How do I Use a Canon 580EX Flash?
The 580EX Speedlite flash is designed for use with Canon digital single lens reflex (SLR) cameras. The 580EX features an ETTL (evaluate through the lens) feature that automatically adjusts flash output for the photographer. The 580EX also has a manual mode and an adjustable head.
Mounting
Mount the 580EX onto the Canon SLR camera and slide it onto the hot shoe from behind the camera. Tighten the foot-lock lever on the flash to ensure it's securely connected to the hot shoe.
Adjusting Settings
Switch on the 580EX and ensure the LCD panel reads "ETTL" if you want the camera to automatically evaluate exposure compensation for the flash. Press the "Mode" key to switch to manual mode. Hold down the "Select" button and press left or right on the directional pad to adjust flash exposure compensation.
Shooting
Wait for the red "ready" light to illuminate each time you take a photo with the 580EX. The red light indicates the flash has recycled and is prepared to fire. As the flash fires continually, it will take increasingly longer to recycle. If the "ready" light takes longer than several seconds to light up, it is time to change the batteries.
Zoom
Hold down the "Zoom" button, on the far right of the control panel, and press the left or right directional buttons to adjust the zoom head position. The zoom head's range is 14 mm to 105 mm. The smaller the number, the farther the light from the flash will spread outward. If the flash zoom head number is larger, the flash will be more direct.
Swiveling Flash Head
Adjust the direction of the flash by pressing the flash head rotating lock button, located on the right side of the flash. Changing the direction of the flash enables the photographer to bounce light off a ceiling, wall or reflector.
Tags: zoom head, direction flash, exposure compensation, flash will, Hold down, left right, left right directional