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: Amazing
Summary: 5 Stars
After using a Canon 380, 550, and 430 flashes I am truly amazed by the recharge speed, brightness, consistency of color temperature, and number of flashes from a set of batteries on this flash. It is a steep investment, but well worth the money because nothing else compares to this flash. I shoot it with a pocketwizard TT1/TT5/AC3/AC7 with a brolly box (umbrella octobox looking thing) and it gives me a light pattern as consistant and bright as a studio strobe. Use external battery pack, and it just keeps on working for hours of shooting.Digital camera Review: Amazing Flash
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a first flash for me, so I can't compare them against others. However, I can say it is what you could expect from Canon. High quality, superb build, lots of options and long battery life. (I use the 2500 rechargeable batteries, and they seem to last quite a while).
There's quite a few manual features, along with ETTL settings, so it's good for novice strobists like me who can use it nearly right out of box and grow into it over time.
I'm using this with my Canon 40d.
Also received this item in only one working day and took advantage of the Canon rebate program, so it was relatively cheap AND fast. Thanks Amazon!
=======UPDATE ======
Been using these for over a year now and since then, I have purchased a second one. I mainly use them on manual mode so I can't speak about the ETTL, but they're amazing. Planning on a third one as soon as another good rebate pops up.
Digital camera Review: Amazing Flash!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Great Flash - upgraded from 420EX. Extremely fast cycle time, easy positioning, very quiet operation!!!Digital camera Review: Amazing addition to your kit
Summary: 5 Stars
The 580EX II makes an unbelievable difference in your shots. Period.
I was under the impression that natural light was the way to go with DSLR and bought lenses accordingly, f/2.8 and below. And aperture does indeed make a tremendous difference in capturing light and creating bokeh. But for freezing movement, adding fill light (even in brightly lit scenes) and creating/shaping light for dramatic effect, the 580EX II is unmatched.
On-camera, the height of the 580EX physically moves it further from your lens than any other flash, lessening harsh shadows. The 360-degree swivel allows you to bounce the light off ceilings and walls for even softer diffusion, light shaping, and more natural shadowing than any built-in--or the much-cheaper, non-swivel 270EX (which in my opinion should not even be considered if you're looking to upgrade).
I've taken to using this flash almost full-time, even in bright sunlight. Its ability to quickly change in intensity from full power to (if I remember correctly) 1/320th power with a twist of the dial means I can add just the right amount of light. This is where the 580EX is heads above the others. Because the 580EX has stronger full-power and quicker recycle time than other flashes in the lineup, I can light more consecutive shots, in darker settings, capture shots from further away, and use directional light in rooms with higher ceilings, than ever before. And even in natural light, I can add just enough light to keep backlit subjects from being underexposed. With a flash you can always keep your shutter speed between roughly 1/60 and 1/250, and you'll eliminate most motion-blur or camera-shake.
Once you get adventurous, take this flash off-camera and you can really get creative. For line-of-sight work, the infrared transmitter will talk to higher-end Canon bodies and even other flashes as a "master." But I went the affordable route and got some dirt-cheap $20 radio transmitters that let me position the flash around corners, inside boxes, basically anywhere within 100 feet of the camera. This is where I really started seeing some cool shots happening, as shadows and light are directed independently of your camera's position.
My only words of caution: This is the heaviest flash you can buy. For me the weight makes no difference even hand-holding, but you should consider your needs if you're shooting on-camera (in that case the 430EX might be better). Also, the learning curve for full comprehension of this device may take a bit of time if you really want to master the scope of features. But really, once you figure out how to dial the intensity, you've learned 70% of what you need. I would also recommend a diffuser cap for (cheaply) softening the light even more. After you've mastered the basics, a softbox will further diffuse and shape light for dramatic effect. And buy some cheap radio transmitters, they'll make all the difference.
Digital camera Review: Amazing flash with only ONE step backwards...
Summary: 4 Stars
LOVE this flash.. it's fast, SILENT! (except for zoom head motor), and the metal foot with quick lock is a godsend. However, the ONE and only thing that kept this from being 5 stars is something that may not effect all of you. The way you switch from normal, to master, to slave has gone from a lightning quick dedicated lever, to a rather annoying push and hold for 2 seconds then rotate dial process. Sounds like I am a whiner.. no?? BUT I myself shoot weddings and use 2 other Canon speedlights as slaves and sometimes I need to switch in and out of master/regular mode many times and very quickly. Hopefully Canon will go back to a lever next time..If you don't need the silent operation and weather proofing I would recommend getting the original 580ex, which has the same exact power output.