Canon Speedlite 580EX II review

Main Specifications:
Guide Number: 24-58 (ISO 100, m)
Flash coverage: 24-105mm (36-157mm) 
Recycling time: 0.1-6 seconds
Bounce facility: Yes (0-90º)
Swivel facility: Yes (0-360º)
TTL: Yes
AF assist beam: Yes
Strobe flash: Yes
Wireless flash: Yes
Second-curtain sync: Yes
Power source: Four AA batteries
External power: Yes
Dimensions (WHD): 76x134x114mm
Weight: 375g
Fitting: Canon

BUILD QUALITY: Like the Nikon SB-900, the build quality of this pro-spec flashgun is superb. The 580EX II is dust and splash-resistant and the unit’s body feels sturdy and reinforced. The flashgun comes with 
a metal hotshoe stand.

FEATURES: The 580EX II has a 20 percent faster recycling time than the original 580EX and a built-in diffuser for coverage as wide as 14mm. An intuitive 
command wheel makes cycling through the different 
functions a breeze. The flashgun can also be used as a 
master or a slave unit for off-camera lighting.

PERFORMANCE: The 580EX II returned very clean, crisp 
and flattering exposure results. Although the light was strong, 
it doesn’t appear overbearing and this helped to retain the model’s natural skin tones. As you can see from the image below, with the 18-55mm lens set to it’s widest focal 
length, the flagship Canon unit managed to spread the flash coverage evenly across the whole of the frame.

VERDICT: There’s no doubt it’s expensive, but for the pro, its durability, features and performance makes it worth it.
Build quality: 5/5
Features: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Value for money: 3/5
Overall:5/5
www.canon.co.uk