Newb Alert 580 EX

[CBirnley]

Maybe I missed something, but where could one locate an instruction manual for the 580 EX? I am reading about all the wonderful things this flash can do, all the while I place it on my 20D, turn it on, and press the shutter...seems there is more to "it" than that. Please advise.

[tim]

There's a fair bit to it, it's not all in the manual but it's a start. Try here

http://eosdoc.com/manuals/

Then read this thread, especially the eos bible.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=46599

[CBirnley]

Tim,

Thank you for the start...

[Bad Iron]

I'm finding it's a bit more than point and shoot at full auto (like Canon would have you believe). I have yet to take a good one with the head pointed at the subject. Very harsh and dark. But with it at 90 with the white card or a diffuser on, you can get some excellent results. I'm still working on it. Just read the links as Tim suggests (there are plenty) and be patient.

[CBirnley]

Bad Iron,

Thank you for the response...of course reading the links is exciting sometimes as well;) I'm surprised that Canon does not include some type of instruction manual with the flash...oh well, keeps it exciting I guess. Thank you for the suggestion on the difuser...take care.

[tim]

Um... Canon does include a manual with the flash...

[Bad Iron]

Bad Iron,

Thank you for the response...of course reading the links is exciting sometimes as well;) I'm surprised that Canon does not include some type of instruction manual with the flash...oh well, keeps it exciting I guess. Thank you for the suggestion on the difuser...take care.

As Tim said, it does come with a manual. But like the camera manual, it doesn't necessarily mean you are going to take good pictures. The difference is that flash photography is hard. There are a lot of things going on. Just don't expect (like I did) to read the brochures and manuals, turn it on and take great flash pictures, especially after spending that much money on it. Maybe I'm just trying to convince myself as well.

[queenbee288]

Binrnley, I agree, that manual was disappointing to me also.

[tim]

Yeah the manual is about how to use the flash, not how to take good photos. Practice makes perfect!

[robertwgross]

Yes, the assumption is made that if you are out purchasing a 580EX Speedlite, then you know the basics of what you are doing with flash photography. Then, if you know the basics, the manual tells you how to apply that to this particular product.

Also note that there are some of us who thought we learned basic flash photography back in the old days of film, and when we wandered into the modern world of ETTL, we got a big surprise.

It is necessary to read the EOS Flash Bible and master about a quarter of it. Then go re-read the 580EX manual a couple of more times.

---Bob Gross---