Canon Speedlite 580EX is a former flagship of Canon's flash line. It has been replaced by Canon Speedlite 580EX II (See our "Canon Speedlite 580EX II flash review") and now is discontinued. It's still being sold online new and used. Some retailers even charge for the Mark I unit more than they do for the Mark II one. Most likely it's due to the dedicated wireless mode on/off switch (Please refer to "Comparison: Canon Speedlite 580EX vs. Canon Speedlite 580EX II review" for more details). However it's still possible to get a good price on the 580EX Mark I.

Canon Speedlite 580EX is very well loaded with features and is a great performer overall. Also we have to note that it's build to last. The unit that we have has taken a significant amount of abuse during its several years of service. It didn't break and it didn't malfunction at all. We only wish that the all future Canon flashes are built as good as the 580EX model. Fortunately Canon folks seem to be on the right track in that regard (Canon 580EX Mark II is a great flah as well).

Guide number (ISO 100, lens 105 mm):	58 m (190 ft)
Recycling time (at full light output):	about 3.2 seconds
Modes: :	TTL, E-TTL, E-TTL II, Manual
Head swivel:	from -180 to +180 degrees
Head tilt:	from -7 to +90 degrees
Bounce card:	Yes
Wide-angle diffuser:	Yes
Stroboscopic flash:	1-199 pulses per second
Wireless capabilities:	Master/Slave
Second curtain synchronization:	Yes
Modeling light:	Yes
Flash bracketing:	Yes

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