Canon 580EX-II Speedlite off camera with R6 Mark II

[mglotspeich]

Hi all. Since the transmission on the 580EX-II is not radio controlled, is there any way that I can use the flash as a slave with the R6 Mark II? Can this speedlite still be used as an optical slave?

Thank you.

Mike

[deebatman316]

None of Canon’s EOS R series cameras can control off camera speedlites. Without additional hardware regardless of wireless type. You’ll need the ST-E2 or any speedlite which supports being an optical sender such as a 600EX II-RT. All of Canon’s top of the line speedlites and EL-100 support this.

[mglotspeich]

Thank you. I have the EL-10 speedlight on my R6 M2 and wanted to use the 580EX-II of camera. Do you know what I need to purchase to make the 580EX fire off-camera with the EL-10 attached to the camera? Thank you for your help!

[deebatman316]

The EL-10 is only compatible with the newer Radio Wireless system released in 2012. The 580EX II predates that system and is only compatible with the older Optical line of sight system released in 1998. There is no way to make what you currently have ever work. 

[mglotspeich]

Thank you, that was the reason for my post. So is there any way that I can use the 580EX-II off camera? Is there any type of accessory that can make this happen? Thanks again!

[deebatman316 · Accepted solution]

You can use any other Canon speedlite that supports the older optical line of system. Such as another 580EX II or the very old ST-E2. But that transmitter is NOT COMPATIBLE with the in camera flash menu. It predates that menu system by almost 10 years.

[mglotspeich]

Thank you very much. That makes sense. Appreciate your help!