Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras by Canon
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Digital camera reviews of Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras
Digital camera Review: After one week of use, using to replace the 430EX flash
Summary: 5 Stars
After using the 430EX for over a year, and realizing that it's hardly ever powerful enough except for a fairly close, straight-on shot, finally broke down and bought this and may use the 430 as a slave, which is extremely easy to do. And I have not been disappointed - this 580EX II is plenty powerful to enable bounce flash off the ceiling, including a relatively high ceiling. Also bought the Sto-Fen diffuser which I will use in some situations, but in many indoor situations just pointing this unit at the ceiling will work just fine. And if some adjustment is needed, the flash exposure compensation setting is as simple as pushing a button and dialing in the adjustment, takes about 1 second. Several upgrades from the 430EX, notably the metal hot shoe vs plastic, the locking lever instead of screw-down mechanism, battery access is a bit easier, and the menu seems simpler but not sure why at this point. It also has a white bounce-card which pulls up right behind the wide-angle screen, nice addition and good idea. Really wish I had purchased this one to begin with, instead of the 430EX - well worth the money difference!
Also - Amazon had the best price, beating some by as much as $80, hard to believe! Received promptly, although I don't think it should have shipped regular USPS as it did for regular shipping - didn't know they did that until too late, but it worked out okay.
Digital camera Review: After you buy your new Canon EOS, this is the next thing you need!
Summary: 5 Stars
It seems nearly crazy to spend $400 for a flash - but after you learn about this, it takes your flash pictures to a whole new level. Bounce flash with TTL, just amazing. Add a Gary Fong Lightsphere to the flash and you will have near studio quality photos that is portable. This is a powerful flash that you won't regret owning. Built solid - it will last for years. If you are serious about your photography, the Speedlite 580EX is a no-brainer. It is an amazing flash. Has a built-in remote too.Digital camera Review: All I can say is, "Wow"
Summary: 5 Stars
I have a rebel XT and three non-L lenses, the 75-300, 50 1.8, and the 17-85 IS. I have read all over that a good flash is better than any two or three lenses. I now see what they mean. I was always "happy" not "ecstatic" with the pictures I had taken in the past. (Close to 30,000 on this body BTW) I always shied away from using the on board flash because it is so AWFUL when it comes to quality. This lead me to using the larger apertures on the lenses I have, and the higher ISO settings to get the exposure I want. Well, lenses aren't at their sharpest when full open. Enter 580EXII. Set it on manual exposure, dial in 100 ISO, 1/100 f8 and shoot away. This gets the lenses comfortably into the middle of their aperture range for their peak sharpness. This also gets you to your lower ISO ranges where the (Already Low) sensor noise is minimized. It is a thing of beauty. I took it on out first Disney cruise, and in a variety of conditions it excelled. I can almost believe there is a little professional photographer inside there making sure my exposure is correct every time. The bounce flash works like a charm. Any time there is a ceiling within 12 feet or so, it will work beautifully. Only issue I have seen is bizarrely decorated ceilings with lots of wood and figuring (think Disney ship level of decorations) or blacked out ceilings. These both can cut the reflection level to a point of uselessness. The bounce reflector does a good job of setting up a catch light. I am thoroughly amazed by the small nuclear detonation that this flash puts out with a +3 flash exposure set. I have no doubt to its power claims. the focusing aid is almost worth the price alone. I can take a picture in thee FULL dark, with no epileptic flashing from the on-board flash, with instant focusing lock and perfect exposure. Incredible. I have not had a chance to use any of the advanced stuff like the wireless, external battery supply, or PC cord.
Problems:
First one isn't really a problem, it is a big flash. You knew that going into this, but there is no denying that it is a big flash. If you are used to holding the camera by the zoom/focus ring on your lens while carrying, it is going to flop around from the weight of the flash.
Does not degrade well when the batteries get low. It has no visible battery meter either. It just starts behaving erratically. Not flashing, not going into ETTL mode. It would be nice if it just shut off, or flashed the word "battery" or something on the LCD
If you plan to use the custom functions, you better have the manual handy because they are labeled "Custom Function 5" and that is all the help you get on what it does.
Overall, I LOVE this flash.
Update: 8/31/2010
Guess what? This flash is not gravity proof! While at a photo shoot, a rogue gust of wind tipped the light stand and umbrella with flash over onto concrete. No flashie anymore. I opened it up to see what had happened. The bulb had snapped in half. I think to myself, buy new bulb, internet is a big place.... Alas, no. The 580EXii does not have a replaceable bulb, it is soldered in place, and not for sale. Ahh well, a $120 trip back to canon resolved the issue. I must say they were very fast about it.
I still LOVE the flash. I have had the occasion to use its wireless functionality with other canon 580EXii's and it works pretty well.. Full ETTL control. You have to be a little careful about getting them to see each other, and the range is only 30 feet or so out in the sun. Its a LOT cheaper than a whole set of pocket wizards, and more reliable than "pocket change wizards" (ebay wireless triggers)
RAD
Digital camera Review: Almost impossible to believe
Summary: 5 Stars
Its a flash that works very well with fairly close poorly lit subjects. Some shots seem better than my day light shots.
Not so hot on poorly lit subjects farther away, shots look like what you would expect from a flash, which is what it is only a flash, not a flood light:)
Digital camera Review: Am Pleased
Summary: 4 Stars
Always wanted 580, but was not sure from where to buy. last i decided to go to amazon. and i finded it with some of bonus items. price was much agreeable coz in my country the price is around $600, no bonuses. I love the result and would like to buy some more items in future.