So I bought the STE2

[H8Monday]

... and LOVED it.

I have been using a 580 ex and a 430 and have been learning off camera flash using the 580 as a master and 430 as a slave on a stand, with an umbrella etc.
I have been wanting to get another flash, or get my 580 off my camera and into use, so after getting the call do shoot a fighter, I bought the STE2
You need to know that I have never see or used this device before, but have used my 580 as a master with 2 430s as slaves (borrowed mkaspers 430). I stopped into my local photo store and bought the STE2 ON THE WAY TO THE SHOOT!
When I arrived at the shoot I setup a bare 430 (no umbrella) on a stand and put it camera left about chin level at almost 90 degrees to the model. I put a second bare 430 camera right about knee level and again almost 90 degrees to the model. I mounted the STE2 to my camera, selected F4 1/200th and iso100 and click.

This was the lighting test shot, unedited.

http://H8Monday.smugmug.com/photos/242191739-L.jpg

I was pleasantly surprised.

I later placed my 580 on the floor on its little stand and pointed it straight up behind the model and ended up with these.

http://www.credaroliimages.com/photos/241929004-L.jpg

http://www.credaroliimages.com/photos/241921275-L.jpg

Using the STE2 and 3 Canon flashes made it effortless to get these results. I'm a fan.

I understand the limitations of the IR communication and may go to skyports in the future, but for now, for the easiest flash shots I have ever made, $210 was the best money I have spent.

Regards,

-Todd-

[ben_r_]

Nice, those look pretty good. I have been thinking of picking up one of these two as I already have three canon flashes. I have PWs for each, but sometimes it seems like it would be easier and quicker to just whip out the ST-E2 instead for quick indoor shots or for a hand held (by assistant) flash.

[H8Monday]

Yeah Ben, I can't even tell you how easy it was. Turn the flashes all on, select ettl and poof.

If you are under a time constraint and have to get in, setup, get the shot and get out, this is a pretty cool system.

[ben_r_]

Let me ask you this: You HAVE to use ETTL with this unit though correct? For instance I cant just manually set the power output of two flashes with it I can only set a ratio between the two and it sets the power based on the ETTL metering right?

[PacAce]

Let me ask you this: You HAVE to use ETTL with this unit though correct? For instance I cant just manually set the power output of two flashes with it I can only set a ratio between the two and it sets the power based on the ETTL metering right?
The ST-E2 does not have the ability to control the flashes in manual mode. But you can still use it to fire the flashes in manual mode. What you'll need to do is to set the flashes manually to the desired output. The ST-E2 can then trigger them remotely.

[cosworth]

You can also use the ST-E2 to trigger optical slaves that are in manual or auto thyristor.

[ben_r_]

The ST-E2 does not have the ability to control the flashes in manual mode. But you can still use it to fire the flashes in manual mode. What you'll need to do is to set the flashes manually to the desired output. The ST-E2 can then trigger them remotely.

Okay, that would work to. Thanks. Now, with that, ETTL when I want it, and the AF assist beam I may have just justified buying one of these.

[GerBee]

Fantastic isn't it?

But you know some just won't beleive you. But you've got the KO! :)

... and LOVED it.

I mounted the STE2 to my camera, selected F4 1/200th and iso100 and click.
for the easiest flash shots I have ever made, $210 was the best money I have spent.

Regards,

-Todd-