New 61 point AF (1DX and 5DmkIII) compatibility with 580 II speedlite.

[JR]

From the Canon USA site, we can read on the new 600 speedlite that:  AF Assist Beam compatible with Canon's new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF.

But Canon fails to say anything about the other speedlite, like the 580 II for example.  Does anyone knows if the older speedlite are actually compatible with the 5DmkIII or 1DX?  Canon's site suggest they may not be!

Anyone?

[ereka]

On page 188 of the 5D MkIII instruction manual, it states "This camera is a type A camera that can use all the features of EX-series Speedlites". Curiously though, the system map on page 356 shows 270EX II, 320EX, 430 EX II and 600EX Speedlites but not 580EX or 580EX II speedlites. Maybe Canon just wants to promote the new 600 over the 580. I can't imagine that the 580EX/EXII Speedlites wouldn't work.

[dswatson83]

Maybe the 580 II was completely replaced by the 600 and that is why canon is leaving it out

[bdeutsch]

This will be quite annoying if the 580exII AF assist beam doesn't work with the 5dm3.  I'm not ready to go out and pay $1800 for 3 new flashes on top of the new camera. But if the 430ex II works, I'd have to think the 580exII does.

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[CanineCandidsByL]

I beleive its just a simple infrared light. I don't see how there could be incompatibility.

[Bosman]

This will be quite annoying if the 580exII AF assist beam doesn't work with the 5dm3.  I'm not ready to go out and pay $1800 for 3 new flashes on top of the new camera. But if the 430ex II works, I'd have to think the 580exII does.

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In my testing they all work fine.
I have A 580, 580 exII's, 430exII's.
The build quality of the 430EXII'S kinda look more like the 5d3 build quality, really tight seems and smooth finishes.
The only thing with the reg 580 is that the camera bodies cant tell it to do functions if you set the flash functions in camera.

[larryf]

Yes, my 580 II works great with the 5D Mark III.  No changes to the functionality of the 580 II flash with the new camera.

[Taemobig]

I have the original 580 ex. I tested all the outer AF points to see if it would focus in complete darkness just using the red af assist light. All af points works perfectly with it.

[photophreek]

The 580EX II sees 45 focus points and not 61.  The 580EX was released around the same time as the 1D IV.  I don't have the 580EX II manual handy, but it will state this in the manual.

[JR]

The 580EX II sees 45 focus points and not 61.  The 580EX was released around the same time as the 1D IV.  I don't have the 580EX II manual handy, but it will state this in the manual.

Haaa, that make sense.  I still think the issue I had however was with the 5DmkIII unit I had, so I returned it anyway.  It was too obvious the softness of all my shots.  Will be curious to see when real reviews come out what they say about it.