Hardware Recommendations

[Spinners]

I own the EOS10D. I currently own a novatron setup that uses a digital controller and about 5 lights. I am finding this to be cumbersome to carry to jobs with me. I am looking for some advice on portable flash kits, battery packs etc.

my current flash is the 420EX.. which, well .. i just dont care for it.

I did look at the canon 550EX speedlight, two light kit with remote controller. it seems as though the controller must be attached to the camera, leaving me no on camera flash for fill flash setups.

I am also looking for a portable backdrop kit as well.

any recommendations would be appreciated. I figured i would pick all your brains since you all have more experience than i.

thanks!

[CyberDyneSystems]

I believe that the 550ex can be used AS the remote controller in leiu of the ste2 controller... so two 550s and your 420 would mean One 550 on the camera,. and a 550 and 420 that would be slaves to the camera mounted unit.

[Spinners]

but you cant set the 420EX to a given Fstop. it is pure E-TTL. correct?