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 an adjustable coverage angle for shooting with lenses with a focal length of 14mm and longer. Replacing the popular Canon Speedlite 550EX, the Speedlite 580EX is superior in many ways and has a number of new features to improve performance with EOS DSLRs. These include colour temperature data transfer for optimised white balance and automatic zoom position adjustment to best match the sensor size of the camera the flash is connected to.

The Speedlite 550EX's circuitry has been redesigned to reduce recycling time by approximately 25%. The bright, three-LED focus assist beam is compatible with all focus points in all EOS systems, including the new 9-point AF system in the EOS 20D. It offers improved exposure stability with an error of just ±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. A locking button provides easy control of the angle of the bounce head. 14 custom functions can be set for quick access to frequently used parameters. With high power and short recycling times, the flash is lightweight and compact. The new 180-degree bounce head allows shooting in vertical format – both left- and right-handed. A built-in retractable reflector is provided for portrait shooting.

Systemic outbreak

The Speedlite 580EX 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. The flash can work as a wireless master for compatible remote flash units (with up to four channels and three slave groups), or as a slave unit to other Speedlites or transmitters such as the ST-E2.

White balance compensation

Minor changes in flash voltage and brightness can throw off the white balance of adjacent frames during continuous shooting. The Speedlite 580EX compensates for this by transmitting color temperature information from the flash to the camera. The camera then uses this information to optimize the white balance for each frame. This feature works when the camera is set to auto white balance or flash shooting mode.

Adjustment to sensor size

When mounted on the latest EOS digital cameras, such as the EOS-1D Mark II or EOS 20D, the Speedlite 580EX receives the sensor size (full-frame, APS-C or APS-H) from the camera¹. The flash zoom position is automatically adjusted, optimising illumination and reducing power consumption for each shot. The Speedlite 580EX delivers an even light output across the entire zoom range.

Functional richness 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 power adjustment (22 levels).

New battery pack

Designed for professionals, the new CP-E3 ultra-compact battery significantly reduces charging time and increases the number of shots to approximately 432 before changing the battery². The grip accepts optional quick-change magazines that hold 8 AA batteries before shooting, enabling quick battery changes when the moment is most important. The CP-E3 battery grip is also compatible with the Speedlite 550EX, MR-14EX and MT-24EX flashes.

New L-shaped bracket holder

The new optional SB-E1 Flash Bracket allows the flash to be mounted on the side of the camera. Designed specifically for press and wedding photographers, it eliminates harsh, unnatural shadows that can appear on one side of the subject when shooting vertically with the flash mounted on top of the camera. The flash battery can be changed without removing the flash from the bracket.