580EX - Where do I start?

[rvds]

About 8 months ago I bought a 580EX flashgun but until now I have just stuck it on my camera (350D) and took photos. I have never changed any settings on it and I wouldn't even know where to start if I had to.

Could anyone suggest maybe a website or book that I could go to and find out how to completely utilize the expensive piece of kit that I have misused up until know!

[PacAce]

I think it's safe to say that most Speedlite users keep the flash in ETTL mode and just leave it there for most of their flash pictures, just like you. The only other options in ETTL Mode are high speed sync, to allow the use of shutter speeds faster than the camera's max sync speed, 2nd curtain sync and ETTL wireless remote, which would require another Speedlite or compatible flash or an ST-E2 transmitter.

You can set the flash to other modes, like multi-strobe and manual, but these are pretty specialized modes.

[Redfish]

One of the best references for flash is www.strobist.com
Read through that web site and you will step up your skills significantly. Go through the lighting 101 section and do the exercises

[airshaq20]

+1 for strobist.com
This site got me to buy 3 flash, lightstands, umbrella and Elinchrom Universal system.

[e r y k]

is the site in your sig run by you? those pictures are pretty damned good if its just a 580ex on camera!

[majorpanicuk]

This is a good guide about the Canon Flash system: -

http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

[martinsmith]

I got into strobist too and got a 580ex ii. I always have it off cam and in manual mode. I've never taken any pics in ETTL mode. It seemed too complex so I just learned to set things up manually. It's really not that hard.

[GrendelZ]

Strobist is the best.

[Lowbyte]

Another vote for Strobist to learn excelent flash technique... However if you want to quickly and painlessly learn about all of the functionality of your 580/430ex then check out http://www.bluecranedigital.com and get their "Understanding the 580ex and 430ex" DVD.

They demonstrate all the features, showing you how to program the flash, how to use the master/slave functions and how ETTL-II trys to judge flash exposure. One of the most productive hours you'll spend in front of your TV. Amazon and B&H carry it too.

Just a happy customer, and two of the people I've loaned it to bought their own copy.

[sando]

About 8 months ago I bought a 580EX flashgun but until now I have just stuck it on my camera (350D) and took photos. I have never changed any settings on it and I wouldn't even know where to start if I had to.

Could anyone suggest maybe a website or book that I could go to and find out how to completely utilize the expensive piece of kit that I have misused up until know!Hi,

I recently bought a 580EX II too and found the best way to learn was do as you've done.... slap it on and shoot away. This was has taught me that usually indoors you should bounce it to reduce the shadows and use +2/3 to +1 Exposure Compensation to beat NEVEC (which is when Canon camera's automatically underexpose when a flash is attached, and adding EC corrects this).

Outdoors, use it direct to fill the shadows, and play around with the Flash Exposure Compensation until you have a good understanding of what settings produce what results. -1 to -2 FEC seems to work for me.

Once you're happy with that and know what does what... move onto reading up and watching tutorials. I usually find tutorials a bit heavy when you have little understanding on the subject in the first place, as they sort of assume you know what you're doing in the first place.

[Lord_Malone]

Another vote for Strobist to learn excelent flash technique... However if you want to quickly and painlessly learn about all of the functionality of your 580/430ex then check out http://www.bluecranedigital.com and get their "Understanding the 580ex and 430ex" DVD.

They demonstrate all the features, showing you how to program the flash, how to use the master/slave functions and how ETTL-II trys to judge flash exposure. One of the most productive hours you'll spend in front of your TV. Amazon and B&H carry it too.

Just a happy customer, and two of the people I've loaned it to bought their own copy.

I second this. I've recommended this DVD several times here and will continue to do so. A very good video instruction.

[rmford]

I'm just bumbling along, playing with settings and seeing what comes out.

i've developed a liking for the camera in manual, and either set ettl on, or set the flash to 1/1-1/8 power and adjust the exposure by changing the aperture.

Ettl comes in most handy when bouncing, i feel.

[RPCrowe]

read the instruction manual... I would assume that the 580ex manual is at least at comprehensive as the manual for my 550ex.

Here is a great site, once you have mastered the intricacies of the 580ex controls:

http://planetneil.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/