Canon Speedlite 580EX II

The Canon Speedlite 580EX II is Canon’s flagship Speedlite for professional photographers within the EX-series flash lineup, succeeding the original 580EX with improved durability, faster recycling, and more reliable communication. It’s fully compatible with all Canon EOS digital SLRs via E-TTL II metering, along with E-TTL and A-TTL compatibility across a wide range of earlier EOS film cameras and select PowerShot models.

The flash offers a guide number of 190 ft. (58m) at ISO 100 and the 105mm zoom position, with a zoom-capable flash head covering 24-105mm (expandable to 14mm equivalent coverage with the built-in wide-angle diffuser and pull-out catch-light bounce card). The flash head offers full 180-degree swivel in either direction along with tilt capability, giving photographers flexible bounce-flash positioning for softer, more directional lighting. An AF-assist beam aligns with the focus points on all EOS camera bodies, supporting arrays of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 45 AF points.

Exposure modes include E-TTL II, E-TTL, and TTL autoflash, along with auto/manual external flash metering, full manual flash control, and stroboscopic (repeating) flash mode. The 580EX II can function as a wireless master, controlling compatible Canon Speedlites, or as a slave unit itself, along with compatibility for Canon’s ST-E2 Wireless Transmitter, giving photographers a flexible, portable off-camera lighting system. White balance information is communicated instantly to compatible digital SLR cameras for more accurate color rendering, and 14 custom flash function settings allow for extensive personalization.

Build quality was comprehensively upgraded on this “II” version, with a metal hot shoe foot for improved rigidity and a more secure locking mechanism, along with dust- and water-resistant gasketed construction designed to match the durability of Canon’s EOS-1D Mark III, letting it be used safely in demanding outdoor conditions alongside weather-sealed L-series lenses. A PC sync socket is also included for connecting non-dedicated slave triggers or studio lighting equipment.

The flash runs on 4 AA batteries (alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable Ni-MH), with a recycle time of approximately 0.1 to 6 seconds and a rating of approximately 100 to 700 flashes per set of fresh alkaline batteries, approximately 20% faster recycling than the original 580EX. It measures approximately 3.0 x 5.3 x 4.5 in. (76 x 134 x 114mm) and weighs approximately 13.2 oz. (375g) without batteries.

Key Features
– Flagship Canon EX-series Speedlite, compatible with all EOS digital SLRs (E-TTL II)
– Guide number of 190 ft. (58m) at ISO 100, 105mm
– Zoom head coverage of 24-105mm (14mm equivalent with wide-angle diffuser)
– Full 180° swivel (either direction) and tilt
– AF-assist beam compatible with 1/3/5/7/9/45-point AF systems
– E-TTL II, E-TTL, TTL autoflash, auto/manual external flash, manual, and stroboscopic modes
– Wireless master and slave capability; compatible with ST-E2 transmitter
– Instant white balance information communication
– 14 custom flash function settings
– Metal hot shoe foot with improved locking mechanism
– Dust- and water-resistant gasketed construction (matches EOS-1D Mark III)
– PC sync socket
– Runs on 4 AA batteries (alkaline, lithium, or Ni-MH)
– Recycle time of approximately 0.1-6 seconds; approximately 100-700 flashes per set
– Approximate weight: 375g (without batteries)