Stroboframe Canon 580EX II Speedlite Flash + 8 Batteries & Charger + Flash Bounce Reflector + Precision Design E... (CAMETADLKR2-580EX) Battery Charger

Pros: Master wireless control, overall functionality, excellent exposure metering, fast & silent recycling, sealing

Cons: Expensive, large and heavy, slaves must be in line of sight of master (for trigger)

The Bottom Line: Great fire power with excellent controls and weather seal. Absolutely recommended to anybody serious about flash.

Review: While pretty much all professional cameras require an external flash, most consumer and "prosumer" grade cameras have one built in. So why spend any money on an external design like the (admittedly pricey) 580EX II? Well, the answer is in the pictures ...

Pros: Powerful; Superior Build Quality; Weather-Sealed; Advanced Features

Cons: Heavy

The Bottom Line: The Canon Speedlite 580EX II is a superb flash geared towards professionals, yet it would be perfect for any amateur that wants great photos also.

Review: Recently I decided on purchasing my own hot shoe flash. It all came down to the Canon Speedlite 580EX II and the Metz Mecablitz 58 AF-1 flash. I ended up with the Metz, and just returned the Canon. Nonetheless, ...

Pros: Quick Release Hotshoe Mount, A Plethora Of Features, Padded Case Included

Cons: Flip Down Diffuser Is Hard To Pull Out, Steep Price Tag

The Bottom Line: For the money you just can't get any better than the Canon Speedlite 580EX II

Review: I got this excellent flash for a great price from an on-line merchant. I had been researching this flash for several weeks, and found that it received rave reviews at many sites on the Internet, so I decided to purchase it for myself. All I can say is, ...

Pros: Full Canon functionality with all bodies (dig and film)

Cons: Expensive, accessories expensive

The Bottom Line: If you can afford it buy this, if you can't quite, get the 550EX. Now a year later, there may be better 3rd party units.

Review: I've been into digital slr photography for almost two years. My first near professional camera was the Canon Digital Rebel (original not the newer one out these days). That camera has built in flash but it's just not good enough to keep up with fast ...

Pros: Good under controlled conditions when you need little more than a 3 shot burst

Cons: Rubbish with uncontrolled conditions when you need more than a 3 shot burst

The Bottom Line: I recommend Nikon over Canon, which is hard for me to admit because I have had Canon brand loyalty for 15 years.

Review: I have had this flash for about a year and it has cost me hundreds of dollars in lost image sales due to the very poor consistency on ETTL. Also, the flash cuts out automatically (to avoid cooking the head) even if you are only using it as fill at -3 on ...