Is the Canon Speedlite 430EX a slave?

[vinzchlortho]

Hi,

Pretty stupid question, considering I just read the write up on it at the Canon site. I get confused (probably from the medication) but what I specifically want to know is this: If I purchase the 430EX unit, will I also have to buy the Speedlite Transmitter St-E2, to be able to use this flash as a wireless slave, on a digital Rebel XTi? Or, could I be so lucky as to have everything in the 430EX box. I want to be able to hold the flash at arm's distance from the camera and then I want to be able to put the flash at a distance of 5 to 10 feet from me while I shoot. I really don't want to deal with wires for this
I'm going back to Carlsbad caverns and would like a flash that can project a light further than what comes on the camera. I'm figuring the 430EX will do this, but I want it to be wireless. The intent is to light up an area, in front of me, about 40 to 60 feet. I would appreciate any suggestions, but mostly, about the wireless slave function. If you think I'm off on a tangent with this, let me know. I haven't bought anything yet for this, so I can always change my mind.


Thanks a lot...Vince

[cosworth]

All Canon cameras need the ST-E2 to fire a slave. You can fire a slave with another Speelight as well.

So yes, you need ST-E2 and a 430ex.

[vinzchlortho]

Geez...straightforward and direct. I love it. Do you think the 430EX will provide enough light for this environment? Carlsbad is not in total darkness but the provided light (in the cave) won't allow for any distance and a number of my planned shots extend far enough to where the light diminishes and I can't climb over the rail to get closer. Also, would any of the lesser Canon Speedlites suffice for this particular scenario?

Then...there is this thought. Since this will be the last time I go down in a cave, and I may never have need for this flash afterwards, perhaps I should just purchase a long cord to connect to the flash. I assume I could get a 20 foot cord that would allow me to extend the flash that much. And I'll bet it won't cost anywhere near as much as the Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2. I apologize for sounding like I just fell off the turnip truck.


Thanks a ton Cosworth...Vince

[jargaguy]

Hey turnip...jk

I bought and returned the ST-E2. I have a 580EX and decided to get a 430EX for the same price as the ST-E2. The 580 has Master capbilities which the 430 doesn't. Meaning the 580 can be used to trigger the 430. I'd look into getting a used 580EX. Since the 580 II's came out the price is lower and you should be able to get one for just a bit more than a ST. You can then use Flash from the camera & trigger the 430 up to 30' away. You can never have too much light.

Good luck.



JA

[ALaS]

Do you think the 580 EXII is worth the extra money over the 430EX?

[Ghostfly]

Vince,

if your dead set on the 430 ex, you could use a ttl cord - that will get you a couple of feet off camera. i use one on a flash bracket occasionally.

-Tim

[CyberDyneSystems]

Grab a 580exII or if cost is a concern you can use the original 580EX or 550EX which used could cost less than the STE2..

[rhys]

I have a 420EX, 430EX and a 580EX. The 580EX will fire the 420EX and the 430EX via its infra-red link.

I might at some point get some Sunpak 383s if I need even more flash power and connect them via an ebay radio link.

[SkipD]

Vince - consider another way to use the 430EX....

First, don't even bother connecting it to the camera or even telling the camera that it exists. Cost? Zero.

Second. Set the camera up on a tripod and set it for several seconds exposure. Then, once you've triggered the camera to start exposing the image, point the flash at the area you want to illuminate and press the "test" button (whatever it may be called). If you have fresh batteries, you might even be able to get two or three pops while the shutter is open. Experiment a little for the aperture to use, as there will be some lighting in most areas of the cave. You'll be adding to that with flash. You could do the several pops from different positions if you can move quickly, and that would give the impression of a multi-light source.

Before even thinking about this, though, check with the authorities and make sure you can use flash and that you can take a tripod with you. You'd need a tripod for remote use of the flash anyway, so if tripods are not allowed you're up a creek so to speak.

[Riff Raff]

Do you think the 580 EXII is worth the extra money over the 430EX?

I have the 430 EX now, and am planning to eventually pick up the 580 EX II. The ST-E2 unit seems way too expensive for what it does. With the instant rebate that's out right now, the actual flash unit is $150 more. For that I'll get to upgrade to a more powerful and flexible flash unit and if I want to run the 430 EX as a wireless slave I can still use the 580 EX II as a fill light when needed. Seems like a lot more bang for the buck than $210 for something that only provides an AF assist light and master capabilities that are less than what the 580 EX II does (the ST-E2 supports one fewer slave group as I recall).

[ALaS]

I see. So I guess I'll save for a 580 EX II. Thank you.