Received Canon Speedlite 580EX II from KEH: First purchase from KEH based on reputation you guys gave me, and they apparently have done another awesome job, from packaging to...

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

First purchase from KEH based on reputation you guys gave me, and they apparently have done another awesome job, from packaging to representation.

Packaging very professional. Contents look like new. Very pleased so far although I have to go get some batteries to turn it on.........

A few questions/comments to those with experience with this flash:

Contents included the flash, a case and a mini stand as was represented. I have googled already and no mention was made of any software so can I assume there is none needed?

I have successfully downloaded pdf files of the quick start guide as well as a monstrous users guide. Hoping I can use the quick guide to learn and just use the users guide as a reference........comments?

Also, I watched a u-tube video that said I could not use rechargeable batteries.........I find that doubtful. Would like to be able to use rechargeable batteries. Experienced comments regarding this as well as recommendations would be highly appreciated!

Thanks in advance. Tom

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I have a 550EX and have no problems with rechargeable batteries. I am using lithium type.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I've frequently used rechargeable AA in my three 580EX II, three 550EX, CP-E2, CP-E3 and CP-E4 battery packs. No problems. In fact, they recycle faster and last longer than alkaline AA.

I don't think any of my rechargeable AA are the lithium type... but am not sure.

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

PHRubin wrote:

I have a 550EX and have no problems with rechargeable batteries. I am using lithium type.

Thanks. Unless I find something in the instructions to the contrary, I plan to use them too. I see no reason not to.......

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

amfoto1 wrote:

I've frequently used rechargeable AA in my three 580EX II, three 550EX, CP-E2, CP-E3 and CP-E4 battery packs. No problems. In fact, they recycle faster and last longer than alkaline AA.

I don't think any of my rechargeable AA are the lithium type... but am not sure.

Thanks, btw, am I correct in the thought that the lithium type are the more modern than the Ni-cads? I will need to find a charger as well as I cannot find my old one....regardless seems that it will not be detrimental to use rechargeables.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

One tip on batteries and long-term storage: be sure sure sure to remove the batteries when storing long term. Long-term defined as not planning to use for the new few weeks. A few weeks becomes a few months and then longer ... and so easily the next you know is you have leaking batteries.

The 580EX is a complex model and when people talk about weak manuals, this goes double for the 580EX in terms of understanding 'how to use' from the written description of how the buttons and dials operate. Practice and a 3rd party guide are much more helpful than the manual.

Enjoy and have fun!

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

CHG_CANON wrote:

One tip on batteries and long-term storage: be sur... (show quote)

Thank you CHG for the comments. Man do I ever agree on batteries stored in the equipt! From experience unfortunately! I also appreciate the comments on a learning guide beyond the manual. I would like to learn to get the most from it that I can (I need all the help I can find)! lol And speaking of said extra help////// Can you recommend a good guide for said learning?

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

CanonTom wrote:

First purchase from KEH based on reputation you gu... (show quote)

Congrats, the 580 is a very fine flash ( I have 3 of them that I use with PW's). They are very reliable, just a fine, long lasting piece of equipment!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

CanonTom wrote:

Thank you CHG for the comments. Man do I ever agree on batteries stored in the equipt! From experience unfortunately! I also appreciate the comments on a learning guide beyond the manual. I would like to learn to get the most from it that I can (I need all the help I can find)! lol And speaking of said extra help////// Can you recommend a good guide for said learning?

I have two. I've probably used Speedliter's Handbook by Syl Arena much more than Mastering Canon EOS Flash Photography by NK Guy.

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

CHG_CANON wrote:

I have two. I've probably used Speedliter's Handbook by Syl Arena much more than Mastering Canon EOS Flash Photography by NK Guy.

Thanks, I will look into Speedliter's Handbook!

Update just ordered a used paperback (indicated very good condition) through Amazon for 8 bucks!

Thanks as always, Tom

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I use Eneloops from B&H. 4-8 AA and charger is $20-$30 IIRC...
I would just put the flash on your camera and try ETTL mode to start.
Then you can try Flash EC, called FEC on Canon, play with that. Then you can work your way into the other modes and controls...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

Notorious T.O.D. wrote:

I use Eneloops from B&H. 4-8 AA and charger is $20-$30 IIRC...
I would just put the flash on your camera and try ETTL mode to start.
Then you can try Flash EC, called FEC on Canon, play with that. Then you can work your way into the other modes and controls...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Thanks Todd, I will do that. I appreciate everyone's desire to assist. Sort of like having a band of brothers, so to speak......

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

CanonTom wrote:

Thanks, btw, am I correct in the thought that the lithium type are the more modern than the Ni-cads? I will need to find a charger as well as I cannot find my old one....regardless seems that it will not be detrimental to use rechargeables.

When I 1st bought lithium-ion batteries, I was told they recharge differently than nicads, so buy a charger specifically for lithium.

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

PHRubin wrote:

When I 1st bought lithium-ion batteries, I was told they recharge differently than nicads, so buy a charger specifically for lithium.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

CanonTom wrote:

First purchase from KEH based on reputation you gu... (show quote)

You can use rechargeable batteries, eneloop are excellent. I have two 580 EX II, and a 580 EX, no problems. There was an advisory about using Lithium (non-rechargeable) batteries that could cause overheating. http://pixsylated.com/blog/do-not-use-lithium-batteries-in-speedlites-canon-advisory/