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. Battery Grip For EOS 100D-Rebel-SL1. Which One+Where Can You Get One?

    Jul 24, 24 09:25 AM

    Battery Grip Door
    Here is the answer to your question about the Battery Grip For EOS 100D-Rebel-SL1

    Read More

  2. R7 Lens Compatibility And a List of The Best Lenses For a Canon R7

    Jul 24, 24 08:59 AM

    Canon RF-S 18-150 kit lens
    Canon EOS R lens compatibility. Here are the best lenses for a Canon R7

    Read More

  3. The 9 Best Lenses For a Canon 90D. The Good, The Great, and The Unique

    Jul 24, 24 08:53 AM

    Canon 90D With 100-400 Lens
    You already know the 90D is a great camera, but you need a matching lens. What are the best lenses for a Canon 90D. Here are my top 9 choices for a good 90d lenses

    Read More

  4. 7 Best Canon 70-200 Lens Accessories.Must Have Protection And Function

    Jul 23, 24 04:40 PM

    Protect your Canon lens graphic
    It is a great lens by itself, no doubt, but there are a few Canon 70-200 lens accessories you should know about right away.

    Read More

  5. Canon Speedlite Portraits-How To Portrait Lighting With One Speedlite

    Jul 23, 24 10:25 AM

    Handheld 270EX II Speedlite
    How to guide: Speedlite portrait lighting. Simple Canon speedlite portraits tips to get great shots with you canon camera and speedlite flash

    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.