Canon EX-series Speedlites

Canon Speedlite 580EX II

The popular Speedlite 580EX Flash has been replaced by the new Speedlite 580EX II Flash, which features a host of improvements, including a metal hot shoe with an improved locking mechanism for added durability, an external metering sensor for non-TTL automatic flash exposure control and a PC socket for use with non-dedicated slave triggers. Fully compatible with all EOS SLRs, the Speedlite 580EX II is gasketed for dust and moisture resistance, making it possible for users of EOS-1 class digital SLRs and many L-series EF lenses to use flash safely when shooting in dusty or wet environments.

Approximately 20% faster recycling time compared to 580EX
Superior evenness of exposure, center to corner of frame
Superior build quality, including a metal foot for higher rigidity
Maximum Guide No. 190 (feet) / 58 (meters) at 105mm setting
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-resistance and water-resistance to match the EOS-1D Mark III

E-TTL II Auto Flash System

The Speedlite 580EX II flash is compatible with Canon's E-TTL II (Evaluative Through The Lens) auto exposure technology. When combined with a compatible Canon camera, E-TTL II utilizes subject distance and other information that automatically modifies flash power, resulting in accurate flash exposure regardless of subject size, reflectance, or photographic composition. This is great news for photographers that shoot high contrast or reflective subjects, like those encountered in wedding photography. Photographers can capture every detail from the black of tuxedoes to the white of wide smiles and wedding dresses.

Designed for Digital SLRs

The Speedlite 580EX II flash is compatible with all film and digital EOS cameras as well as G-series and Pro-1 PowerShot digital cameras. The 580EX II flash can auto-compensate for the size of the CMOS sensor, and zoom the flash head automatically to match the effective focal length conversion. This feature allows the Speedlite 580EX II flash to maximize the efficiency of its light distribution and produce more flashes from a set of batteries. When used with compatible EOS digital SLR cameras, the flash and camera communicate to make fine adjustments to auto white balance by electronically monitoring the charge level of the batteries and the duration of each flash burst, resulting in consistently accurate color for every shot.

Flexibility

The Speedlite 580EX II Flash features an AF-assist beam, which is now better matched to the different focusing point arrangements of various EOS SLRs, compared to earlier models. The unit includes a swiveling flash head that turns a full 180 degrees in both directions, while a single release lock controls tilt and swivel adjustments. A built-in wide-angle diffuser covers focal lengths as short as 14mm. The flash also features a new catchlight reflector for optimal lighting quality during bounce-flash photography.

Wireless Transmitter Function

The Speedlite 580EX II includes a built-in wireless transmitter (master unit) enabling it to control other 580EX II and 420EX Speedlites as slave units for main, fill and background lighting.

Other Features

Other features include an AF-Assist Beam with 2 emitting units lined up which automatically fires in low-light and low-contrast situations to assist the camera's auto focusing system.

Flash exposure control system, wireless flash control with multiple Speedlites, and even distribution of light over the zoom range are retained. One new function is the expanded range of the AF-assist beam, compatible with all EOS AF cameras, including the EOS 20D. Left-right 180º bounce, one-touch bounce lock release, and improved controllability for greater exposure stability are among the upgraded functions.

Choice of Power Sources

For external power supply options, Canon is offering a new external power pack called the Compact Battery Pack CP-E3. This battery pack reduces full power recycling time from about six to 1.7 seconds and increases the number of full-power flashes per charge from approximately 100 to 432. The Speedlite 580EX II is also fully compatible with Canon's Transistor Pack E.

Specifications

Max. Guide Number:: 190 ft/ 58m (ISO 100)
Custom Functions:: 14
Power Supply: 4 AA-size batteries (alkaline, lithium, or Ni-MH)
Terminal for external power source
Recycling Time: Approx. 0.1 - 5 sec. (4 AA-size alkaline batteries)
Flashes Per Charge: Approx. 100 - 700 (4 AA-size alkaline batteries)
Dimensions: 3.0" x 5.4" x 4.6" (76 x 137 x 117mm) excluding dustproof/water-resistant adapter
Weight:: 14.3 oz. (405g) excluding batteries

Canon Speedlite Flashes
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