Canon 580 EX II Speedlight

Today we have a Canon 580 EX II flash/speedlight. It is in excellent functional and cosmetic condition.

It is E-TTL capable, can act as the master flash or a slave. A quick internet search will tell you more than I can. It does come with its stand and a case for storage.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II, a versatile and powerful flash unit designed for Canon EOS cameras.

Canon Speedlite 580EX II: An Overview

The Canon Speedlite 580EX II is an advanced external flash that offers significant improvements over its predecessor, the 580EX. Here are the key features and enhancements:

1. Build and Durability:

   • The 580EX II boasts a robust build quality with improved dust and weather sealing. It's designed to withstand challenging shooting conditions.
   • The metal foot provides better stability when mounted on the camera's hot shoe.
   • The locking mechanism ensures secure attachment to the camera.

2. Flash Output and Modes:

   • The flash operates in three primary modes:
     • E-TTL Automatic Mode: This mode uses the camera's light meter to automatically control flash output and exposure. It's great for general shooting.
     • Manual Mode: Allows precise control over flash power. You can set the output level manually.
     • Multi (Stroboscopic) Mode: Useful for creative effects, such as capturing multiple exposures of moving subjects.
   • Flash exposure compensation (FEC) is available in E-TTL mode, allowing you to adjust flash output up to ±3 stops.

3. High-Speed Sync (HSS) and Shutter Curtain Sync:

   • HSS enables you to use the flash at shutter speeds faster than the camera's sync speed (typically 1/200 or 1/250 second).
   • Shutter Curtain Sync allows you to choose whether the flash fires at the beginning or end of the exposure.

4. Zoom Functionality:

   • The 580EX II adjusts its flash coverage angle automatically based on your lens' focal length.
   • You can also manually set the zoom level to match specific shooting scenarios.

5. Wireless Capabilities:

   • The flash can act as a master or slave unit in a wireless setup.
   • When used as a master, it can control other compatible Speedlites wirelessly.
   • Wireless options include:
     • Master Mode: Control other Speedlites.
     • Slave Mode: Receive commands from a master flash.
     • Slave with Remote Release: Trigger the flash remotely.

6. Custom Functions:

   • The 580EX II offers 14 custom functions (C. Fn-00 to C. Fn-13). These allow you to customize various settings, such as flash exposure bracketing, modeling flash, and more.

7. Recycle Times:

   • The flash recycles quickly, allowing for faster consecutive shots.
   • This is especially useful in event photography or situations where you need rapid-fire flash.

8. In-Camera Menu Control:

   • If you're using an EOS 1D Mark III or newer camera, you can access and adjust the flash settings directly through the camera's menu system.

Remember, the Canon Speedlite 580EX II is a workhorse for both on-camera and off-camera flash photography. Whether you're shooting portraits, events, or creative setups, this flash provides reliable performance and versatility.