hi guys! when i was using olympus, to use TTL to it's fullest, i had to set my E-1/E-500's ISO and WB settings to Auto and use Aperture Priority. i was wondering if there are any specific settings or adjustments i have to make to use the 580EX properly with E-TTL II in my 30D. anyone?

My experiences are based on the 350d and 400d ETTL II settings, Hopefully it's similar enough to the 30D.

INDOORS
Normally i start with the following "safe" settings:
On Custom functions on camera, Set the ETTL mode to average
with the 580ex on (ETTL II) ,swivelled up for a ceiling bounce, +2/3 compensation
Manual mode on camera, Iso 400, Av 5.6, TV 60

These setting provide the starting point pretty much, and i just vary the Aperture or shutter speed. Depending how much ambient light and depth of field i want. The ETTL just compensates for any adjustments i make hereafter.

As for using Av mode indoors, i don't find it as consistent, the results are appealing, but sometimes, the shutter speed drop too low and i end up with blurry pics.

WB i normally keep it on auto, and an eye on the RGB histogram, it's extremely useful for letting me add/or subtract some bias using the WB shift and still using auto WB.

OUTDOORS
I just put it on Av mode and just use -1/3 flash compensation for a bit of fill.

Hope this is helpful.

Hi Jon,

The nice thing about the 580EX is the dial. Like your 30D it's a breeze to adjust it on the fly.

I usually take a test shot and press the button and dial in the compensation needed. That's why I don't memorize all the fancy shmancy settings on the 580EX. I just set the head with the doodads (stofen or bounce) and shoot a test. By the 3rd test shot I can go guns a blazin!

hey thanks enjoy and dave! :D much appreciated! :D

hi guys! when i was using olympus, to use TTL to it's fullest, i had to set my E-1/E-500's ISO and WB settings to Auto and use Aperture Priority. i was wondering if there are any specific settings or adjustments i have to make to use the 580EX properly with E-TTL II in my 30D. anyone?



Jon Dexter Tan,

Hi! I just bought a 580ex flash & I am using 30D as well. But I am still new to photography most especially with flash. Maybe you can share some tips or If you don't mind I will ask questions. I have notice on the 580ex display when changing focal length the increment changes starts from 24mm - 28 - 35 - 50 - 70 - 80 - 105mm. Is this normal ? If I change the focal length is bet 50 & 70 it does not display the exact focal lenght like 55mm or 65mm only 50mm or 70mm. Is this the same with yours ? I ma using 24-105 4L lens. Hope my unit does not have prob.

Thank you.

hi, clemn. no, yours doesn't have a problem. that's normal (i.e., the incremental values of 35, 50, 70mm...). the display won't give an exact reading of the focal length of the lens it is set at.

hi, clemn. no, yours doesn't have a problem. that's normal (i.e., the incremental values of 35, 50, 70mm...). the display won't give an exact reading of the focal length of the lens it is set at.

Thanks Angelo. Sorry for the late reply. Just got in today from Cebu Dive. My 580ex is with canon service center. When I has doing my test for 2 hours, one of the battery leaked. So , I had it check & cleaned out for corrosive. Malas that was friday the 13th. I will them tom. Ma raming salamat sa reply on my question. :)