Canon 540EZ As a Slave??

[photosytes]

I'm putting together a location lighting kit (strobist) and was wondering if I can use a 540EZ as a slave. I have a 20D and 580EX and will be purchasing the Elinchrom Skyports to trigger both flashes. I know the 540EZ doesn't work on-camera, but will it work for this setup? I'm looking at the 540EZ or 550EX since they are similar in strength but a cheaper alternative to the 580EX/II. If anyone is aware of problems this setup will create for me, I'll end up with either version of the 580.

[FlashZebra]

The 540EZ makes a nice off camera manual flash.

One possible problem, I understand that on some of the early 540EZ units you could not take the flash out of standby mode. This was evidently corrected on later units.

If you cannot get your particular model out of standby mode it will be very annoying to use for off camera work.

If you are working inside, a simple optical slave for the 540EZ might be a good place to start. Optical slaves work nicely on the 540EZ (but not on the the 580EX).

Enjoy! Lon

[photosytes]

That's the kind of thing I was wondering and worried about. I will be shooting indoors and outdoors and am not wanting to go the optical route. I have already budgeted the money for the Skyports and know that I won't regret going that way.

Thanks for the scoop!!

[photosytes]

What about going with a Nikon? Triggered using a Skyport. I've heard some good things about the SB-80DX but it doesn't seem to be as powerful as the 580 and I was worried it would make it more difficult to determine ratios and then having to learn a different flash.

[rdeguzman]

This guy used 540EZ flashes and Pocketwizards to light up an event...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsfIn5HpXiU

[René Damkot]

What about going with a Nikon? Triggered using a Skyport. I've heard some good things about the SB-80DX but it doesn't seem to be as powerful as the 580 and I was worried it would make it more difficult to determine ratios and then having to learn a different flash.

I'd go with an SB 26 (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/05/for-few-dollars-more-nikon-sb-26.html).

[photosytes]

I am ordering from B&H and they don't have any SB26s right now. My options are SB50DX, SB-28, SB28DX, SB25 or the SB80DX. I know the 80DX has builtin optical.

Any reason why I shouldn't go with the 80DX? the 28DX is the same price as the 80DX. So, not considering the price differences on any of the flashes. They're still considerably cheaper than any of the Canon's I've considered.

I would prefer two of the same version, so at this point that means either two 80dxs or two 28dxs.

Oh, and with the dx versions, will I need to purchase any cables to connect them to the Elinchrom Skyports?