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. Optional External power supply - compatible with Dust- and water- Resistant External Power Pack, Canon battery pack CP-E3 and Transistor Pack E Unit Dimensions - 3.0 x 5.3 x 4.5 inches /76 x 134 x 114mm; Weight - 13.2 oz./375g, without batteries (4 AA alkaline batteries add 3.5 oz./100g)

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 1946B002
• Released on: 2007-05-10
• Dimensions: 3.40" h x 4.40" 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

Hurting for Cash?
If I new then what I know now, I would have bought the Canon for twice the price. The Sigma sounds great but is not reliable. It is not 100% compatable. Error signs for no reason! The instruction manual is ridiculous (very very brief). Even my Flash Photo instructor could not figure it out. At least Canon has a book! If you are hurting for cash and need a flash this may be a reasonable purchase. It does have tons of options. To be fair, I have not tried the Canon Flash. Who knows, it may have problems too.

The BEST!!!
580EX II possibly the best flash I ever owned,very powerful. Great fire power with excellent controls and weather seal. The only thing that I wasn't happy about it ----too heavy!!

Great and Pricy Flashgun
I have been using a Sigma flash before that and I wasn't sure if this flash would improve a lot.

I did take the bite in the end and bought the 580EX and have to say that this flash is amazing. Not just the better ETTL function, but the variety of options that lets your creativity more playground is great.

Also the build quality of this flash is much better than the Sigma. the hotshoe as well as the body have a much sturdier feel.

Using a diffuser (I have the Gary Fong Cloud Dome) still adds more quality to this flashes light, but all in all this product is great.

I am not giving it 5 stars because of the price tag. Quality comes at a premium and this is how the world rocks, I know, but for Hobby Photographers the price is quiet steep

ps: For those considering a Sigma flash... if you cannot afford the price of the 580EX, then go for the Sigma. The ETTL is pretty good there as well. The build is pretty good too. The battery usage on both flashes is about the same. The 580EX will give you a wider spectrum of possibilities if you can afford it. Shooting without a flash if you can is much better in any case though :D