Strengths: Fast recycling time. Good wide angle coverage.
Summary: Most of my photography is done during the day. I purchased a new digital camera and figured I might as well upgrade my flash. All I want from a flash is what we all want--light on the subject!! The 580 does that quite well! Covering outside gatherings is a piece of cake for this flash! Where the camera's built in flash is ok, the 580 has so much more power that you, the photographer, don't have to move as much (closer) to get good light on your subject. Get out that telephoto lens and knock yourself out! Also, no one wants to wait a long time for the flash to be ready for the next photo, and the 580 is very quick in this regard. It's as though the flash is saying, \"I'm ready. Let's take another photograph!\" I am very pleased with this product and even though Canon has a couple of models below this one, if you are going to go to the expense of a new camera, go for the best and get the 580! Highly recommended!!!
Reviewed by: danvincent on 21-Dec-04Rating:
Strengths: Amazingly fast flash recycle times, compact, light weight, built-in catch light reflector, many professional feature and professional results on full auto. Amazingly long battery life.
Summary: The Canon 580EX flash is far better than I expected! The flash recycle times are amazing. I am glad I spent a little more, it is well worth it. This flash is a great addition to my 20D. I can't stop smiling. The built-in catch light reflector built-in white card to bounce flash) is very much appreciated. Use Pricegrabber.com's Get Pricing Alert feature to save some money. Pricegrabber.com emailed me about a Dell deal that must have been a mistake (price jumped back up the next day to $420 range). I got mine for $361! Pricegrabber.com is my first choice for pricing and picking a company to use. Keep up the great work! Thanks Dan Vincent Zanesville OH
Reviewed by: Raplon on 07-Feb-05Rating:
Strengths: Excellent Coverage. Smaller and lighiter than 550EX
Summary: Excellent dedicated Canon flash. Did side by side comparison with 550EX. Can see noticeble difference in coverage with 580EX having longer coverage. More uniformed light pattern too. Hasn't tested TTL-E II yet, since my current camera doesn't support it. Highly recommended!