Product Description

Further development of Canon's flagship Speedlite has led to the production of the 580 EX II. This is the premier Speedlite for all photographers, including professionals. Newly designed to match with the EOS-1D Mark III in terms of improved dust- and water-resistance, body strength, and the ability to control flash functions and settings from the camera menu (EOS-1D Mark III only). Other features include improved communication reliability through its direct contacts, and recycling time is both 20% shorter than the 580EX and is completely inaudible.

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 1946B002
• Released on: 2007-05-10
• Dimensions: 4.00" h x 5.00" w x 8.00" l, 4.00 pounds

Features

• E-TTL operation with all EOS digital SLRs; PowerShot G2, G3, G5, G6, and Pro1; and the following EOS film cameras - EOS-1v, EOS-3, Elan 7N series, Elan 7 series, Elan II series, Rebel T2, Ti, K2, GII, G. / TTL operation with all other 35mm EOS SLRs, and Canon T90
• Guide Number 190 (at ISO 100, feet) / 58 (meters); flash head at 105mm zoom setting
• About 100 to 700 Flashes with fresh AA-size alkaline batteries / Uses Four AA-size batteries - alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable Ni-MH usable (we advise using optional rechargeable batteries for long lasting service)
• AutoFocus Assist Beam
• Fourteen Speedlite Custom Functions built-in; set on Speedlite's LCD panel

Manufacturer Description
Further development of Canon's flagship Speedlite has led to the production of the 580 EX II. This is the premier Speedlite for all photographers, including professionals. Newly designed to match with the EOS-1D Mark III in terms of improved dust- and water-resistance, body strength, and the ability to control flash functions and settings from the camera menu (EOS-1D Mark III only). Other features include improved communication reliability through its direct contacts, and recycling time is both 20% shorter than the 580EX and is completely inaudible.

Speedlite 580EX II Flash Highlights

• Approximately 20 percent 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
• Full swivel, 180 degrees in either direction
• AF-assist beam, compatible with all AiAF points on every EOS SLR
• Dust- and water- resistance to match the EOS-1D Mark III

Customer Reviews

Canon quality
The 580 EX is a great product! Easy to use and gives great results. if you are thinking about getting one, do it! You won't be sorry.

Permanent Accessory to my camera!
This flash is incredible! I pair it with a Gary Fong LightSphere & it is the most natural 'artificial light' you could ever wish for without the hassle of studio lighting! You can basically mount it and turn it on, producing wonderful results... But with a little homework to learn the many features available on this flash, you can create wonderful lighting effects! Worth the investment!

A great flash, but make sure this is what you need.
Bigger is not always better. The more you pay for a piece of camera equipment does not necessarily mean you will get more out of it than a less expensive alternative. These are two axioms that I wish I could learn someday, but I guess some lessons have to be learned the hard way.

This is a great flash, don't get me wrong. It's a 5 star flash--if it is what you need. I bought this thinking it was what I needed but as it turns out it is too big and too powerful for me. It is extremely large, powerful, and top-heavy. I sold it back on the used market and picked up a 430ex which comes in at almost half the price. The 430ex is also around half the weight/size but still packs a good 60-80% wallup of the 580ex II. For me, this has been ideal. The 430ex provides enough flash but not too bright, and it isn't top-heavy or attention-grabbing like the gigantic 580ex II.

If you are going to be photographing celebrities, people who are far away from your camera, or other situations which call for a very powerful flash then this is the flash for you. If you are looking for more of a wedding or cocktail party flash, then I believe the 430ex is the flash. It is hard to tell from the pictures just how different the sizes of the two flashes are, so I didn't know the 430ex was such an ideal size compared to the 580ex II.

While I can't say anything bad about this flash, just take another hard look at the 430ex unless you know you need some serious flash-power.