Canon Speedlite 580EX

Now Canon’s most powerful flash unit, the Speedlite 580EX has a guide number of 58 (m/ISO 100 at 105mm) and an adjustable angle of coverage suitable for wide lenses to 14mm.
Replacing the popular Canon Speedlite 550EX, the Speedlite 580EX improves on many specifications of its predecessor, and includes new features to improve digital EOS SLR flash results. These include transfer of colour temperature data to optimise the white balance compensation, and auto-adjustment of the zoom flash position to best compliment the sensor size of the camera to which the unit is attached.

Circuitry modifications improve on Speedlite 550EX recycle times by approximately 25%. An ultra-bright 3-LED configuration focus assist-beam has been designed to be compatible with all focus points within the frame of all EOS AF systems, including the new EOS 20D 9-point AF. The unit has improved exposure stability, with a tolerance of just 0.3 stops.

* E-TTL II evaluative flash metering for critically accurate exposure
* High output with maximum guide number 58 at 105mm setting (ISO 100, metres)
* Autozoom and colour temperature information for improved flash with selected digital SLR cameras
* Fully featured wireless flash capability, with built-in slave and transmitter, using multiple Speedlites

Powerful and Efficient
- E-TTL II flash metering utilising lens distance information with pre-flash to balances flash with ambient light for more evenly lit and natural looking photos even if the subject includes highly reflective objects
- High power flash output with maximum guide number of 58 at 105mm setting (ISO 100, metres)
- Highly efficient power supply design providing up to 25% improvement in flash recycle time
- Autozoom control with selected digital SLR cameras to automatically match the flash head to the effective focal length of the camera ensuring greater accuracy and optimal output
- Colour temperature information transmission with selected digital SLR cameras ensuring optimal colour balance setting for flash output

Professional Features
- High-speed (FP) sync mode, Flash Exposure Bracketing (FEB) and Flash Exposure (FE) Lock
- Built-in transmitter and receiver offering fully wireless automatic flash with up to three groups of multiple Speedlites that can be controlled from the 580EX or optional Wireless Transmitter ST-E2
- Manual flash output between 1/1 to 1/128 in 1/3 stop increments
- Stroboscopic flash output between ¼ to 1/128 with frequency range of 1 to 199Hz
- 14 Custom Functions permitting customisation of operation to personal preferences

Advanced Design
- Autozoom head covering a range of 24-105mm or as wide as 14mm with built-in wide panel engaged
- Built-in AF-assist beam compatible with EOS multi-point AF systems including 45-point Area AF types
- Fully swivelling head with stops at 60, 75, 90, 120, 150 and 180 degrees
- Flexible bounce head with stops at 7 (down), 45, 60, 75 and 90 degrees
- Built-in catchlight reflector allowing a catchlight to be added quickly and conveniently to portraits

Accessories
- Soft Case (supplied)
- CP-E3 External Power Pack (8 x AA batteries)
- Speedlite Bracket SB-E1 (L-bracket)
- Wireless transmitter ST-E2
- Speedlite accessories