Carl1024 Loc: Kaneohe, HI 96744

I'd like to take this flash off my camera & use it as an off-camera flash, what would i need to activate it?

Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire

A third-party radio control trigger:
https://kenrockwell.com/canon/flash/580ex-ii.htm

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

Either a cord for flash to camera, or slaves. You may be able to activate in your camera menu, a slave function. Google your camera and ask how to do.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

What camera to you have and will the EOS model control the flash remotely? Your camera's User Manual will be able to confirm if and how.

pauldh Loc: Melbourne, Australia

Godox X2T-C 2.4G TTL Bluetooth Wireless Flash Trigger Transmitter for Canon AU $92.06
Godox X1R-C i-TTL 2.4G Wireless Flash Controller Receiver Shutter For Canon AU $63.00

Bought on eBay, works fine with my Speedlite 580 EX M2 and R5.

hcmcdole

I use Yongnuo controllers for my 580 Ii flash.

Mr palmer Loc: Currently: Colorado, USA, Terra, Sol

For basic manual mode functionality. You might need 2-3 shots to dial in your exposure, but you won't have all the issues that come with TTL exposure.
Wireless Flash Trigger Set, 433MHZ 16 Channel Speedlite Studio Shutter Release Transceiver Kit, with 1 Transmitter 2 Receivers 1 Sync Wire Cable, for Canon, for Nikon https://a.co/d/2ixDDLN

Carl1024 Loc: Kaneohe, HI 96744

Canon EOS 80D

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The community has advised repeatedly to use <Quote Reply> to engage in a Q&A discussion.

The community has advised repeatedly to download the PDF files and review the various User / Advanced Instruction manuals for all your equipment.

For the EOS 80D, an entire chapter exists for "Flash Photography", starting on page 227. On page 244 you'd find the EOS 80D can work as the "master" for external EX-model Canon Speedlites that have a wireless "slave" function.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Carl, I’m so happy to see a complete question from you. Good personal growth. Next time including information like the camera model will be even better.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

There are a number of ways...

First, I believe your 80D has ability with its built-in flash to control an off-camera flash. Check the manual for details. (If you don't have it, the manual can be downloaded free from Canon USA website.)

There are limitations to using that on-board flash. It will "flicker" while controlling the off-camera flash. This is "optical" control, so the 580EX's amber screen on the front must face your camera. And the distance from which you can control the off-camera flash is limited. Probably no more than 20 or 30 feet. Maybe less in bright light conditions.

There also are "wired" connections... "off-camera shoe cords" for Canon EOS are widely available and are relatively low cost. Most only allow the off-camera flash to be about 3 feet from the camera. Some may be longer, but typically they are around 10 feet.

Canon produced an "ST-E2" flash controller module that works optically, similar to the built-in flash, but without the flashes of white light and maybe a little more reach. This uses a near infrared light instead and may be good for about 25 or 35 feet (less in bright ambient light conditions). There also are similar flash controllers produced by 3rd party manufacturers, costing less. (NOTE: The ST-E3-"RT" will NOT work with your flash. This uses radio waves instead of lights, so is only usable with 600EX-RT, 470EX-RT flashes. I don't know if the current ST-E10 is backward compatible with flashes like yours.)

You also can control an off-camera flash with an on-camera flash. The 550EX, 560EX and 580EX flashes all are able to act as a "master" unit (or as a slave). The tiny 90EX flash also can act as a master (but not as a slave unit). The 420EX thru 470EX flashes and some of the 300EX series can act as off-camera slave units, but not as master controller units. The distance these "master" flashes can reach is similar to the ST-E2, and like that controller they use near infrared light for optical communication.

Finally, there are radio controllers from several 3rd party manufacturers that give much greater distances (some do 100 ft. to over 400 ft.) With these you need both a controller unit to put in your camera's hot shoe and a receiving unit that the remote flash connects to.