Canon announces flagship Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash

Canon has introduced a new flagship flash gun in the body of the Speedlite 600EX II-RT, that is here to deliver faster refresh times to professional photographers.

The top of the line when it comes to flashes for Canon’s EOS DSLRs used to be the Speedlite 600EX-RT. Well, it all changes today as the Mark II version of this product has just been announced.

After unveiling the PowerShot SX620 HS compact camera and the EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM lens, Canon has taken the wraps off of the Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash. It has been revealed in order to provide further creative options to photographers using its EOS-series cameras.

Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash unveiled with quicker recycling times

The third announcement of the day from the world’s biggest camera vendor consists of a lighting accessory. The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash has been introduced as a means to fix one major shortcoming of its predecessor: faster recycling times.

The new Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT offers up 1.5x faster recycling times using AA batteries.

The Japan-based manufacturer has confirmed that the new version will provide up to 1.5x faster recycling times in continuous flash shooting mode when AA batteries are inserted. Moreover, if the user chooses the also new Compact CP-E4N Battery Pack, then recycling times are two times faster.

You can control up to 5 groups of flashes wirelessly using the new Speedlite 600EX II-RT

Beside the quicker recycling times, the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash is similar to its forerunner. Either way, it covers focal lengths from 20mm to 200mm, while offering the best guide number at 60 meters / 197 feet and 100 ISO. As a result, it is the most powerful Speedlite designed for EOS DSLR cameras.

Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash features an LCD on the back.

This flash may allow you to get rid of cables or other third party accessories, since it supports radio transmission. Optical transmission is also supported and it is said to have a great range.

Using this product, photographers will be able to control five other groups of flash guns. Since it is top of the line, one would expect it to be resistant to water and dust, so Canon delivers what users want.

The weathersealed Speedlite 600EX II-RT flash has a readiness indicator on the screen, while the product is easier to control thanks to an improved button layout. Photographers are also getting new color filters and bounce adapter.

This accessory is not immediately available to users. Instead, it will be released on the market in June and you have to be prepared to shelve out $579.99 for this product.