Canon 580EX - Speedlite II - Hot-shoe clip-on... User manual

Canon
SPEEDLITE
580EXII
I
I
I
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MODE D'EMPLOI
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES

Canon
SPEEDLITE
SBOEXII
I

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 amaster unit or aslave
unit
in awireless, multiple-Speedlite system. It has the same dust- and
water-resistance
as EOS-1 0series 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 abuilt-in, high-output flash, but attached externally.
•It becomes automatically compatible with the camera's flash
metering mode (E-TTL II, 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 2as aType-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 aType-A camera.
For Type-B cameras, see page 55.
2

Contents I I
II 111111 II 1
1 Getting Started and Basic Operation 7
2 Using Flash 13
3 Wireless Flash 33
4Reference 47
Conventions Used in this Manual
•The <@>symbol in the text refers to the Select Dial.
The <@>symbol
in the text refers to the Select/Set button.
•The sm symbol
in the text refers to aCustom 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
(04 ) / ( 06) / (816) icons indicate that the respective function
remains
in effect for 4sec., 6sec., 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 awarning to prevent shooting
problems.
[]] :The Note symbol gives supplemental information.
3

Contacts
Nomenclature
Flash head/
Wireless
transmitter
Wireless sensor
(p.49)
Mounting foot (p.9)
Case
r
Contact cover
External power
source socket
-----~r~:
~~~. ~
t ~ __ 'y\l]
PC terminal
Bracket mounting
hole
Mini stand
4

Bounce angle
LCD panel
<MODE>--------
Flash model
Slave setting button I \ -
<~H/~>
(p.11, 22, 24/45, 46) '\ /' High-speed sync
~~g/p~~';,7i11Uminationl Ir=J -J--:~:~~~1~:~::::::n
Custom Function setting \ ~ cover (p.8)
button (p.6/27)
BOn r~ZOOM/+z. '---Battery compartment
PILOT 00 ~ II irJ lock lever (p.8)
<PILOT> -----+---,~ ~OF\O~ rJL
Pilot lamp/Test firing/ \ ~ 6) rn~1 <ZOOM/~>
Wireless slave pow~r 'J!l~ ~) )1. Zoom button/
ON button (p.10/38)
~Ol"i(;~ Wireless selector/
~ ==~ Wireless set button
J
---7 (p.20/36, 39,40,41,42,45)
Flash exposure ... ----/
confirmation lamp (p.11)
Mounting foot's Power switch (p.10)
lock lever (p.9) <OFF> :Power off
<ON> :Power on
Lock-release button (p.9)
Dust- and water-resistant
adapter
<@>Select Dial
*<(!)>Select/Set button
[l] Asterisked buttons have functions which remain active for 8sec. after you
press and let go
of the button. The <:fr> illumination lasts for 12 sec.
5

LCD Panel
<ISO> ISO speed
Manual flash output level
Flash exposure
compensation amount
FEB compensation amount
<~> High-speed sync
(FP flash)
<~> FEB
<
(i!J >Manual zoom
Aperture
FEB status
Stroboscopic flash count
Stroboscopic flash frequency
Manual flash 1/3-stop
increment indicator
Custom Function No.
Custom Function setting
Zoom focal length
<E/ETTL/TTL>l
Auto external
metering/ <
~ >Auto zoom
E-TTL
(11)/ for image size
TTLautoflash
rr ETlrL m-~:-(lj)--;';:IBBmm~~
<EM> I" ~~..!.. , n, ...!..'
Manual external ILIa al.aau.aa I .a. Hz
metering JT~MlJLTI 3", ~ · . ". ISlave ID
CIII~"''Z.~ 1234~ 8:§':~
<M/MuLTI> S:1;-4:1~1-.-1:1~z;-:J:4 • 1~8 ISlave ID
Manual flash/Multi ~ .. - - -~~-'_'_ •• _ •• -~I~1 underscore
(Stroboscopic) 0.5 0.7 1 1..12 3 4 6 9 13 18 m
flash ~~ 2.3 ~_7_~~) 30 ~O 60 f~ Flash ratio
<C!D>Flash range
Custom Function scale/Flash
ratio scale
<~> Flash -------'
exposure compensation
<~>----------'
Second-curtain sync
Firing mode
----------'
Master flash ON: <~-.
Master flash OFF: <z.-'
Slave flash : ~~
< ~ >Flash bounce indicator
(Blinks for 7down)
Indicator
(meters)
Indicator (feet)
<~> Flash ratio
<~>Slave
< o:m:mI >Master
<
IDIII >Channel
• To illuminate the LCD panel, press the < :.t?:- >button.
•The items actually displayed depend
on the current settings.
6

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
CD 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.
~ When the cover clicks in place, it will
be locked.
Recycling Time and Flash Count (with size-AA alkaline batteries)
" on new
•Quick flash enables aflash to be fired before flash-ready (p.1 0).
-- •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.
[i] Use anew set offour 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.
8

Attaching to the Camera "I
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.
.. -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.
9

Turning on the Power Switch ,II 11111 III 1111 111111111111111
\1 Set the power switch to <ON>.
l'" 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 atest
flash.
About Quick Flash
Quick flash enables aflash 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 ofthe full output, quick flash
is effective for near subjects and when you want ashorter 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.
[IliI 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.
[IliI Auto Power Off can also be disabled. (C.Fn-01 ~ p.27)
[lJ •Atest flash cannot be fired while the camera's operation timer 04 or 06
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 1minute.
10

Fully Automatic Flash Shooting •• "\\\1\\"\1&\"."
When you set the camera's shooting mode to <P>(Program AE) or
<0>(Full Auto), E-TTL II/E-TTL fully automatic flash will make it as
easy as normal AE shooting
in the <P>and <0>modes.
TT
Zoom 50mm
Set the Speedlite to <ETTL>.
Press the <MODE> button so that
<ETTL> is displayed.
~ :;0 5.:; •
ETTL Zoom 50mm
F- 5.6
-------
0.50.7 11.5 2 3 4 6 9 13 18 m
Focus the subject.
Press the shutter button halfway to focus.
The shutter speed and aperture will
be displayed
in the viewfinder.
Check that the <
~ >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, apreflash
is fired, then the main flash is fired.
If astandard flash exposure was
obtained, the flash exposure confirmation
lamp will light for about 3sec.
[i] < ETTL >will be displayed on the LCD panel even if the camera is
compatible with E-TTL
II.
eIfthe flash exposure confirmation lamp does not light, move closer to the
subject and take the picture again. With adigital camera, you can also
increase the camera's ISO speed.
11

Using E-TTL II and E-TTL Autoflash in the Shooting Modes BI
Just set the camera's shooting mode to <Av>(aperture-priority AE),
<Tv> (shutter-priority AE), or <M> (manual) and you can use E-TTL 11/
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
Tv
speed to obtain astandard exposure.
\\\ Ifthe 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 astandard exposure.
If the background
is dark like anight scene, aslow sync speed will be used
to obtain astandard exposure of both the main subject and background.
Standard exposure of the main subject
is obtained with the flash, while a
standard exposure ofthe background is obtained with aslow shutter speed.
\\\ Since aslow 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.
MStandard exposure of the main subject
is obtained with the flash. The
exposure ofthe background is obtained with the shutter speed and aperture
combination you set.
\\\ Ifyou use the < DEP >or < A·DEP >shooting mode, the result will be the same as
using the
<P> (Program AE) mode.
Flash Sync Speeds and Apertures Used
PSet automatically (1/60 sec. -1/X sec.)
Tv Set manually (30 sec. - 1 IX sec.)
Av Set automatically (30 sec. - 1 IX sec.)
MSet manually (bulb, 30 sec. - 1 IX sec.)
1/X sec. is the camera's maximum flash sync speed.
12
Automatic
Automatic
Manual
Manual

Using Flash
~ Flash Exposure Compensation 14
~ FEB 15
FE L:FE Lock........................................................ 16
~ High-speed Sync............................................. 17
Bounce Flash..... 18
ZOOM: Setting the Flash Coverage and Using
the
Wide Panel..................................................... 20
M: Manual Flash................................................. 22
MULTI: Stroboscopic Flash 24
r::I> Second-Curtain Sync 26
C.Fn: Setting Custom Functions 27
External Flash Metering........................................ 30
Speedlite Control with the Camera's Menu
Screen 32

~ Flash Exposure Compensation l. 1111 II 111I L II
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 <~>.
Press the <@>button so that < ~ >
is displayed.
The <~> icon and the flash
exposure compensation amount will
blink.
Set the flash exposure
compensation amount.
~,~ Turn the <@>dial to set the amount.
~t To cancel the flash exposure
compensation, set the amount to
"+0."
Press the <@>button.
Flash exposure compensation will be
set.
[]] Ifflash exposure compensation has been set with both the Speedlite and
camera, the Speedlite's flash exposure compensation amount will override
the camera's.
lID Setting the flash exposure compensation can be limited to only the <@>
dial. (C.Fn-13 ~ p.27)
14

~ FEB ,1iI1I"1 i;;;11 11'11;;;11 lllii! 1'11,;;11 U'iliiU111
II 1I1111111~1
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 <~>.
Press the <@> button so that <~>
is displayed.
The <
~ >icon and bracketing
amount will blink.
Set the flash exposure bracketing
amount.
•Turn the <@>dial to set the amount.
Press the <@> button.
FEB will be set.
III •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.
[II'iI You can prevent the FEB from being cancelled automatically after the
three shots are taken. (C.Fn-03
~ p.27)
[II'iI The FEB shooting sequence can be changed. (C.Fn-04 ~ p.27)
15

FEL: FE Lock III1III[ .. __
FE (flash exposure) lock locks the correct flash exposure setting for any
part
of the scene.
With <ETTL>displayed on the LCD panel, you press the camera's
< FEL >button. If the camera does not have the < FEL >button, press the
<*> button.
Focus the subject.
Press the <FEL> button. (816)
Aim the subject at the center of the
viewfinder and press the <
FEL >
button.
The Speedlite will fire apreflash and
the required flash output for the
subject
is retained in memory.
"FEL" will be displayed
in the
viewfinder for 0.5 sec.
Each time you press the
<FEL>
button, apreflash will be fired and a
new flash exposure setting will be
locked.
oIfthe subject is too far away and underexposure will result, the < ~ >icon
will blink
in the viewfinder. Move closer to the subject and try the FE lock
again.
If <ETTL> is not displayed on the LCD panel,
FE lock cannot be set.
Ifthe subject is too small,
FE lock might not be very effective.
16

'I 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.
ETT ~
Zoom SOmm
Select <~>.
Press the < ~H / ~ >button so that
<~> is displayed.
In the viewfinder, check that the < ~H >
icon is displayed.
[lJ If you set ashutter speed that is the same or slower than the camera's
maximum flash sync speed, <
~H >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 <~H/~> button again. The <eB>
icon will disappear.
Stroboscopic flash cannot be set.
17

Bounce Flash IIJI.llIl III lIll.1I111111 111II11II111111 11111111111 •• 111111111111111_1.'
By pointing the flash head toward awall or ceiling, the flash will bounce
off the surface before illuminating the subject. This can soften shadows
behind the subject for amore natural-looking shot. This is called bounce
flash.
Set the Bounce Direction
Hold down the < PUSH> button and turn the flash head.
Ifthe flash coverage is set automatically, the flash coverage will be fixed
to 50mm.
The LCD panel will also display < - - > mm.
., You can also set the flash coverage manually.
4) •Ifthe wall or ceiling is too far away, the bounced flash might be too weak
and result
in underexposure.
The wall or ceiling should be aplain, white color for high reflectance. If
the bounce surface is not white, acolor cast may result
in the picture.
•After you take the shot,
if the flash exposure confirmation lamp does not
light, use alarger aperture opening and try again.
18

Creating a Catchlight
With the catchlight panel, you can create acatchlight in the subject's
eyes to add life to the facial expression.
'1',: Point the flash head upward by
90°.
Pull out the wide panel.
.. The catchlight panel will come out at
the same time.
Push the wide panel back in.
Push in only the wide panel.
Follow the same procedure as for
bounce flash.
Point the flash head straight ahead and then upward by 900•The
catchlight will not work if you swing the flash head left or right.
For maximum catchlight effect, stay within 1.5 m/4.9 ft
of the subject.
Closeup Flash Shooting
When shooting asubject within about 0.5 - 2 m (1.6 -6.6 ft) away, hold
down the <PUSH> button and tilt the flash head downward by
7° to
illuminate the lower part
of the image.
ETTL Zoom 50mm
... I ;' F- 5.6
--.-
----=:-.::-.!:':.~:l-!.:?~ -
0.5 0.7 11.5 2*""3/
l'
\i \\, ..... 13 18 m
19