Canon Speedlite 580EX

• AF illuminator: Consistent with up to 45 focus points, ranging from 0.6m to 10m
• Synchronization modes: fast shutter speeds (high-speed sync, FP mode), slow shutter speeds, second curtain shutter
• Automatic shutdown after 1.5 minutes of rest
• Stroboscopic mode: up to 100 pulses, with a frequency of 1 to 199 Hz.
• Modeling light: a series of pulses for 1 sec. with a frequency of 70 Hz.
• Exposure compensation +/-3 EV in 1/3 steps, with auto bracketing

Canon's most powerful flash now has a guide number of 58 (m/ISO 100 at 105mm) and adjustable flash coverage for shooting with lenses as short as 14mm. Replacing the popular Canon Speedlite 550EX, the Speedlite 580EX outperforms it in many ways and comes with a number of new features to improve performance with EOS digital SLR cameras. These include the transmission of colour temperature data to optimize white balance, and auto zoom position adjustment to best match the sensor size of the camera the flash is attached to.

Electrical modifications to the Speedlite 550EX have reduced the recharge time by approximately 25%. The bright 3-LED focus assist beam is compatible with all focus points on all EOS systems, including the new EOS 20D 9-point AF System. The device provides increased exposure stability with an error of only ±0.3 stops.

New features and full control

The intuitive, ergonomic interface features a new dial for quick and direct control of settings such as exposure compensation. The release button provides easy control of the head angle for shooting in reflected light. 14 custom functions can be set for quick access to frequently used parameters. With high output and short recycle time, the flash is light and compact. The new 180-degree bounce head lets you shoot vertically, either left-handed or right-handed. For portrait shooting, a built-in retractable reflector is provided.

System Flash

The Speedlite 580EX flash is a key component of flash systems for analogue and digital SLR cameras. It is fully compatible with the distance-linked E-TTL II system in the latest EOS cameras. This flash can work both as a wireless master for compatible remote flashes (with a maximum of four channels and three slave groups) and as a slave for other Speedlites or transmitters such as the ST-E2.

White balance compensation

Slight changes in flash voltage and brightness may upset the white balance of adjacent frames when shooting continuously. The Speedlite 580EX compensates for this effect by transmitting colour temperature information from the flash to the camera. The camera based on it optimizes the white balance for each frame. This function works when the camera is set to auto white balance mode or flash mode.

Sensor Size Adjustment

When fitted to the latest EOS digital cameras such as the EOS-1D Mark II or EOS 20D, the Speedlite 580EX receives the sensor size value (full frame, APS-C or APS-H) from the camera¹. The flash zoom position is automatically adjusted to optimize lighting for each shot and reduce power consumption. The Speedlite 580EX flash fires evenly across the entire zoom range.

Functionality and full control

Flash functions include first and second curtain sync, flash exposure bracketing (FEB), exposure compensation (± 3 stops in 1/3-stop increments), and manual flash output (22 levels).

New battery pack

Designed for professionals, the new ultra-compact CP-E3 battery noticeably reduces charging time and increases the number of shots without changing the battery² to approximately 432. The pack accepts optional quick-swap magazines that are loaded with 8 AA-size cells before shooting to ensure quick battery swapping – when capturing the moment is critical. The CP-E3 battery pack is also compatible with the Speedlite 550EX, MR-14EX and MT-24EX.

New L-bracket holder

The new optional SB-E1 Flash Bracket allows you to mount the flash on the side of the camera. Designed specifically for photographers shooting for the press or at weddings, it eliminates harsh unnatural shadows that can appear on one side of the subject when shooting in vertical format with a top-mounted flash on the camera. The flash battery can be replaced without removing the flash from the bracket.