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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Los Angeles, CA on 7/10/2008
This item is really my first experience with flash. (I do nt include much earlier experiments with a manual Vivitar flash/film camera combo, or the on-camera flash of the 30D). I wanted to start doing off-camera flash shooting a la Strobist. Although he recommends using the old manual Vivitar and Metz' and so forth, I wanted a really robust strobe with advanced features, such as quick recycling, hi-speed strobe, and a high power output. I also like the Canon Speedlight system for controlling multiple flash units - the only downside of that is using Infrared to communicate between the flashes. If these worked exactly the same way, but with RF instead, I think they wuld be very popular, eliminating the need for 3rd-party accessories like RadioPoppers or PocketWizards.
I was disappointed to discover that with 2 of these, I could not use Master/Slave with both units off-camera, unless I had the short Canon Off-Camera shoe cord, or invested in Radio Wireless Transmitters. Using the PC socket will only allow you to sync one flash to the camera. That was a bummer. In order to do what I really want (fire both flashes off-camera), it looks like I will need an ST-E2, and most likely, a set of Radio Poppers to increase reliability of the questionable Canon IR system. Considering the price of the 580EX II, this is a negative, and explains why people interested in off-camera flash are not choosing this product.
I would recommend this with caveats.
Also, in order to really wrap my head around the functions, I got an instructional DVD and just played with it a lot. I thought the user manual was pretty lacking.
from Highland, IL on 7/10/2008
Great flash. Much improved over the old 580. Faster recycle, metal hot shoe, over all feels better built.
from Los Angeles, CA on 7/10/2008
This flash is indispensable if you use Canon cameras and depend on your gear for a living.
It's fast, sturdy and able to handle your camera's speed.
from Thrall, TX on 6/26/2008
I have throughly enjoyed the 580EX II the battery door is alot more user friendly than the 580EX. The recycle time is great and most of all you can count on constant performance day in and day out.
Remember to use the exposure comp - for dark subjects and + for light subjects and then let the flash and camera do the work on Program. Very consistent, almost idiot proof once you learn your settings. Make sure that you do alot of experimenting with it before a major shoot, because it won't let you down but you can let yourself down.
from Harrisonburg, VA on 6/13/2008
Two professionals recommended this flash and I am glad I took it!
from Bakersfield. CA on 6/12/2008
I bought this flash to compliment my 430ex and command it as a slave to be part of a mobile studio setup. I've been extremely happy with the 580exii for its power and features. Amateurs be warned, this is not a small or light flash unit, but it performs. Over the 430ex, this is more powerful, has a metal foot, and can command slave flashes via IR. If you're looking for a smaller, lighter solution, the forthcoming 430exii might be a better option, but if you need a powerful flash with great features and excellent controls, this is an excellent option, despite its rather high price.
from Rochester, MN on 6/12/2008
I'm in the early stages of evaluation, but what I've seen so far makes me want to buy a second to use as an off camera slave... I wish I would have bought the kit with two flashes and the transmitor right off the bat...
I would definately recommend it to others...
from New Orleans on 6/6/2008
Used it to shoot stage rehearsals - bounced off ceilings, walls - perfect shots!
from Dawsonville, GA on 5/24/2008
This flash replaced my 550EX which was a very good flash but a little slow to recycle. Started to shoot many large room (gymnasiam) scenes with lots of movement and the greater output is a nice bonus as is the added functionality with the 1Ds Mark III. Much easier to mount on the camera and the head that rotates both directions by pressing a single button is great for going from landscape to portrait mode.
from Camp Point, Il on 5/21/2008
I am using the 580 EX II as a Master with a 550 EX as a slave for a portable portrait setup for school, proms, etc. System worked well first time and everytime
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Bethesda, MD on 4/16/2008
It is more accurate than 580EX and recycle faster, I like the hot shoe quick lock on this one plus battery door has been redesigned and it seems more durable.Have not had any problem with it yet.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from New York on 4/12/2008
I bought the 580EX II, as a companion to my 580EX. I wanted to experiment with remote flash photography using ratio's ect. The Flash has many improvements over the 580EX. The ones I like best are the faster recycle time, the Battery Cover locks, and is better designed than with the 580EX. The Metal Hotshoe is nice, as well as the Flashes locking mechanism, instead of the lock-ring the older flash has. I have a Sto-Fen Omni Bounce for the 580 EX, and it doesn't quite fit the 580EX II, since the 580EX II is slightly larger. (pictures enclosed). I suppose I could jam it on, but I think that would damage the dust resistant seam. Fortunately I also purchased Gary Fongs Lightsphere Cloud, which fits snug.
This is an excellent Flash unit, but if you decide to upgrade from the 580EX, keep in mind, you may have a problem with your old diffuser fitting the new flash.
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from Houston on 4/3/2008
Great recycle time with external battery, Focus assist is right on, new PC connector allows use with radio slaves for off camera use.
from Neptune Beach, FL on 4/2/2008
I'd been using a Speedlite 420EX and was quite unsatisfied with the results, so I thought I'd try the 580EX. It works so much more reliably that I only wish I bought it sooner. The coverage of subjects is much better, from wide angle (with its dispersion panel) to longer range shots. The manual is worth noting as far better than the 420EX, which I found fairly useless. The 580EX manual clearly describes each of its many features, encouraging me to experiment more. Overall while it is more expensive, the added overall quality is well worth it.
from Michigan on 3/20/2008
Best available for an on camera flash. I still dont understand canons alogrhythms to determine exposure, so most of the time it needs to be compensated a couple of stops up. If you shoot canon dont settle for anything other, you wont be disappointed.
from Washington, DC on 3/20/2008
Used with Canon 40D - Great combo! Smooth, fast recycling, easy to use. Would like an on/off switch for use with slave flashes (rather than searching through the menu), but otherwise a great flash.
from Gj?vik Norway on 3/20/2008
I always have the 580 EX II in my photobag.
from Austin, Tx on 3/10/2008
Even if your a beginner this flash can walk you from that point on to becoming a professional...it's awesome!!!
from San Diego on 3/9/2008
I do a lot of low light photography under rapidly changing conditions like special effect stage lighting. The Canon Speedlite 580 has all the conceivable controls and most of them are useless under fire. The field of flash driven by the camera lens focal length is a somewhat useful feature. However, many times I do not want to flash the entire field of view but just the center. I would like to see a pro flash with a single manual lever with two degrees of freedom; one to control field of flash and one to control the power of the flash.
from Las Vegas on 3/6/2008
This flash is truly amazing. I would hands down recommend it.
from Outerbanks,NC on 3/6/2008
I liked this flash unit however it didnt meet up to my Metz expetations
from Wellington, Co on 3/6/2008
This is a great flash that has lots of features.
from San Juan, PR on 3/6/2008
At full automatic work super, when you learn how it work you will get more cool results.
from Naples, Fl. on 2/25/2008
This is an awsome flash but it gets hard to hold in vertical shooting
from San Diego, CA on 2/21/2008
Can't beat Canon Quality here. This is a well designed product that works perfectly.
from Canada on 2/21/2008
I was looking into purchasing a flash for awhile and this is a great deal!
from Mission Viejo Ca. on 2/21/2008
I had the 580EX but i gave it back to my brother in law. Once you worked with flash you can't go back, so I got the 580 EX II.
It is better than the first version, weather sealed,
faster and much better battery door design.
I never used the slave/master option in the first 580EX but on the II it's in the menu some place, a possible step back.
from KC on 2/21/2008
I've used every version of Canon speedlight, and quite frankly resist the temptation to move to the latest "upgrade". With the[...] high resale value of my 580ex, I purchased the II. Wow, it's quieter, quicker and well worth the move.
from Pompano Beach, FL on 2/21/2008
no comment ... excelent
from hayward ca on 2/21/2008
I BEEN USING CANON PRODUCTS FOR OVER 32 YEARS AND IM VERY CONFIDENT WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF MY CANON EQUIPMENT AND I WONT CHANGE IT FOR ANY THING ELSE.
from Lincoln, CA on 2/7/2008
Excellent product from Canon. I bought this to replace my older Canon 580EZ. So far I am very pleased with this product. It simply works and works well with the new digital EOS bodies.
from OMAN on 1/28/2008
This is my first time I use a Canon flash. I have been using NIKON kit for a long time. I just fell in love with this sppedlight. The design is sleek, and the performance is excellent. I use it most of the time on ETTL, and it works great.
As a Nikon Flash user, I just miss the diffuser on this unit.
Can complain from anything else.
Highly recommended
from Stafford, Virginia on 1/23/2008
Excellent flash, easy to set up and easy to use.
from Bahrain on 1/23/2008
I found this flash to work quite well in poorly lit short range portrait environments while using the built-in flash diffuser. Anything further than about 7-10 meters though and you will get a standard telephoto looking image where you can tell it was obvious a flash had been used to try to illuminate something from far away (washed out background highlights, under/overexposure, etc.). If you want great closeups, I highly recommend it.
from Portland, Oregon on 1/22/2008
The controls allow you to quickly dial in any amount of fill-flash. The recycle time is amazing. I use rechargeable batteries and the unit keeps on flashing and flashing and flashing. I put off getting this flash because of the cost but now wish I had gotten it long ago. I use it on the Canon 10D and 40D.
from Denver, CO on 1/21/2008
I bought the 580exII as an upgrade to my 430ex, and was very happy with the result. Where the 430 took its time to recycle the 580 didn't. The amount of power that the flash can produce is astounding, even overwhelming at times. I love the new lock feature, forgoing the screw knob, and the menus are easy to use and laid out well. My only complaint is that it gets a bit heavy after a couple hours of use and defintely weighs more than the 430, but this is not really a downside as much as a personal change for me.
from Waterloo, IA on 1/21/2008
My husband gave me the Canon 430 Speedlite for Christmas and I played with it for a week before deciding that I wanted to upgrade to the 580 EXII. Glad I did. When the 580 Speedlite arrived, I played with it and even compared both speedlites and was very glad to have upgraded. Returned the 430 to the store where he had purchased it and happy to have my 580!
from Enon, OH on 1/21/2008
Use for Portraits
from Baroda, Mi on 1/21/2008
Put it on the camera and off you go. Hugh improvement over the on camera flash. Wish I had bought it sooner. Had a few Christmas pictures that were hopeless.
from Maryyville.TN on 1/21/2008
I use the flash mostly as a fill light with my nature photography
from Adams, MA on 1/21/2008
Hi tech product
from Qld, Australia on 1/21/2008
Well worth the extra cash over the 430. Nice unit.
from Orlando, FL on 1/21/2008
Changing settings is difficult, but it is a good flash. Just wish it were more user friendly.
from rhode island on 1/21/2008
stunning capabilities! i use it mainly for concert work, so the exp comp & man modes are great!
from Berkley, mich. on 1/21/2008
I use with wireless a lot a it works realy great
from Columbia, MO on 1/21/2008
I use two of these units with the speedlite transmitter. It gives me quick control of light balance. The output is impressive and the versatility of flash control is fantastic. The only disappointment so far has been the battery consumption rate.
from NE OK on 1/21/2008
great
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Chicago Phoenix on 11/21/2007
Great flash with excellent range. The new attachment method is an improvement. Special functions are easy to find and use. Works great in pairs for slaving. Recycle time is a big improvement and worth upgrading.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Mamaroneck, NY on 9/27/2007
It's a step up from my 550 EX
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Orlando on 9/26/2007
Bought it with stand and umbrella. Works well with inexpensive Cactus remote shutter release. Great if you need strobe on locations out of power source.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Fort Wayne, Indiana on 9/26/2007
I Love Flash, It works perfect with my EOS 40 D
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Seattle, WA on 9/26/2007
I learned a long time ago to buy quality and cry once. That way, I never have buyer's remorse. This flash may be pricey but, the product does what it is intended to do plus some. I use it with my D20. I've owned many Canon products in my day and they have always performed beyond my expectations. One of the main reasons I like Canon products is ease of use and standardization. I'm loyal to Canon and my pictures are proof of their quality.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Kansas City on 9/25/2007
This is a great strobe for on camera use, but it does have some weak points. Leaving the strobe on for long periods of time while on a shoot will cause the batteries to get hot which will shut down the strobe.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Oslo, Norway on 7/31/2007
Basing flash photography purely on the cameras integrated flash for some months, this purchase was highly necessary and long time coming. The flash has got all the basic functionality you can ask for and lots of additional functionality many of us are not going to use ever, but it's good to know that it's there. I use the flash all the time, my wife however thinks it's too big and too heavy and won't use it.
The size (distance from flash head to lens) is an issue when shooting close-ups. Even with the head tilted down to the max (6-7?) the lower part of the subject might be dark/"shadowy", but that's common physics and does not affect my impression of the flash. Great buy!
[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
I have both 580EX and 580EX II. 580EX II is quieter and faster recharge time.
Metal hot shoe is great especially when you use light box like Gary Fong box. But the head size is lerger than 580 EX. Gary Fong box is snug fit for 580EX but forced fit for the EX II. Other than that, it is perfect!
[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from McMinnville, Oregon on 7/7/2007
One fine flash. I use this flash to controlled set of 430EXs. Works great, E-TTL 2 is flawless with 580EX II. I don't have to change the setting on each slave unless I want to do it manually. I could set ratio for each group. Perfect for solution for me with a studio on the go.
430EX would be a great subtitution if you don't need the master function.
Umh... I think I wet my diaper...
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[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
Essentially the same as the previous 580EX, but faster and more compatible with Canon's DSLRs metering and colorspace. The metal construction with rubber seal is a smart addition.
On full batteries, you can get 1000+ shots with little, if not neglible slow-down in recycling.
This flash has great range. It reaches far with good light. However, like any flash using it at extreme distances can produce undesirable photos.
It is expensive, but you get what you pay for. A good alternative is the 430EX if you don't want to break your bank too badly.