theuerkorn's Full Review: Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash
While pretty much all professional cameras require an external flash, most consumer and "prosumer" grade cameras have one built in. So why spend any money on an external design like the (admittedly pricey) 580EX II? Well, the answer is in the pictures and if your integrated flash looks great to you it may not be all that necessary (until you discover what it could look like). The Speedlite 580EX II is Canon's most advanced model to date and packs a lot of functionality. It's expensive, but worth the money, especially when taking advantage of current street pricing of $400.
SPEEDLITE 580EX vs 580EX II
As both versions are E-TTL II capable, the difference is relatively obvious in the design with the 580EX II being slightly more bulky and a few more sensor integrated in the now smooth front face. The sensors add external metering which allows to simply define aperture and shutter in the camera and let the flash decide the exposure based on those numbers and the reflected light caught by the sensor instead of the TTL system in the camera.
The power switch design changed to the new signature rocker as found in most new Canon dSLRs, but more important is that the Master / Slave functionality is now configured via the menu only instead of the dedicated switch in the 580EX. Yet, even more important might be the technology update that turns the 580EX II into a very quiet flash that also recycles about 20% faster (without much noise).
The 580EX II is the first flash to be fully weather sealed and the rubber elements where normally plastic parts join with a gap certainly give the function away, if not the rubberized tilt/pivot button should provide enough of a hint. The hotshoe sealing is new too, though only functional with 1D and the new EOS 40D. Along with the rubberized shroud for the hotshoe, the quick lock is a bit more obvious and a simply quarter-turn will lock or release the flash securely.
IN A NUTSHELL
The Speedlite 580EX II is Canon's most powerful flash and also the most expensive one with roughly $500. For this money, the user gets not only more reach but also a remote control for up to three groups of slave flashes and additional functionality like modeling flash and FEB (flash exposure bracketing).
Bounce flash and fill light are a huge advantage over the built-in flash of any camera and red eye is not only reduced but eliminated. The 580EX II allows to turn the head a full 180 degree in both directions and swivel 90 degree up and 7 degree down. This forms a coverage in form of slightly more than a semi-sphere (of possible orientations).
The 580EX II appears to be able to control the output a lot better than any of the other Speedlite models and washed out highlights are less likely while the exposure model appears to migrate more towards highlight preservation. (This might trick users into believing it has been underexposed, unless you're paying attention to the camera's histogram.)
DETAILS
Body & Design: [****-] - The large body weighs in nearly a pound and certainly conveys your seriousness about taking pictures. The pivot/tilt head is controlled via a single button and can assume practically any position in a hemisphere to best coverage. (At least the older 420EX missed 90 degree of coverage in one direction.)
Sealing: [*****] - The 580EX II is the first Canon flash to be splash and dust proof. The housing has been fitted with elastomer seals between the main components and even the pivot/tilt button is now encapsulated. The hotshoe seal depends on the used camera and currently only the 1D series and the EOS 40D sport the needed geometry to complete the seal. For other cameras it's more of a shroud for minor increase in protection.
Interface: [****-] - The large LCD takes center stage and displays even more information than the previous model which ultimately results in some of the writing to be smaller and for some users harder to read. The signature dial and power switch are both well placed and especially the dial easy to use. Despite the admittedly excellent display and overall easy controls, the best combination is still with a camera like the 1D MkIII or EOS 40D since those allow to avoid the somewhat cryptic display of custom functions (settings) and spell each option out. With all the wealth of functionality, the missing power gauge appears to be an oversight as the only way to determine low batteries are long recycle times and an occasional misfire.
Light output: [*****] - An additional significant reason to use an external flash over a built-in flash is the amount of lighting output the external flash can provide. Upt to 5x the distance at zoom position than with built-in flash due to the zooming reflector in the flash and higher output bulb. This can result in an astounding 50m coverage with a 105mm lens like the EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM.
Features: [*****] - As an advanced flash, the Speedlite 580EX II offers a tremendous amount of functionality that will require some practice to make the most out of it (if you're new to flash photography). It reads like a who-is-who in flash photography: FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation), High Speed synch, FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing), FEL (Flash Exposure Lock), first/second curtain sync. The modeling flash (1 sec of high frequency flash firing to judge lighting), and the flash exposure bracketing (set in the flash and automatically adjusts flash output for each of three consecutive shots) are powerful tools that are well worth the time to master them. External metering isn't likely to be used with modern Type-A cameras unless the 580EX II is functioning as a slave and a fixed ratio not desired. Of course this is the digital age and adjustment for a different sensor size (FOV) a given. The Speedlite automatically recognizes the camera type and converts to the equivalent setting while displaying the true focal length of the lens. Last but not least, the Speedlite 580EX II sports a creativity mode called "Multi Mode" (stroboscopic flash). where it fires a rapid programmable series of flashes. There is also an AF-Assist Beam to enhance autofocus performance in low light conditions by providing a red pattern that even works a solid colored surface.
Connectivity: [*****] - Following the sealed concept of this model, all connectors are covered with a rubber door that seals out gross contamination. Most important for high volume shooters, the Speedlite 580EX II supports an external power source in the form of a proprietary battery pack (i.e. weather-sealed CP-E4). Further, a so-called PC connector allows the usage of third-party remote controls like Pocket Wizard RF which eliminates the "line of sight" requirement for the trigger flash relative to the slaves. Of course there is also a mounting thread to attach the Speedlite 580EX II to a bracket (a feature most users won't have to care about).
Custom Functions: [****-] - In Canon's nomenclature, settings are often called "custom functions" if they're related to configuring certain features. While a standard flash normally doesn't provide that level of configuration, the 580EX II sports a total of 14 settings. Any of which can be configured on the flash via the somewhat cryptic display like "C.Fn-01 0". More comfortable way (also to jog your memory what each option is) is provided by Canon's latest cameras like the EOS 40D, where a dedicated flash menu allows configuration of the 580EX II via much more descriptive display like: "Flash C.Fn settings: Auto Power Off; 0:Enabled, 1:Disabled". Of course, frequent user may also just memorize the codes ...
C.Fn-00: Distance indicator display (ft/m)
C.Fn-01: Auto Power Off (enabled/disabled)
C.Fn-02: Modeling Flash
C.Fn-03: FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing) auto cancel
C.Fn-04: FEB sequence
C.Fn-05: Flash Metering Mode
C.Fn-06: Quickflash with continuous shot
C.Fn-07: Test firing with autoflash (enabled/disabled)
C.Fn-08: AF-assist beam firing
C.Fn-09: Auto zoom for sensor size (enabled/disabled)
C.Fn-10: Slave auto power off timer
C.Fn-11: Slave auto power off cancel
C.Fn-12: Flash recycle with external power source
C.Fn-13: Flash exposure meter setting
Bounce: [*****] - One of the major advantages of an advanced external flash is the ability to bounce the light off a wall or ceiling while still on the camera for a more natural exposure. The 580EX II not only allows that with ease but also provides a white tab to be pulled out for fill light (reflected directly towards the subject in addition to the main light reflected off the ceiling). That reduces the potentially strong shadow from above and helps to reveal more detail. However, it's only effective to slightly more than a meter of distance between the camera and the subject. Nevertheless it's a life saver for those baby pictures. ;-)
Battery: [****-] - The 580EX II takes four AA sized batteries with Alkaline, Lithium, NiO2 (single use) or NiMH (rechargeable) technology. The common AA format makes it easy to decide between (easily available) disposable or (environmentally more responsible) rechargeable batteries. The lower voltage of the NiMH is apparently compensated by the lower internal resistance (for higher peak current) and pretty much results in very similar recycle times. In fact, a freshly charged NiMH battery can initially yield faster recycle times than a Lithium battery, but won't last for as many shots. The fully loaded flash weighs just over 500g (1.2 lbs) with batteries. One charge is rated for approximately 100 to 700 shots (alkaline batteries) ranging from approximately 0.1 to 6 seconds depending on the amount to be charged (6 seconds is relatively rare as it requires complete discharge). Oddly enough, Canon seems confused in the manual as it first claims "Using size-AA batteries other than the alkaline type may cause improper battery contact due to the irregular shape of the battery contacts." Yet, much like an afterthought it then adds "Size-AA Ni-MH or lithium batteries can also be used.", without further explanation. This is most likely by reason of the editing skills rather than technical specs.
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