Canon Speedlite 600EX-RTFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 25 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment32%
PROS 32%
CONS 68%

Rank based on 25 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You already own Canon Speedlites and want a proven, well-liked radio/optical wireless flash
  • You're willing to invest time learning IDs, channels, and groups for multi-flash setups
  • You don't need a focus-assist beam or very long transmitter range

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You want simple menus without a learning curve for wireless setup
  • You need reliable focus-assist light in dark venues from the ST-E3-RT transmitter
  • You're on a tight budget and unwilling to pay $300+ for the transmitter

What users complain about

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Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Budget
Nikon Z5 II
Outstanding ValueStrong Autofocus PerformanceExcellent Image Quality and ColorRising Price Compared to Original Z5Video Compression Artifacts and Rolling ShutterAutofocus Tracking Inconsistencies
Nikon Z5 II
Outstanding Value
Strong Autofocus Performance
Excellent Image Quality and Color
Rising Price Compared to Original Z5
Video Compression Artifacts and Rolling Shutter
Autofocus Tracking Inconsistencies
2Mid
Fujifilm X-T1
Distinctive color rendering / X-Trans II sensorExcellent with vintage and manual-focus lensesTactile dial-based controlsSingle SD card slotDimmer EVF than newer bodiesLower megapixel count limits cropping flexibility
Fujifilm X-T1
Distinctive color rendering / X-Trans II sensor
Excellent with vintage and manual-focus lenses
Tactile dial-based controls
Single SD card slot
Dimmer EVF than newer bodies
Lower megapixel count limits cropping flexibility
3Mid
Nikon Zf
Autofocus performanceFun and emotional shooting experienceImage quality and low-light performanceErgonomics require an added gripHeavier than expectedLimited retro-styled lens lineup
Nikon Zf
Autofocus performance
Fun and emotional shooting experience
Image quality and low-light performance
Ergonomics require an added grip
Heavier than expected
Limited retro-styled lens lineup
4Premium
Sony A7R IV
Exceptional 61MP Resolution
Sony A7R IV
Exceptional 61MP Resolution
5Mid
Nikon Z6 II
Excellent Z-mount lensesImage quality & color scienceImproved autofocus performanceAwkward Auto ISO and menu workflowIncremental upgrade over original Z6No flip-out/articulating screen
Nikon Z6 II
Excellent Z-mount lenses
Image quality & color science
Improved autofocus performance
Awkward Auto ISO and menu workflow
Incremental upgrade over original Z6
No flip-out/articulating screen
6Mid
Panasonic GH5 II
Autofocus improvements for videoBuilt-in live streamingStrong value at discounted pricingAutofocus still lags competitorsUSB power bank compatibility issuesMenu system requires adjustment
Panasonic GH5 II
Autofocus improvements for video
Built-in live streaming
Strong value at discounted pricing
Autofocus still lags competitors
USB power bank compatibility issues
Menu system requires adjustment
7Budget
Fujifilm X-M1
Distinctive color rendering
Fujifilm X-M1
Distinctive color rendering
8Budget
Olympus OM-D E-M10
Compact, travel-friendly systemFun, characterful shooting experienceOutstanding image stabilizationLimited autofocus for actionOlympus pricing and company uncertaintyNo weather sealing
Olympus OM-D E-M10
Compact, travel-friendly system
Fun, characterful shooting experience
Outstanding image stabilization
Limited autofocus for action
Olympus pricing and company uncertainty
No weather sealing
9Premium
Sony A7R V
Versatile tilt/flip screenImproved autofocus and trackingImproved IBIS and low-light performanceSensor readout largely unchangedBattery grip fitment issuesNot ideal for fast-action/wildlife shooters
Sony A7R V
Versatile tilt/flip screen
Improved autofocus and tracking
Improved IBIS and low-light performance
Sensor readout largely unchanged
Battery grip fitment issues
Not ideal for fast-action/wildlife shooters
10Premium
Nikon Z9
Strong, adaptive autofocus for wildlife/sportsRugged build and comfortable ergonomicsExceptional battery lifeAutofocus struggles in specific scenariosLarge size and weightEVF resolution criticized by some
Nikon Z9
Strong, adaptive autofocus for wildlife/sports
Rugged build and comfortable ergonomics
Exceptional battery life
Autofocus struggles in specific scenarios
Large size and weight
EVF resolution criticized by some
You are here
31Premium
Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT
High Owner SatisfactionSupports Scalable Multi-Flash KitsNo Need to Upgrade From Original RTConfusing Menu and Wireless SetupCamera Body Compatibility GapsST-E3-RT Lacks Focus-Assist Beam
Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT
High Owner Satisfaction
Supports Scalable Multi-Flash Kits
No Need to Upgrade From Original RT
Confusing Menu and Wireless Setup
Camera Body Compatibility Gaps
ST-E3-RT Lacks Focus-Assist Beam

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Loyal users love the 600EX-RT's power and wireless flexibility. Several commenters say they simply love the flash, with at least one buying a second unit after two weeks of use and another purchasing a second 600EX RT after finally understanding its communication system. One user notes that once they learned the differences between the original and the II-RT, they realized there was no need to upgrade, suggesting the original already satisfies their photography needs and remains a trusted long-term tool.

The radio and optical menu system has a steep learning curve. Numerous comments describe confusion locating wireless menus, syncing IDs, or fixing dropped links between units and transmitters on bodies like the 5D Mark III, 1300D, and 80D. Users report missing flash control options, zoom stuck in manual, and links dropping mid-shoot despite matching channels and IDs. One user explicitly thanks a tutorial for reducing frustration after struggling to get the system working across multiple flashes.

The ST-E3-RT transmitter and overall system show real limitations. Commenters point out the ST-E3-RT transmitter lacks a focus-assist beam, making it hard to lock focus in dark venues like night clubs, with multiple users agreeing this would be a decisive improvement. A detailed comment lists further drawbacks: no radio wireless Ext.A/M support, Remote Release failing in optical mode, radio ETTL II capped near 30 meters, and reports of overheating and Fresnel lens meltdowns under heavy use.

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