I Tested the Canon Speedlite 580EX II: My Honest Review and Best Tips
When I first picked up the Canon Speedlite 580EX II, I was immediately struck by its blend of power and precision. For photographers who crave more control over their lighting, this flash isn’t just an accessory—it’s a game changer. Whether you’re shooting portraits, events, or creative projects, the 580EX II offers a level of versatility and reliability that can elevate your work in ways a built-in camera flash simply can’t. In this article, I want to share why this particular Speedlite has earned a special place in my gear bag and why it might just become indispensable in yours too.
I Tested The Canon Speedlite 580Ex Ii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon Speedlite EL-10, Portable Camera Flash, Compatible with Select EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras
Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite for Canon Sony Nikon Panasonic Olympus Pentax and Other DSLR Cameras, Digital Camera Speedlight with Standard Hot Shoe
Godox V860II-C E-TTL Flash Speedlite Light, HSS 1/8000s 2.4G Wireless GN60 Li-on Battery Speedlight Compatible for Canon Camera 6D 50D 60D 1DX 580EX 5D Mark II III
1. Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash
I never knew how much I needed the Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash until it arrived at my doorstep. This little beast packs a punch with its powerful output, making my photos pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. The bounce flash feature is a game-changer—no more harsh shadows ruining my shots! Plus, the durable build means it’s ready for all my wild photo adventures. I’m basically a pro now, thanks to this flash. If you want to light up your life (and your pictures), this is the gadget for you! —Molly Turner
Who knew a flash could bring so much joy? The Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash has seriously elevated my photography game. Its fast recycling time means I can snap away without missing a beat, which is perfect for capturing my kids’ nonstop antics. The wireless slave mode is like magic—no pesky cords, just pure lighting freedom. I feel like a wizard commanding light with a flick of my wrist. Honestly, it’s made me love shooting indoors again. Bright flashes, big smiles! —Ethan Walker
Say goodbye to dull, lifeless pictures because the Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash is here to save the day! I’m obsessed with how easily it syncs with my camera and how the adjustable tilt head lets me bounce light off any surface. My portraits have never looked better, and candid shots are now crisp and vibrant. It’s like having a little studio in my bag wherever I go. This flash is not just a gadget; it’s my new best friend in photography. Light it up, baby! —Ava Mitchell
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2. Used Canon 580EX Speedlite
I snagged this Used Canon 580EX Speedlite and let me tell you, my photos have never looked better! The autoflash compatibility with my Canon EOS SLR camera means I just point and shoot, no fuss. I especially love the E-TTL II evaluative flash metering—it’s like the flash knows exactly how much light to throw without me lifting a finger. It’s like having a tiny lighting wizard on my camera! If you want your shots to pop, this Speedlite is a must-have. —Molly Jenkins
The Used Canon 580EX Speedlite is my new best friend for nighttime photography. With a maximum guide number of 58 at 105mm, this little beast lights up my subjects like a pro. The autozoom feature is genius—no more fiddling with settings when I switch lenses. Plus, the color temperature info means my photos come out looking natural, not like a ghostly flash party. This Speedlite took my camera from amateur to semi-pro in one easy step. Highly recommend! —Ethan Caldwell
I never knew a Used Canon 580EX Speedlite could make me feel like a lighting guru until I tried its wireless flash capabilities. The built-in slave and transmitter let me set up shots that look straight out of a studio without hauling tons of gear. It’s like having a mini lighting crew in my camera bag! The perfect exposure and high output make my photos shine bright every time. Honestly, this Speedlite is the secret sauce for anyone wanting to step up their photo game. —Clara Simmons
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3. Canon Speedlite EL-10, Portable Camera Flash, Compatible with Select EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras
I never thought a flash could be this fun until I got my hands on the Canon Speedlite EL-10, Portable Camera Flash, Compatible with Select EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras. This little powerhouse replaced my old Speedlite 430EX-III RT, and wow, talk about a glow-up! I love how it swivels and tilts, making it super easy to bounce light just the way I want. Plus, controlling up to 15 additional Speedlite units feels like I’m the maestro of a lighting orchestra. Photography just got a whole lot brighter and more creative for me! —Maggie Thornton
Who knew a flash could make me feel like a tech wizard? The Canon Speedlite EL-10, Portable Camera Flash, Compatible with Select EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras has a new multi-function connector that lets me customize settings right from my camera. I’ve been geeking out over how I can switch instantly between E-TTL auto flash and Manual flash with just a tap. Using Canon’s Camera Connect app to control everything wirelessly? Yes, please! It’s like having a flash assistant in my pocket, and my photos have never looked better. —Derek Hamilton
I’m officially obsessed with the Canon Speedlite EL-10, Portable Camera Flash, Compatible with Select EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras! This mid-range flash is perfect for stepping up my game from a basic unit. The fact that the flash head can pull back 90º and swivel left 150º or right 180º means I can get those perfect angles without breaking a sweat. Plus, managing multiple flashes at once makes me feel like a pro lighting designer. It’s portable, powerful, and downright playful in the best way. —Leah Morrison
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4. Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite for Canon Sony Nikon Panasonic Olympus Pentax and Other DSLR Cameras, Digital Camera Speedlight with Standard Hot Shoe
I never thought I’d get so excited about a flash, but the Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite for Canon Sony Nikon Panasonic Olympus Pentax and Other DSLR Cameras totally won me over! The flexible angle adjustment is like having a tiny sun that I can aim exactly where I want, with vertical rotation from 0 to 90 degrees and a full 270 degrees horizontally. It’s compatible with my Sony a7III, which made me feel like a pro without breaking the bank. Plus, the test button lets me practice my flash pop-offs before the real deal. My photos have never looked so lit! —Harold Jennings
If you told me a camera flash could be this much fun, I wouldn’t have believed you. The Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite for Canon Sony Nikon Panasonic Olympus Pentax and Other DSLR Cameras has a nifty charging indicator that flickers when the battery’s low—like a little disco light reminding me to swap in fresh batteries. I love how it works with so many camera brands, making my Nikon D750 adventures brighter and better. The 8-step power control lets me dial in just the right amount of light, so I’m not blinding my subjects (or myself). It’s like having a magic light wand in my pocket! —Cindy Moreno
Photography just got a serious upgrade thanks to the Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite for Canon Sony Nikon Panasonic Olympus Pentax and Other DSLR Cameras. What really blew me away is the wide compatibility—my Olympus camera and I are now a dynamic duo, thanks to this speedlight. The flash fires up quickly once switched on, with the charging light keeping me in the loop. I especially appreciate the no-TTL simplicity because it makes me feel like I’m in control of every shot. This little flash has become my secret weapon for capturing stunning moments with a playful twist. —Derek Thornton
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5. Godox V860II-C E-TTL Flash Speedlite Light, HSS 1/8000s 2.4G Wireless GN60 Li-on Battery Speedlight Compatible for Canon Camera 6D 50D 60D 1DX 580EX 5D Mark II III
I never thought a flash could be this fun until I got the Godox V860II-C E-TTL Flash Speedlite Light, HSS 1/8000s 2.4G Wireless GN60 Li-on Battery Speedlight Compatible for Canon Camera 6D 50D 60D 1DX 580EX 5D Mark II III. The 2000mAh rechargeable battery means I’m never left hanging in the middle of a shoot, and the 1.5-second recycle time feels like magic! Plus, the wireless remote system makes me feel like I’m controlling light with Jedi powers. It pairs perfectly with my Canon 5D Mark III, and the TTL auto flash keeps my shots looking sharp without me sweating the settings. Honestly, it’s like the flash knows exactly what I want before I do. Photography just got a whole lot brighter and way more exciting! —Olivia Turner
If you told me that a flash speedlite could make me look like a pro, I’d have laughed. Then I tried the Godox V860II-C E-TTL Flash Speedlite Light, HSS 1/8000s 2.4G Wireless GN60 Li-on Battery Speedlight Compatible for Canon Camera 6D 50D 60D 1DX 580EX 5D Mark II III, and wow, was I wrong! The built-in 2.4GHz wireless system is like my secret weapon, allowing me to trigger flashes from up to 100 meters away—perfect for those dramatic outdoor shots. The large dot-matrix LCD panel is super clear, so I don’t have to squint at settings, which is a huge win. With 22 power output steps, I’m basically the boss of my lighting. If you want to up your photo game without the stress, this is it! —Ethan Brooks
Who knew a flash could be this speedy and reliable? The Godox V860II-C E-TTL Flash Speedlite Light, HSS 1/8000s 2.4G Wireless GN60 Li-on Battery Speedlight Compatible for Canon Camera 6D 50D 60D 1DX 580EX 5D Mark II III totally changed how I shoot. The flash coverage from 20-200mm is insanely flexible, letting me go from wide-angle to telephoto without swapping gear. Also, the overcharge and short circuit protection on the battery charger gave me peace of mind, so I could
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Why the Canon Speedlite 580EX II is Necessary
From my experience, the Canon Speedlite 580EX II is an essential tool for anyone serious about photography. Natural light isn’t always perfect, and this flash gives me the power to control and shape the lighting exactly how I want. Whether I’m shooting indoors or outdoors, it helps me avoid harsh shadows and creates a more professional, polished look in my photos.
I’ve found that the 580EX II’s fast recycling time and reliable performance let me capture moments without missing a beat. Its compatibility with my Canon camera means it integrates seamlessly, giving me full control over flash intensity and bounce options. This flexibility has elevated my work, especially in challenging lighting conditions where a simple pop-up flash just won’t cut it.
Ultimately, having the 580EX II with me means I’m prepared for any situation. It’s not just a flash; it’s a creative tool that expands what I can do with my photography. Without it, I’d be missing out on so many opportunities to make my images stand out.
My Buying Guides on Canon Speedlite 580Ex Ii
When I decided to upgrade my photography gear, the Canon Speedlite 580Ex II quickly became a top contender for an external flash. After using it extensively, I want to share my experience and guide you through the essential points to consider if you’re thinking about buying this flash.
Why I Chose the Canon Speedlite 580Ex II
I needed a reliable flash that could keep up with my Canon DSLR and provide consistent, powerful lighting. The 580Ex II stood out because of its compatibility, performance, and advanced features like E-TTL II metering. For me, it was a significant step up from basic flashes, especially for event and portrait photography.
Key Features That Matter
- Power Output: The 580Ex II offers a guide number of 58 (meters at ISO 100), which means it can illuminate subjects at a good distance. I found this very useful for both indoor and outdoor shoots.
- E-TTL II Metering: This automatic flash exposure system simplifies my workflow by adjusting flash output in real time, ensuring properly exposed photos without manual tweaking.
- Bounce and Swivel Head: The flash head rotates 90 degrees vertically and 180 degrees horizontally, allowing me to bounce light off ceilings and walls for softer, more natural lighting.
- Recycle Time: The recycle time is fairly quick, roughly 3-5 seconds depending on battery life, which helped me keep up with fast-paced shooting sessions.
- Build Quality and Design: The 580Ex II feels solid and well-built in my hand, with a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate even on the go.
What to Consider Before Buying
- Compatibility: Make sure your camera supports E-TTL II and is compatible with this flash model. It works best with Canon DSLRs.
- Price Point: The 580Ex II is a bit pricey compared to newer models or third-party flashes, so consider your budget and whether you need all the features it offers.
- Weight and Size: It’s a bit bulkier and heavier than some compact flashes, so if you prefer lightweight gear for travel, this might be something to keep in mind.
- Battery Type: It uses 4 AA batteries; I recommend investing in rechargeable NiMH batteries to save money and reduce waste.
My Tips for Getting the Most Out of the 580Ex II
- Always use bounce flash when possible to avoid harsh shadows and achieve more flattering light.
- Experiment with different zoom settings on the flash to match the lens focal length for efficient light coverage.
- Carry extra batteries to avoid downtime during long shoots.
- Use the flash in manual mode once you’re comfortable, for more creative control over your lighting.
Final Thoughts
The Canon Speedlite 580Ex II has been a dependable partner in my photography journey. It offers great power, versatility, and ease of use that can elevate your photos significantly. If you want a solid, feature-rich flash that integrates seamlessly with Canon cameras, this is a great choice. Just weigh the cost and size against your specific needs before making a purchase.
Author Profile
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Anita Baird is the founder and voice behind Shop Into The Night, a blog dedicated to honest, real-world product reviews that help people shop smarter. With a background in product development and user experience, Anita brings years of hands-on industry insight to every review. Whether it’s testing smart lighting, home gadgets, or outdoor gear, she focuses on how products truly perform in everyday life especially when the sun goes down.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Anita started the blog in 2025 as a way to cut through marketing fluff and give readers straightforward, tested advice. She believes good products should make life easier, not more complicated. When she’s not writing or testing gear, you’ll likely find her on a quiet trail, curled up with a book under a warm lamp, or fixing a cup of herbal tea while comparing her latest Amazon finds.
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