Canon Speedlite 580EX Shoe Mount Flash

Canon Speedlite 580EX MK1 is powerful yet lightweight in design and practicality is also users-friendly. I have to say the battery door could have been design little better. Canon have address this in Mk 2 version along with quick lever shoe mounting.

The Mk2 has weather proof seals to prevent water getting in the speedlite, this comes with a heavy price tags of £375 new. Majority of the users are not likely to use the camera in the rain and up until now speedlites were not whether sealed so it makes very little different to average users. Power, functionality, ease of use and compactness are pretty same with Mk2 so why spend extra £175 if you can get one for £200 as previously owned unit. Lets be honest most amateur users do look after their equipments and light use pre owned units can last a long time. The 580EX Mk1 is well design and uses the power very effectively. I have used its predecessor 550EX and it was bulky and power consumptions was a little issue, with 580EX this has been address. I often use the 580EX Mk1 with one set of batter to take over 200 images without any power issue.
Overall i am satisfied with the speedlite 580EX Mk1.

Great flash, bought as an upgrade for my 550EX and to compliment my 580EX II.

It is a huge improvement over the 550EX (which is still a good flash if your on a budget though does not cater fully for non full frame cameras (in my opinion over exposes a little but you can adjust the settings to factor in)).

The 580ex mk1 has a fairly quick recharge cycle with good quality batteries, I use Duracell Ultras and keep a second set ready just in case I need a speedier recharge. You could use the battery pack to speed things up but then you still have to take into consideration letting the flash cool down after taking several shots to prolong life.

It is on the pricey side but it is compatible with most canon EOS cameras and the G series whereas some of the non branded flashes may need software upgrades if they are available which in many cases are not.

In my opinion if you do purchase this flash, it will fulfil the requirement in most instances. This is still used by professionals and amateurs alike. Of course this has been superseded and you can get better now but the high residual prices prove that this is still a well regarded and wanted flash.

And finally - if you do purchase the flash, its worth the effort reading the manual to realise its full functionality :)

Enjoy.

The flash as a basic is a good one, it does what you need it to do.

I used this for a live event and the batteries burnt out very fast, the reload time even with a battery pack wasn't good.

The slave mode also had a short life on the second flash i had.

If ou buy a flash invest in the 580EX II it is 100% better and more reliable, it reaches further and the reload time is great.

Great Build Quality - Expensive when bought new but thank the lord for eBay!!! Replaced my Sigma EF-500 DG Super - much better compatibility!

This flash is perfect for my use. I have also bought various coloured diffusers to soften the flash and with these fitted, it gives a superb, measured result.