Canon 580EX II User Manual 2

English

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.

1 Getting Started and Basic Operation ................................ 7

2 Using Flash........................................................................ 13

3 Wireless Flash ................................................................... 33

4 Reference........................................................................... 47

Conventions Used in this Manual

The <9> symbol in the text refers to the Select Dial. The <8> symbol in the text refers to the Select/Set button. The symbol in the text refers to a Custom Function. The operation procedures in this instruction manual assume that both

the camera and Speedlite’s power switches are ON.

Icons used in the text to indicate the respective buttons, dials, and

settings match the same icons found on the camera and Speedlite.

The (4) / (0) / (3) icons indicate that the respective function

remains in effect for 4 sec., 6 sec., or 16 sec. after you let go of the button.

Reference page numbers are indicated by (p.**). This instruction manual uses the following alert symbols:

: The Caution symbol indicates a warning to prevent shooting

problems.

: The Note symbol gives supplemental information.

Nomenclature

Flash head/ Wireless transmitter

Catchlight panel (retracted) (p.19)

Built-in wide panel (retracted) (p.20)

Wireless sensor

AF-assist beam emitter (p.49)

External metering sensor (p.30)

Mounting foot (p.9)

Mini stand pocket

Locking pin (p.9)

Case

Contacts

Contact cover

External power source socket

PC terminal

Bracket mounting hole

Mini stand

Shoe

LCD panel

Flash mode/ Slave setting button (p.11, 22, 24/45, 46)

* < LCD panel illumination/ Custom Function setting button (p.6/27)

Pilot lamp/Test firing/ Wireless slave power ON button (p.10/38)

Flash exposure confirmation lamp (p.11)

Mounting foot’s lock lever (p.9)

Lock-release button (p.9)

Dust- and water-resistant adapter

Power switch (p.10) <

L> : Power off

K> : Power on

> Select Dial

* <

> Select/Set button

Bounce angle

Bounce lock release button (p.18)

High-speed sync (FP flash)/Shutter curtain synchronization button (p.17/26)

Battery compartment cover (p.8)

Battery compartment lock lever (p.8)

Zoom button/ Wireless selector/ Wireless set button (p.20/36, 39, 40, 41, 42, 45)

Asterisked buttons have functions which remain active for 8 sec. after you press and let go of the button. The illumination lasts for 12 sec.

LCD Panel

9> ISO speed

Manual flash output level Flash exposure compensation amount FEB compensation amount

c> High-speed sync

(FP flash)

g> FEB

8/a/b>

< Auto external metering/ E-TTL (ll)/ TTL autoflash

8q>

Manual external metering

q/p>

Manual flash/Multi (Stroboscopic) flash

Custom Function

f> Flash

< exposure compensation

< Second-curtain sync

Firing mode Master flash ON : W Master flash OFF : Y Slave flash : X

V> Flash bounce indicator

(Blinks for 7 down)

To illuminate the LCD panel, press the button. The items actually displayed depend on the current settings.

d> Manual zoom

Aperture FEB status Stroboscopic flash count Stroboscopic flash frequency Manual flash 1/3-stop increment indicator Custom Function No. Custom Function setting

x> Slave

M> Master

w> Channel

Zoom focal length

y> Flash ratio

s> Auto zoom

for image size

Slave ID

Slave ID underscore

Flash ratio

Flash range scale/Flash ratio scale

Indicator (meters)

Indicator (feet)

Getting Started and

Basic Operation

Installing the Batteries ............................................ 8

Attaching to the Camera......................................... 9

Turning on the Power Switch................................ 10

Fully Automatic Flash Shooting............................. 11

Using E-TTL II and E-TTL Autoflash in the

Shooting Modes.................................................... 12

Cautions for firing continuous flashes

To avoid overheating and degrading the flash

head, do not fire more than 20 continuous flashes. After 20 continuous flashes, allow a rest time of at least 10 min.

If you fire more than 20 continuous flashes and

then fire more flashes in short intervals, the inner overheating prevention function may be activated to make the recycling time about 8 to 20 sec. If this occurs, allow a rest time of about 15 min. and the flash will then return to normal.

Installing the Batteries

Install four size-AA batteries.

Open the cover.

Use your thumb to press the battery

compartment lock lever, then slide it as shown by the arrow c to open the cover.

Install the batteries.

Make sure the + and – battery

contacts are properly oriented as shown in the compartment.

Close the cover.

Close the battery compartment cover

and slide it as shown by the arrow.

X When the cover clicks in place, it will

be locked.

Recycling Time and Flash Count (with size-AA alkaline batteries)

Recycling Time

Quick Flash Normal Flash

Approx. 0.1 - 2.5 sec. Approx. 0.1 - 5 sec. Approx. 100 - 700

Based on new size-AA alkaline batteries and Canon’s testing standards. Quick flash enables a flash to be fired before flash-ready (p.10).

Flash Count

Using size-AA batteries other than the alkaline type may cause improper

battery contact due to the irregular shape of the battery contacts.

If you change the batteries after firing many flashes continuously, be

aware that the batteries might be hot.

Use a new set of four batteries of the same brand. When replacing the

batteries, replace all four at one time.

Size-AA Ni-MH or lithium batteries can also be used.

Attaching to the Camera

Attach the Speedlite.

Slip the Speedlite’s mounting foot into

the camera’s hot shoe all the way.

Secure the Speedlite.

On the mounting foot, slide the lock

lever to the right.

X When the lock lever clicks in place, it

will be locked.

Detach the Speedlite.

While pressing the lock-release

button, slide the lock lever to the left and detach the Speedlite.

Turning on the Power Switch

Set the power switch to <K>.

X The flash recycling starts.

Check that the flash is ready.

The pilot lamp will first turn green (ready for quick flash), then red (flash ready).

Pressing the pilot lamp will fire a test

flash.

About Quick Flash

Quick flash enables a flash to be fired before flash-ready, when the pilot lamp is still green. Although the Guide No. will be 1/6 to 1/2 that of the full output, quick flash is effective for near subjects and when you want a shorter recycle time. Set the drive mode to single shooting. Quick flash cannot be used in the continuous shooting, FEB, manual flash, and stroboscopic flash modes.

Quick flash can also be used during continuous flash shooting. (C.Fn-06 → p.27)

About Auto Power Off

To save battery power, the power will turn off automatically after a certain period (approx. 1.5 min. to 15 min.) of idle use. To turn on the Speedlite again, press the camera’s shutter button halfway. Or press the Speedlite’s test firing button.

Auto Power Off can also be disabled. (C.Fn-01 → p.27)

A test flash cannot be fired while the camera’s operation timer 4 or 0

is active.

The Speedlite’s settings will be retained in memory even after the power

is turned off. To retain the Speedlite’s settings after you replace the batteries, turn off the power and replace the batteries within 1 minute.

Fully Automatic Flash Shooting

When you set the camera’s shooting mode to <V> (Program AE) or (Full Auto), E-TTL II/E-TTL fully automatic flash will make it as easy as normal AE shooting in the <V> and modes.

Set the Speedlite to <a>.

Press the <D> button so that

<a> is displayed.

Focus the subject.

Press the shutter button halfway to focus.

X The shutter speed and aperture will

be displayed in the viewfinder.

Check that the <Q> icon is lit in the

viewfinder.

Take the picture.

Check that the subject is within the

effective range displayed on the LCD panel.

Right before the shot is taken, a preflash is fired, then the main flash is fired.

If a standard flash exposure was obtained, the flash exposure confirmation lamp will light for about 3 sec.

<a> will be displayed on the LCD panel even if the camera is

compatible with E-TTL II.

If the flash exposure confirmation lamp does not light, move closer to the

subject and take the picture again. With a digital camera, you can also increase the camera’s ISO speed.

Using E-TTL II and E-TTL Autoflash in the Shooting Modes

Just set the camera’s shooting mode to <W> (aperture-priority AE), <X> (shutter-priority AE), or <q> (manual) and you can use E-TTL II/ E-TTL autoflash.

Select this mode when you want to set the shutter speed manually. The camera will then automatically set the aperture matching the shutter speed to obtain a standard exposure.

If the aperture display blinks, it means that the background exposure will

be underexposed or overexposed. Adjust the shutter speed until the aperture display stops blinking.

Select this mode when you want to set the aperture manually. The camera will then automatically set the shutter speed matching the aperture to obtain a standard exposure. If the background is dark like a night scene, a slow sync speed will be used to obtain a standard exposure of both the main subject and background. Standard exposure of the main subject is obtained with the flash, while a

standard exposure of the background is obtained with a slow shutter speed.

Since a slow shutter speed will be used for low-light scenes, using a

tripod is recommended.

If the shutter speed display blinks, it means that the background

exposure will be underexposed or overexposed. Adjust the aperture until the shutter speed display stops blinking.

Select this mode if you want to set both the shutter speed and aperture manually. Standard exposure of the main subject is obtained with the flash. The

exposure of the background is obtained with the shutter speed and aperture combination you set.

If you use the <Z> or <Y> shooting mode, the result will be the same as

using the <V> (Program AE) mode.

Flash Sync Speeds and Apertures Used

Shutter Speed Setting Aperture Setting

V Set automatically (1/60 sec. - 1/X sec.) Automatic

X Set manually (30 sec. - 1/X sec.) Automatic

W Set automatically (30 sec. - 1/X sec.) Manual

q Set manually (buLb, 30 sec. - 1/X sec.) Manual

1/X sec. is the camera’s maximum flash sync speed.

Using Flash

f Flash Exposure Compensation ...................... 14

g FEB ................................................................ 15

7: FE Lock........................................................ 16

c High-speed Sync............................................. 17

Bounce Flash........................................................ 18

H: Setting the Flash Coverage and Using

the Wide Panel ..................................................... 20

q: Manual Flash ................................................. 22

p: Stroboscopic Flash.................................. 24

r Second-Curtain Sync .................................... 26

C: Setting Custom Functions.......................... 27

External Flash Metering........................................ 30

Speedlite Control with the Camera’s Menu

Screen .................................................................. 32

f Flash Exposure Compensation

In the same way as normal exposure compensation, you can set exposure compensation for flash. The flash exposure compensation amount can be set up to ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments. (If the camera’s exposure compensation is in 1/2-stop increments, flash exposure compensation will be in 1/2-stop increments.)

Select <f>.

Press the <8> button so that <f>

is displayed.

X The <f> icon and the flash

exposure compensation amount will blink.

Set the flash exposure

compensation amount.

Turn the <9> dial to set the amount. To cancel the flash exposure

compensation, set the amount to “+0.”

Press the <8> button.

X Flash exposure compensation will be

set.

If flash exposure compensation has been set with both the Speedlite and camera, the Speedlite’s flash exposure compensation amount will override the camera’s.

Setting the flash exposure compensation can be limited to only the <9> dial. (C.Fn-13 → p.27)

FEB

You can take three flash shots while automatically changing the flash output for each shot up to ±3 stops in 1/3-stop increments (1/2-stop increments if the camera enables only 1/2-stop increments). This is called FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing).

Select <g>.

Press the <8> button so that <g>

is displayed.

X The <g> icon and bracketing

amount will blink.

Set the flash exposure bracketing

amount.

Turn the <9> dial to set the amount.

Press the <8> button.

X FEB will be set.

After the three shots are taken, FEB will be cancelled automatically. For FEB, set the camera’s drive mode to single shooting. Be sure the

flash is ready before shooting.

You can also combine FEB with flash exposure compensation and FE

lock.

You can prevent the FEB from being cancelled automatically after the three shots are taken. (C.Fn-03 → p.27)

The FEB shooting sequence can be changed. (C.Fn-04 → p.27)

7: FE Lock

FE (flash exposure) lock locks the correct flash exposure setting for any part of the scene. With <a> displayed on the LCD panel, you press the camera’s <7> button. If the camera does not have the <7> button, press the button.

Focus the subject.

Press the <7> button. (3)

Aim the subject at the center of the

viewfinder and press the <7> button.

X The Speedlite will fire a preflash and

the required flash output for the subject is retained in memory.

X “FEL” will be displayed in the

viewfinder for 0.5 sec.

Each time you press the <7>

button, a preflash will be fired and a new flash exposure setting will be locked.

If the subject is too far away and underexposure will result, the <Q> icon

will blink in the viewfinder. Move closer to the subject and try the FE lock again.

If <a> is not displayed on the LCD panel, FE lock cannot be set. If the subject is too small, FE lock might not be very effective.

c High-speed Sync

With high-speed sync (FP flash), the flash can synchronize with all shutter speeds. This is convenient when you want to use aperture priority for fill-flash portraits.

Select <c>.

Press the <E> button so that

<c> is displayed.

In the viewfinder, check that the <F>

icon is displayed.

If you set a shutter speed that is the same or slower than the camera’s

maximum flash sync speed, <F> will not be displayed in the viewfinder.

With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the shorter the

effective flash range will become. Check the LCD panel for the effective flash range.

To return to normal flash, press the <E> button again. The <c>

icon will disappear.

Stroboscopic flash cannot be set.

Bounce Flash

By pointing the flash head toward a wall or ceiling, the flash will bounce off the surface before illuminating the subject. This can soften shadows behind the subject for a more natural-looking shot. This is called bounce flash.

Set the Bounce Direction

Hold down the <z> button and turn the flash head. If the flash coverage is set automatically, the flash coverage will be fixed to 50mm. The LCD panel will also display <O> mm.

You can also set the flash coverage manually.

If the wall or ceiling is too far away, the bounced flash might be too weak

and result in underexposure.

The wall or ceiling should be a plain, white color for high reflectance. If

the bounce surface is not white, a color cast may result in the picture.

After you take the shot, if the flash exposure confirmation lamp does not

light, use a larger aperture opening and try again.

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