This page may contain affiliate links that pay me a small commission. There is no cost to you. You can review the affiliate statement at the very bottom of this page if you want more information. As an Amazon affiliate Canon Camera Geek may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at NO added cost to you.

Mixing Speedlite 600EXii's and 580EXii's.

by Brian
(Somewhere in Texas)

Speedlite 600 Vs 580 LCD Screens

Speedlite 600 Vs 580 LCD Screens

"I have a ST-E3 Transmitter, two Speedlite 600EXii's and two Speedlite 580EXii's. Currently using the two 600's as radio slaves. Works fine. I'd also like to use the 580's in close proximity to the 600's. So, I would think that I could keep using the 600's fired (via radio signal) and use the 600's, in turn, to fire the 580's optically. But I don't find anything in literature and no menu options that indicate that the 600's can act as radio slaves and optical masters at the same time."

Hi Brian,
Thanks for your question about combining Canon 600EX II Speedlites with Canon 580EX II Speedlites. That's quite a question. I have both the Canon 600 and 580 flash units too.

Canon Speedlite 600EX II Vs. Speedlite 580EX II

For the benefit of other Canon Geek readers, one is built using light rays and one is built using radio waves to signal other flash units (as masters and slaves) in a lighting setup with multiple flashes.

I'm a simplicity geek (especially when it comes to lighting) and I've never attempted a lighting set-up with several of my Speedlites at the same time, so you should take my answer with a grain of salt. I would take the big step and update to all Speedlite 600s and the superior radio (instead of optical) communication between your speedlites.

Probably not the answer you're hoping for-I know it's a big investment. I made a similar decision when I was using Q-Flashes for shooting weddings a long time ago. I had 2 systems from the same company, but the jump in technology advances made the two flash systems incompatible. It was tough to update.

Let me know how you solve your dilemma,
Bruce

Related Speedlite Posts

Speedlite Accessories
Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT

Comments for Mixing Speedlite 600EXii's and 580EXii's.

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks
by: Brian

Thanks Bruce. You're correct...That wasn't the reply I was hoping to hear. Good news is, two flashes are adequate for almost anything I will be doing. I just want the extra power for a couple experimental thing I want to do for fun. I'm determined to figure out a way to use all four in high speed sync mode at the same time...even if I have to physically tether them. I'll let you know what I come up with. It may not work with EttL but I could probably get a separate optical (not IR) trigger from e-bay.

Thanks again,
Brian
(ItinerantLens on Instagram)

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Ask The Canon Geek.

Author Bruce Lovelace
Bruce Lovelace Signature

Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.

View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram  and Flickr.   Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.

Canon Geek on Google My Business

You might like these


Search for articles on this Site:


Recent Articles

RSS

  1. Canon Camera Guide. Useful Advice on Canon Cameras-Lenses-Accessories

    Jan 01, 25 05:52 AM

    Welcome to Canon Camera Geek
    Helpful advice on Canon Cameras, Canon lenses, and Canon camera accessories. Answers to your questions about Canon equipment. Canon camera equipment guide.

    Read More

  2. Canon Speedlite 270ex II Review and 270EX vs 270EX II Comparison

    Dec 16, 24 02:05 PM

    Canon Speedlite 270EX-II
    It's small, powerful enough, and saves you, the Canon Speedlite 270ex II. How it compares to the 270EX original

    Read More

  3. Canon Speedlite 270EX II Bounce Ideas. Create Softly Lit Portraits

    Dec 16, 24 10:41 AM

    Canon Speedlite Bounce Panel is built in to the flash head and slides out when needed.
    Bounce Your Way to Better Photos: Mastering the Canon Speedlite 270EX II. Super simple Canon Speedlite 270EX II Bounce Ideas

    Read More

  4. Best Canon EOS Lenses For Beginners. Which Canon Lens to Start With

    Dec 14, 24 03:13 PM

    Canon 18-55mm Kit Lens
    Depending on what type of photography you are doing, here are the best Canon EOS lenses for beginners, including portraits, landscapes, macro, and....

    Read More

  5. Are Canon L lenses worth the price? Truth Revealed-Helpful L Lens FAQ

    Dec 14, 24 01:16 PM

    Canon Red L lens marking quote
    Should you buy one of the Canon L lenses. This post will answer your frequently asked questions about L lenses. Are Canon L lenses worth the price?

    Read More

Sign up for a monthly update

Enter Your E-mail Address
Enter Your First Name
Then

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Canon Geek Newsletter.