Canon Speedlites

Canon 580EX II Speedlite – The 580EXII is the flagship flash for Speedliters. It is a high-powered unit that is able to operate both as a Master and a Slave. The head swivels a full 180º to the right and left (meaning that it can be rotated 360º). The head can also be tilted up to 90º and down to -7º. This latter feature is helpful when you are lighting something close to the lens. When paired with an EOS-compatible lens, the head will automatically zoom the flash tube to match the focal length – from 24mm to 105mm. The built-in wide-angle diffuser expands the coverage area to 14mm. A favorite trick of mine is to zoom the head manually, typically to a longer focal length than I’m shooting, so that the light is tighter than my shot–creating dramatic fall off. Power can be controlled manually in 1/3 stop increments from full down to 1/128 (7-stops). The 580EXII also compensates for the smaller APS-C and APS-H sensors. When paired with a Digic 4 camera, the custom functions can be set via the LCD. I carry at least three in my bag at all times.

Canon 430 EX II Speedlite – The 430EX II is a great Speedlite to get if you are just starting out. While it cannot command other Speedlites as a Master, it can be configured as a Slave. So, there’s always a use for it as you expand your Speedlite kit. The head swivels a full 180º to the left and 90º to the right. The head can also be tilted up to 90º and down to -7º. This latter feature is helpful when you are lighting something close to the lens. When paired with an EOS-compatible lens, the head will automatically zoom the flash tube to match the focal length – from 24mm to 105mm. The built-in wide angle diffuser expands the coverage area to 14mm. Power can be controlled manually in 1/3 stop increments from full down to 1/64 (6-stops). If you already have a 580EX or EXII, the 430EX II is handy if you need to add an additional Speedlite at an affordable price. At maximum power, it is about 2/3 stop dimmer than a 580EX II.

Canon 270EX II Speedlite – This is a tiny flash that pairs well with the Canon pocket cameras, like the Powershot G12. It has a simple head design with two manually controlled zoom settings – 28mm and 50mm. The head can also be manually tilted 60º, 75º or 90º upwards for bounce. Although not designed to work as a Master or a Slave, if you needed a small flash in tiny spot, it could be fired via an optical slave or radio trigger (only at full power as there is no manual power control). Fully compatible with E-TTL II functions, including high-speed sync. To get these features, this must be paired with a Digic 4 camera (G10+, 50D+, 5DM2, etc.).

Canon Macro Flash

Canon MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite – This specialty flash connects directly to the front of your macro lens. The benefit of this position is that it throws nearly shadowless light onto macro subjects. There are two flash tubes so you can adjust the ratio of light from right to left or top to bottom. Fully compatible with Canon E-TTL system. Can be used as a Master, but will not work as a Slave.

Canon MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite – The MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite builds upon the front-of-lens concept behind the MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite. It also has two advantages: (1) more directionality to the light, and (2) a bit more power. The side lites can be tilted independently or removed from the bracket and hand-held. In terms of functionality, this unit has full ratio control and E-TTL II compatibility. It can be used as a Master to wirelessly control 580- and 430-series Speedlites. However, it will not work as a Slave.

Canon Speedlite Accessories

Canon CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack – If you are shooting a 500-series Speedlite at an event where you need a fast recycling time, you’ll want to add the CP-E4 Compact Battery Pack to your kit. It holds 8 AA batteries, enabling the recycling time to be cut by as much as two-thirds. Works with 580EX-II, 580EX, 550EX, 540EZ, MR-14EX, MT-24EX Speedlites. Will not work with 400- or 200- series Speedlites.

Canon OC-E3 Off-Camera Flash Cord – The quickest thing you can do to get your Speedlite off-camera is to use a dedicated cord with a hotshoe at one end. If you use an E-TTL-compatible cord, then your camera will be able to continue to communicate exposure control to the flash. The Canon OC-E3 Off-Camera Flash Cord will enable you to handhold your Speedlite or to mount it into a flash bracket, virtually anywhere within two feet of the hotshoe. If you need to go farther (I always seem to), then add a second cord to the first cord. I have to admit, though, that this is a rather expensive solution. I prefer the OCF33 extra-long ETTL cord discussed on the Off-Camera Solutions page.

Canon ST-E2 Speedlite Transmitter – Can be used instead of a 580EX to control Slaves. The advantages are: (1) price (about $200 less than a new 580EX II), (2) smaller profile (much lower than a 580EX), and (3) easy ratio control for A/B groups. The disadvantages are: (1) can’t be rotated like a 580EX if Slaves are behind you, (2) not as effective in bright sun as 580EX II, (3) will only control A / B groups (no C-group option), and (4) cannot be used as on-camera fill-flash. My recommendation, if you can, is to spend the extra money on a 580EX II. It’s always nice to have another backup flash in the bag.