ST-E2 or pocket wizards

[buffalophotographer]

Just wondering what works better with multiple flashes and strobes? I use 2-3 580's slaved of the my camera mounted flash and things have worked fine. Recently I have been working in larger rooms with a bigger crowds and want more control.

[deadpass]

pocketwizards will give you the ability to trigger other strobes as well, altho a set of PW will cost more than a st-e2

[Todd Jacobsen]

Just wondering what works better with multiple flashes and strobes? I use 2-3 580's slaved of the my camera mounted flash and things have worked fine. Recently I have been working in larger rooms with a bigger crowds and want more control.

I'd never NOT recommend PW's. It's always nice to have the RF option.

As far as the ST-E2, I wouldn't recommend it. It is limited to two channels (A/B), and you're always better off with another 580.

If you need an IR master, you're getting a whole flash for ~$100 more.

[jrsforums]

Just wondering what works better with multiple flashes and strobes? I use 2-3 580's slaved of the my camera mounted flash and things have worked fine. Recently I have been working in larger rooms with a bigger crowds and want more control.

The real question is do you want to use wireless ETTL-II flash. If yes, then go with the ST-E2....though it will only control 'A' & 'B' and not have the distance of a 580EX, which will control 'A', 'B', & 'C'.

With the PWs, you will be into setting all the flashes on manual....which isn't that hard, but takes more learning, experience, and measurements. You will also have to consider how you set up multiple flashes....multiple PWs, wired interconnects, or light slaves.

[tigerkws]

Pocket wizards work great for me with a 4 strobe setup. If I had multiple speedlites, I would have bought the ST2

[FlashZebra]

Function with pocket wizards outside is evidently far more robust than the IR used on the Canon flash units.

Enjoy! Lon

[FlashZebra]

With the PWs, you will be into setting all the flashes on manual....which isn't that hard, but takes more learning, experience, and measurements. You will also have to consider how you set up multiple flashes....multiple PWs, wired interconnects, or light slaves.
I have assembled all sorts of multiple manual flash setups, both inside and outside.

I have also read the manuals for Canon ST-E2 and the Canon 550EX flash with respect to using more than one flash.

I think your concept that the manual approach takes more "learning, experience, and measurements" is inaccurate.
The manual approach is easier to understand, and most likely easier to set up.

I am not saying that the ETTL approach does not have its own set of merits, and can be very utilitarian. But, ease of understanding of what is actually happening with the lights is likely less complicated using manual flash units.

I think the idea that understanding multiple flash setups using Canon's ETTL methodologies is "easy" is inaccurate. My take is that it is reasonably complicated. It is reasonable to expect that it can be mastered, but it does take some block of effort and attention. And this effort and attention is in my estimation greater than understanding the workings of a manual flash setup.

Enjoy! Lon

[jrsforums]

I have assembled all sorts of multiple manual flash setups, both inside and outside.

I have also read the manuals for Canon ST-E2 and the Canon 550EX flash with respect to using more than one flash.

I think your concept that the manual approach takes more "learning, experience, and measurements" is inaccurate.
The manual approach is easier to understand, and most likely easier to set up.

I am not saying that the ETTL approach does not have its own set of merits, and can be very utilitarian. But, ease of understanding of what is actually happening with the lights is likely less complicated using manual flash units.

I think the idea that understanding multiple flash setups using Canon's ETTL methodologies is "easy" is inaccurate. My take is that it is reasonably complicated. It is reasonable to expect that it can be mastered, but it does take some block of effort and attention. And this effort and attention is in my estimation greater than understanding the workings of a manual flash setup.

Enjoy! Lon

Ease of use is in the eye o the beholder....i.e. what you are familiar with.

You are probably correct that both can be easy i you have spent the time to learn & familiarize yourself.