Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.

The Canon Speedlite 580EX II is an EOS-dedicated, high-output flash unit automatically compatible with E-TTL II, E-TTL, and TTL autoflash. It can serve as an on-camera flash as well as a master unit or a slave unit in a wireless, multiple-Speedlite system. It has the same dust- and water-resistance as EOS-1D series cameras.

Read this instruction manual while also referring to your camera’s instruction manual.

Before using the Speedlite, read this instruction manual and your camera’s instruction manual to familiarize yourself with the Speedlite operations.

The basic operation is as easy as with normal AE shooting.

When the 580EX II is attached to an EOS camera, almost all automatic exposure control for flash photography is handled by the camera.

It is almost the same as using the camera’s built-in flash if it has one. You can think of the 580EX II as a built-in, high-output flash, but attached externally.

It becomes automatically compatible with the camera’s flash metering mode (E-TTL ll, E-TTL, and TTL).

In accordance with the camera’s flash control system, the Speedlite controls the flash automatically in the respective flash metering mode:

1.E-TTL II autoflash (evaluative flash metering with preflash reading/lens distance information)

2.E-TTL autoflash (evaluative flash metering with preflash reading)

3.TTL autoflash (off-the-film metering for real-time flash metering)

Regarding the camera’s available flash metering modes, refer to the “External Speedlite” specification in the “Specifications” of your camera’s instruction manual.

The camera instruction manual’s chapter on flash photography will refer to cameras having flash metering modes 1 or 2 as a Type-A camera (compatible with E-TTL II or E-TTL). And cameras having flash metering mode 3 (compatible with only TTL) are called Type-B cameras.

*This instruction manual assumes that you are using the Speedlite with a Type-A camera.

For Type-B cameras, see page 55.

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Canon 580EX II manual Thank you for purchasing a Canon product, Basic operation is as easy as with normal AE shooting
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580EX II specifications

The Canon 580EX II is a powerful external flash unit designed for both amateur and professional photographers seeking to enhance their lighting capabilities. As a part of Canon's Speedlite series, the 580EX II offers a range of main features and advanced technologies that make it an essential tool for any photography setup.

One of the most notable features of the Canon 580EX II is its impressive guide number of 58 at ISO 100, which provides strong illumination for both close-up and long-distance subjects. This high guide number allows photographers to achieve effective lighting in various situations, whether shooting indoors or outdoors. The flash head can also tilt up to 90 degrees and rotate 180 degrees in either direction, allowing for versatile bounce and indirect lighting techniques that help produce soft, natural-looking shadows.

The 580EX II is equipped with Canon's E-TTL II (Evaluative Through-The-Lens) flash metering technology. This advanced metering system enables the flash to communicate with the camera to achieve optimal exposure settings automatically. The result is a more consistent and accurate portrayal of subjects in various lighting conditions, reducing the likelihood of overexposed or underexposed shots.

Another key characteristic of the 580EX II is its fast recycle time, which allows photographers to take multiple shots in quick succession without significant delays. This is especially beneficial during dynamic shooting scenarios like events or wildlife photography, where timing is crucial. The flash can operate in both manual mode for full control or in automatic mode for ease of use, catering to different shooting preferences.

The Canon 580EX II is also compatible with a variety of Canon EOS cameras, ensuring seamless integration into existing camera systems. Additionally, it supports wireless flash photography, allowing for creative off-camera flash setups when paired with compatible Canon camera bodies. Photographers can experiment with different lighting angles and configurations to enhance their creative vision.

Durability is an important factor in the design of the 580EX II, featuring a robust construction that can withstand the rigors of professional use. It also includes a dust and moisture-resistant design, providing added protection when shooting in challenging environments.

In summary, the Canon 580EX II stands out as a versatile and powerful flash unit, combining numerous features and advanced technologies that cater to the needs of photographers. Its high guide number, E-TTL II integration, fast recycle time, and durability make it a reliable choice for enhancing any photography experience. Whether used for portraits, events, or creative lighting, the 580EX II is an invaluable asset in the photographer's toolkit.
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