delayed in ordering, I received it the day before my event, no time to practice, but thankfully it was very intuitive. It worked exactly how I had hoped as a master to my 2 580's, it was easy to adjust the settings and I am looking forward to learning all the features.

Kristy J.

2014-06-02T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Gets the Job Done

As someone who only used manual flash, the controls are relatively intuitive. Does what it's supposed to do, and the slide lock is pretty cool.

LAMAR B.

2014-05-26T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Amazing

I was hesitant to buy this as I currently have 580EX units. I am so glad that I made the move. This flash is exceptional

Robert J.

2014-05-26T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

It's awesome!!!

I bought the 2 600ex-rt and st-e3-rt combo. They are so easy to work with. Nothing too complicated. the radio wireless feature is just awesome compare to optical wireless.

CHUI W.

About Canon 600EX-RT Speedlight

FEATURED REVIEWS

Greatest flash ever used worth the cost

By baffles3249

I used a non Canon Flash for the last couple of years. I always had issues controlling the flash and the image was to dark or blown out. When the opportunity arose to purchase the 600 ex-rt at a real good price I figured why not what do I have to loose. I used it this past weekend for a wedding shoot. The match up was perfect to my 1dx. It synced without missing a step. The images came out perfect on the screen, they were even better on the computer. SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY ON THIS FLASH !!!! y...

View full Review

Great Flash

By Reg

Makes pictures sharper. Expensive but worth every penny. A DVD would be helphul for NUBEEs like me.

Canon's new Speedlite 600EX-RT is engineered to provide a new level of performance and reliability for professional flash photography with today's most advanced DSLRs. With wireless two-way radio communication, the Speedlite 600 EX-RT allows photographers to expand their creativity using wireless speedlites with the reliability of radio triggering. The Speedlite 600EX-RT offers an expanded zoom range and a higher guide number, plus a number of improvements over its predecessor in both operation and feel. It features a new dot-matrix LCD panel for display of all pertinent shooting information, backlit controls plus an internal sound generator. Reliability is ensured with improved hot shoe contacts, improved flash head durability and the most comprehensive dust and water sealing system ever on a Canon Speedlite flash. A new color filter holder helps maintain accurate color in a variety of ambient light conditions.

New wireless multiple flash system using radio wave communication for enhanced control of up to five groups of flashes

New wireless multiple flash system using radio wave communication for enhanced control of up to five groups of flashes
In addition to traditional optical wireless transmission, the Speedlite 600EX-RT facilitates radio controlled, two-way wireless transmission up to 98.4 feet, among up to 5 groups with a total of 15 individual Speedlites. Communicating on 2.4 GHz frequencies, the Speedlite 600EX-RT does not have the same directional limitations of traditional wireless optical transmitters. 15 transmission channels are available, selectable manually or automatically, and radio transmission IDs can be set to prevent misfiring in the event of signal interference on the same channel.

Zoom flash head covers wide range of 20-200mm

Zoom flash head covers wide range of 20-200mm
The Speedlite 600EX-RT has an improved guide number of 197ft. (60m) at ISO 100. It offers 20mm to 200mm coverage, and when the extendable wide panel is pulled out, flash coverage moves as wide at 14mm. Plus, to maximize power and minimize energy consumption, the Speedlite 600EX-RT can be directed to zoom in accordance with the cameras image sensor size (full-frame, APS-H & APS-C).

Redesigned contact construction

Redesigned contact construction, improved flash head durability, and exceptional dust and weather resistance for reliable operation
The flash head is more rugged and durable than its predecessor and a redesigned hot shoe contact ensures seamless communication. Dust and water resistance has been improved significantly as well: all moving parts and areas surrounding the flashes display and buttons are sealed for uninterrupted performance in harsh conditions. A new dust and water resistant adapter for the mounting foot creates a dust and water resistant seal between camera and flash.

AF Assist Beam compatible with Canon's new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF

AF Assist Beam compatible with Canon's new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF
Working in conjunction with EOS SLR's, the Speedlite 600EX-RT automatically provides illumination using its built-in AF assist beam. This means more accurate AF, faster, even in dark or low contrast situations, with all lenses 28mm or longer. Compatible with the AF frame of all EOS cameras, the Speedlite 600EX-RT even works perfectly with the 61-Point High Density Reticular AF found in the EOS-1D X, EOS 5D Mark III.

Dot matrix LCD panel and backlit button provide easy visibility
The Speedlite 600EX-RT features an all-new dot matrix LCD panel (172 x 104 dots). This new LCD displays Flash status, wireless configuration and all flash settings with more detailed information in comparison to previous systems. With its new screen combined with backlit operation buttons, the Speedlite 600EX-RT is as easy to operate in the dark as in daylight.

Color filter holder for attaching Canon and third-party color gelatin filters
The Speedlite 600EX-RT features a new color filter holder. By placing a color filter over the front of the flash head, the color temperature of the flash can be made to match that of the ambient light. Color information and light output decrease can be transmitted from the Speedlite 600EX-RT to the camera for proper white balance and exposure.

18 Custom Functions and 7 Personal Functions for creative flexibility
Options include Flash exposure bracketing controls, modeling flash, test firing controls, AF assist control, power and energy saving features, beep and much, much more. Personal functions, like LCD panel illumination color and Master/Slave configurations are also easily set on the Speedlite 600EX-RT.

Full swivel, 180° in either direction
The head can be angled 90° up, 7° down and can rotate 180° left and right. A bounce lock with release button helps things stay in place. Additionally, when the flash head is positioned front and up 90°, the Speedlite 600EX-RT features a catch light panel to create catch light in the eyes of the subject for a more expressive look

Warranty Information

This product has a limited warranty of 12 months.

Key Features

  • New wireless multiple flash system using radio wave communication
  • Redesigned contact construction
  • AF Assist Beam compatible with Canon's new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF
  • Dot matrix LCD panel & backlit button provide easy visibility
  • Color filter holder for attaching Canon & third-party color gelatin filters
  • 18 Custom Functions & 7 Personal Functions

What's in the box:

  • Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT
  • Soft Case
  • Stand
  • Color Filter Holder SCH-E1
  • Soft Case (for Holder)
  • Color Filter SCF-E1OR1 (Light Orange)
  • Color Filter SCF-E1OR2 (Dark Orange)
  • Case (for Filter)
  • Canon 1 Year Warranty