G2 and Multi-flash

[DWard]

I want to get an external flash to use with my G2 and have just about settled on the 420EX. Two questions: What is the best method for moving the flash off the camera for better lighting effects?
What is the best way to combine with a second flash for better overall light control? (I've seen Digi-Slave units offered that sound attractive, Also understand the 550EX can act as master with 420EX as slave.) Both alternaives still leave unanswered the question about off camera.

Anyone with experience I can take advantage of?

Thanks,
David

[justincase]

hi david, you'll get different opinions on this but, if i could afford it, i would definitely get the canon ST-E2 wireless controller ($200) plus one 550ex and one 420ex (or, maybe just two 420ex's to save cash). canon's off-camera cord is $60 and is coiled and only 2-feet long so that is best for using a bracket. i have the 420ex and have played around with the sunpak wireless slave flash and am not happy without the e-TTL function of the canon speedlites.

[DWard]

Thanks for the idea.
The marginal cost is $140 which seems like a reasonable investment for the added flexibilty.

Well worth considering.

David

[blisspix]

The hot shoe on the G2 was one of the reasons why I chose the Canon... I have only had the camera for 2 weeks, and it is my first digital, so I have been trying a lot of different things, but using multiple flash units was high on my list, as I do a lot of protrait work. I don't know much about the flash units you are considering, but if you already have equipment that uses "classic" flash pc connections, get a "hot-shoe-to-pc" adapter, one with voltage protection features so you don't fry your precious Canon (I don't know how possible this is, but that's what everyone else is suggesting.) A decent camera store should have these for $30-$50. Now you can fire most any flash unit manually (no auto exposure.) I have found that the instant feedback of the camera and the histogram display makes getting the right exposure pretty easy. Have fun!

[DWard]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I have decided on a 420EX and ST-E2 to start. I plan to do some tests this weekend and will post the results for our mutual edification.

The instructions for the ST-E2 discribe how multiple 420EX and 550EX units can be used for a multi-flash setup. One interesting capability the ability to ratio the flash units. This apparently depends on the camera. I do not know if the G2 is one of the supported cameras.

The second flash will have to wait a bit.

David

[justincase]

congrats! i am VERY curious as to how your setup works out for you so i'll be looking forward to your report. are you doing portrait work? i'd love to get the ST-E2 but my wife would beat me over the head with a cast-iron skillet if i even mentioned it. i keep imagining how nice it would be to set up my 420ex 3 feet from the far side the face behind a white sheet while the camera is positioned some 10+ feet away at full zoom. *sigh*

[DWard]

Got the ST-E2 and 420EX yesterday and did a quick test last night. exposure seems fine with ceiling bounce and the light effect is very natural looking. Image was crystal vase on dining room table. (Not photogenic)

I will do extensive test over the weekend and post the results. Should I use a photo sharing website or embed them in the posting here?

David

[scholr1]

Tell me more about the off-camera cord. What is the product model #? How does the wireless controller work? Is it an infrared beam or just a radio signal? Also, Which bracket do you recommend?

[scholr1]

I'd like to hear more about your experimets with the wireless controller. Will it also work with the 380 EX?

[DWard]

I have been experimenting and here are some of the things I've found:
The ST-E2 manual only describes it relative to a 550EX. Essentially, it does what a 550EX will do as a master. Thus a 420EX works fine. (Multiple 550EXs can be used in 2 groups and a ratio can be set between the two groups.)

The 420 works well as a single flash off the camera with the ST-E2. I have found that the flash can be outside the 80 degree arch if there is a bounce source close enough to ensure the infrared signal gets from the ST to the flash.

If the 380EX has an infrared sensor it should work with the ST-E2.

I think the 420EX ST-E2 combination is a great flash source for the G2. It appears to work properly in P, Av, Tv and M modes.

The combination also works well for macro work since the flash can be placed to provide the best lighting for the subject.

David