What does the Canon 580EX II flash distance scale mean in E-TTL II mode?
Asked 5/27/2011
4 views
2 answers
0
On a Canon 580EX II, the flash LCD shows a distance scale from about 0.5m to 18m. In manual flash mode, only one point on the scale appears, indicating the maximum range for the selected flash power, aperture, and ISO. In E-TTL II mode, multiple segments light up instead. For example, at f/5.6 and ISO 400, the scale may show a usable range from roughly 1m to 9m. What does that illuminated range represent?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
8
This shows you the optimum range of distances you can use those settings with. In your example, beyond 9m and the camera settings mean you won't be able to illuminate the subject properly; and closer than 1m and the subject will be overexposed even on the flash's minimum setting.
In manual mode, you've already determined the flash power, so the effective range is reduced to just the single bar.
Originally by user456. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user456
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
In E-TTL II, the illuminated span shows the usable subject distance range for your current aperture and ISO.
Using your example, about 1m to 9m means:
- farther than 9m: the flash likely cannot provide enough light for proper exposure
- closer than 1m: the flash may still be too powerful even at its minimum output, so overexposure is possible
So in E-TTL, the flash can vary its output automatically within that range, and the scale shows the distances where it should be able to expose correctly.
In manual flash mode, you set a fixed flash power yourself, so the display only indicates the effective limit for that specific power setting rather than a variable range.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI15y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How do I set manual flash power on a Canon 580EX II when following Nikon-based flash tutorials?
Why does my Canon 580EX work in manual flash mode but not expose correctly in E-TTL on a 5D Mark II?
How do I use a Canon 580EX II in Av mode without E-TTL on a 5D Mark II?
How do I control Canon 580EX II power with a Godox X1 trigger/receiver?
How can I control a Canon 580EX II in manual mode through Yongnuo YN-622C II triggers?