Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras

Manufacturer:	Canon
List price:	~~$479.99~~
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Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras

Average rating: Stars

Far more than I'd expected

Sad as it is to say, I'm a techno geek who obviously lost touch with photo technology. Although I joined the digital photography pack far ahead of most, I didn't go all out until recently and purchased a Canon EOS 20D. It became the Chinese proverbial "Ivory Chopstick". I therefore began spending money wantonly to make this camera capable of doing what I was capable of doing (accessory-wise) with my old Canon AE-1 and Pentax ME Super. Knowing I was headed for a trip to Japan and would be photographing festivals (especially participants) at night I decided to purchase a "real" flash rather than use the built-in due to power concerns.

After toying with the 420EX as an option I still decided to purchase the 580EX and not be "sorry" later on. When the flash arrived and I began to play around with it, I noticed a grin on my face over and over, in fact I think I was embarrassing myself by, even in my own mind, looking like the "village idiot" sitting alone in my study.

I had expected this flash to be a power boost with some capabilities I would never use...still may be true...but I was indeed surprised at its capabilities. The last flash I purchased was a National that I picked up in Japan about 20 years ago. It was a great flash, macro sensor, power, etc.

Even though I am familiar with, and even drive, computer technology, I had obviously dropped off the edge of the world on the photo technology side.

I am amazed at the ability to so cleanly take a picture with *this* flash on the camera and not need to adjust anything on either the camera or flash. In E-TTL mode the flash emits any one of three lined patterns (I call them vertical lines, super tic-tac-toe, and Excel spreadsheet) that makes focusing a breeze. In a completely dark room I can point my camera, with this flash attached, at any location, using any of the focus points, and press the shutter release. I get a beautifully lighted picture that is not washed out and is perfectly focused.

This just means I now want to buy the ST-E2 and a couple of additional 420EX's to make a complete system that would be easier to manage than my monolights.

Very cool!

Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras - Canon

Expensive but worth it

The 580EX is expensive you won't have a choice if you are using a Digital Rebel XT. The old 420EX and 380EX just didn't give the correct exposure (too dark). The flashes just didn't talked to the Digital Rebel XT properly and bounce ceiling shot wasn't strong enough.

Since buying this flash, 90% of the flash pics are properly exposure. Fewer missed shots (faster cycling). Considering the flash will last 10 years or longer, it is a worthwhile investment.

Canon - Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash for Canon EOS SLR Cameras

Leave the 420EX at home - this is IT!

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 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!

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