for beginners and the advanced features are easy to figure out and set up using the included manual. Well worth the extra cost, as compared to other compatible flashes. Pictures turn out really good, i am very impressed. I haven't had any problems, to date and i am really happy with my purchase and glad i invested the extra money to get the 580ex instead of the 550ex.

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Features I Still Haven't Found, April 28, 2006
Reviewer: Brian Koch "Aspiring Photographer"

While this may not work the best for large indoor group photography, it does an amazing job with individual or small groups. But where I get the most out of my flash is in macro work. When used with the off-camera shoe cord and Sto-fen Omni-bounce diffuser at close range you are able to bring out small details that would have otherwise been lost in the shadows. Plus the TTL system makes using this a no-brainer. Of course you can use it with other units or in several custom and manual modes if you want also.
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too complicated, April 17, 2006
Reviewer: AT "family photographer"

I wanted a flash for my 20D so I bought this one. I put it on my camera and tested it. I saw no difference between the pictures I took with this flash and the pictures that I took with the built in flash. It adds a lot of weight to the camera and makes it difficult to hold. I just don't see the benefit. It is too complicated to figure out so I am sending it back.
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perfect fit for my 20d!, April 15, 2006
Reviewer: J. Garrison "jamirae"

got this flash as a gift to add to my "bag of photography goodies" I can't say enough great things about it. I've noticed significant improvements in the color and lighting in all my photos when I use this flash. I recommend getting a diffuser like the Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce. The diffuser makes the light softer, and helps to fill in the shadows. I highly recommend the 580ex
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Flashy..., March 28, 2006
Reviewer: W. Mcnair "puppet guy"

I tried this unit on my camera before buying it for myself. I find that it has some limitations as I was trying to photograph action shots in a gym. The photographer warned me that it would be this way. However, it was such an improvement over using the integrated flash--or the digital camera I used last season; I have no regrets about the investment.
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Speedlite review, March 25, 2006
Reviewer: D. Rotkowitz

This is a great flash - but sometimes it's a little tempermental. It doesn't always like to do what you tell it, but if you press the button enough it will do what you want.
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It works like it's supposed to, March 24, 2006
Reviewer: pveman

I've been using this flash for about 6 months and it is excellent. It combines beautifully with my 20d. Photos come out very well exposed. It can be used as the primary light source or as a fill flash in the program modes on the camera. It's really intuitive, and even though it has many manual adjustments available, even a beginner like me can really find the "sweet spot" for a well exposed shot.

In my opinion, the best feature about the flash is the ability to bounce it in a large variety of directions. Because the flash is so powerfull, you can even bounce it off walls that are 15 - 20 feet away and get really good results. I use it with an Omnibounce filter which I believe takes the harshness away. The results can be really close to what you would expect from natural lighting.

At one point I tried to see how it would work in continuous shooting mode. I was able to take 29 flash shots in under 6 seconds. My camera got hung up before the flash did.

It's a great flash to buy if you want to use it as a master with some less expensive secondary flashes. It provides a reasonably inexpensive avenue to some fairly flexible lighting.

My only complaint with the flash is that it is not always recognized by the camera. I have tried to clean all the contacts but the problem has not gone away. Sometimes I need to try "jiggling" it before it interfaces with the 20d. However once it locks in, it stays locked in. This has not been a major problem for me - you can tell if the camera recognizes the flash by the sound the flash makes. However, if I were using it professionally I don't think this would be acceptable. I still gave it 5 stars because I'm not sure whether the problem is the result of the flash or the camera.

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