Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Easy to use for any level of the photographer. Beginner or Professional. Great product!

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

I use this Flash with My Canon XSI its great, a lot of power, quick recharge. I use it to photograph my 5 month year old, it's great to angle the light away from baby's eyes. Great for parties were there's not too much light available.

One Con a little Heavy for a lightweight camera. Takes a little time to get used to.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Continuously provides nearly perfect lighting in all situations. It will cover a large range not only in aperture but also long distances. It is idiot proof when set in auto so anyone will get nearly perfect lighting.
I would highly recommend this flash to anyone with the deep pockets to purchase it as it's price is it's only real downside, but then you do get an outstanding product and value for your investment.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Flash worked perfectly at a dark indoor wedding. Flash is very bright and light up the room allowing me to photograph subject 20-30 feet away very nicely.

You will not go wrong with this flash. It makes the most out of your camera.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Used as a fill flash for a highschool football team's 50th reunion, With the sun behind the group in order to keep the scoreboard in the picture, lighting was going to be tricky but this flash made the difference. I've also used it at a couple low light in-door events as well. It's a very powerful and capable flash.

One small consideration: When using it as a bounce flash, it would be nice to have a seperate fill-flash option in front, but that's no big deal.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

I have nothing bad to say about this flash. It has more than enough power to light my subject even when using my Canon 70-200 2.8L at the long end. It does have a learning curve but if anyone has spent the time and effort learning how to use their DSLR then they should be more than willing to put the effort into learning how to use this flash. The results will be well worth it. And for those who just want to attach it to the hot shoe and fire away, it will still improve your photography to such a degree that you'll wonder why you waited so long to add this flash to your kit. Buy it. Buy it now.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

I would recommend it highly.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

This is my first external flash purchase and I choose this because of the wide range of features (vs the 430 ex) so that I can learn the max about flash photography. Though on the heavy side, it is impressive with what it can do.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Excellent flash with lots of capabilities to meet everyone's needs. Top of the line. It does add quite a bit of weight to your setup, though.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Only been using it for a couple of weeks. Flash is much better than the on camera flash. Just need to play around with the angle and bounce to get a perfect picture.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Quicker recycling time is good for the semi=pro.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Not all upgrades are equal, that's more than the case with the 580ex II. Its quiet, the improved recycle time is noticable and the medal foot is something that should have been in the 580 series from the start. I am a sports photographer and this is a must have. I'll be using this as the master and a 430ex as the slave, to help create more even lighting throughout the shots. If you are serious about your work, you need to have this in your bag.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Easy to use and great results.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

love this flash. but its a little heavy

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Fill in shadows and low spots. Adjustable to maintain texture of backgrounds.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

I had a 430ex before I bought this, I couldn't see what would be such a big diff. between the 2 to warrant the price difference, but I'm really glad I got it now and see why it is more: it does a whole lot more! Starting with the body and construction everything is solid and there are nice extras like the PC conn. socket and the pull out fill card. The easy lock foot is great as well.
The menus are pretty easy to navigate, the one complaint I have on the Canon flashes in general is I would love a little more description in the menus and such on the LCD screen, sometimes I need to have my manual with me to figure out what custom function does what and so forth but not a big negative.
So far power has been more than adequate and I have enjoyed using the master/slave configuration to create some interesting portraits and effects. The ability to adjust the ratio of A:B is something I didn't realize it had until I got it, and boy is it great. Probably the best function of all.
I am really happy with the 580ex, now I just need a couple more!

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

I'm still learning to use it and it only gets better

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

It is great if you do not want shadows from your regular fill flash. the bounce feature is great and you don't have to worry about a dark backgroud. I am still playing around with all the features that I am sure I will grow into. So far so good. I am happy with this purchase. No regrets! I thought about getting the 480 ex but read all the reviews about getting the 580 ex and I am glad I did. My pictures are awesome!

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

I have two of the 580EXIIs and an older 550EX. At events I often setup two of these on lightstands with diffusers to provide general illumination and then use another on camera for fill and to trigger the others via the built in wireless feature. This used to be very complex to do and using the controls on the back of the flash is a bit awkward and confusing, however with newer Canon DSLRs almost all the flash programming can be done from the camera itself which makes it much easier.

From recent reading of Nikon's flash products, they seem to have a few really nice extra features that Canon doesn't offer, but until they do this is still probably the best flash for any Canon system

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Mainly used for portraits.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

I use it in conjunction with my Gary Fong Lightsphere. This has been an amazing product.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

I have used this flash many times since my purchase. I am very happy with the results. Not inexpensive but worth the price.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Outstanding unit. Works very well with my XSI camera. Very relalible.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Useful in almost every situation. Only drawback is its weight.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Great flash for grandchildren sports, especially basketball. I am enjoying using the flash and learning all it will do.
No negatives yet and I don't expect to find any.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

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Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

We love to use a set of 2 with umbrellas for weddings. They are easy to transport. We get great results.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

I really like the improvements made over the 550EX that I have used in the past. The locking lever on the mounting foot is soooo much nicer than using a little dial. Add to that the faster refresh, silent operation (no constant beeping as the capacitor tops off), and weather sealing and this flash is a winner.

The control interface is also quite easy to use, particularly for anyone used to the rear control wheel on the xxD and higher EOS models.

I've had great results with this unit on both my 1D2 and 40D.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

It's a great flash for the money.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

alot better upgrade from version1
silent recycle
much more durable metal mount

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

I have this mated with a Canon DSLR Rebel XSi camera, I took 5 shots as fast as I could hit the button and the camera and flash responded quickly. I like using it in the church as the capability of the flash covers the auditorium quite well. I did get the reccommended NiMH batteries (2700mah) which makes the recycle faster. Pictures look natural. For my use, this may have been a little over kill, but I like the coverage on the auditorium shots for church events. I would reccommend this to anyone who wants a bit more flash'

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Took a while to purchase this flash but it works great on my 40D from the up grade from my 550 flash

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

This is a great flash, and easy to use. It transformed my Canon G9 into an even better camera. Can you believe that?
Very expensive, but worth the investment, if quality pictures are important.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

I´m from the 60´s when flash was a no, no. There is nothing that come close to natural light. But with the Speedlite 580 EX II set to fill I have a better control of natural lighting - and with the rechargable batteries it is really fast. I love it!
//Janolof Fritze

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

portraits,weddings,fill flash, animal portraits, sports, comercial
Versatility and light strengh.
Not able to track battery level.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Great flash to be used from general photography to professional. due to its ease of use its perfect for beginners too. I used it as stand alone and for master and slave with other canon flash for night photography and the clarity was as if pictures were taken under soft sunlight.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

It's a great flash,i bought it for my 450D,it provides nice and warm light,i would recommend it to anyone.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

One of the best, if not the best flash for Canon. Certainly the most powerful dedicated flash available, you need never worry about having enough "oomph". I would highly recommend some type of diffuser.

Quick, quiet, and a quick lock foot make this a very nice flash to use. It also comes with a handy little foot for off camera use.

The only problems I have are the weight, little it is not, and the almost infinite array of menu options can be confusing at times. Expensive, but you certainly get what you pay for.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

Ease of use for the advanced photographer as well as the beginner.

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

great easy to use product

Comments about Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras:

I use the product for fill and in some cases primary light. I am a natural light photog for the most part but this product helps me when conditions are not appropriate.