EZ Speedlites will work with EX Master?

[delhi]

Just wondering if the EZ Speedlites like the 420ez, 430ez and 540ez be able to receive IR signal from the newer 550ex or 580ex?

[PacAce]

No, they won't, unfortunately.

[delhi]

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Why? Money making tactic from Canon? I don't mean ETTL signals. I plan to use it in M Mode.

[MT Stringer]

I checked my 540EZ and the 430EZ. Nope, sorry.
You'll have to fire it with radio triggers of some sort...either ebay poverty wizards, Skyports or Pocket Wizards or via some type of connector cable and hot shoe adapter for each speedlight.

EDIT: Also, you can't defeat the "Save Energy" mode on the 430EZ so it will shut off after 90 seconds of inactivity!

Mike

[PacAce]

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Why? Money making tactic from Canon? I don't mean ETTL signals. I plan to use it in M Mode.
Money making tactic? The EZ series flashes were made before the EX series flashes so why would you expect an earlier model to support features which are incorporated into later models? That's like complaining that your 30D doesn't support live-view just because the 40D does. :confused: :|

[delhi]

But it's IR signals..... I'm not asking it to pass ETTL parameters to it.

[MT Stringer]

If you gear list is up to date, a couple options to go along with your 580's might include the 430EX or the Sigma EF-500DG Super. They have slave capability. Also, the Nikon SB-20 something series has an optical slave. Somebody help me. My memory is failing on which Nikon has the optical slave.
Just a thought.
Mike

[delhi]

well thing is I am looking to buy some cheap EZ slaves hoping that they will receive IR signals from the EX masters. Looks like it ain't happening. If I were to use optical slaves, then I might as well go with cheap vivitars.

[PacAce]

But it's IR signals..... I'm not asking it to pass ETTL parameters to it.
The Canon IR wireless system is not your simple optical slave triggering system. It works by encoding commands on the light emitted by the master which is then interpreted and acted upon by the slaves. Whether your using them in ETTL mode or Manual mode is irrelevant.

[FlashZebra]

If you gear list is up to date, a couple options to go along with your 580's might include the 430EX or the Sigma EF-500DG Super. They have slave capability. Also, the Nikon SB-20 something series has an optical slave. Somebody help me. My memory is failing on which Nikon has the optical slave.
Just a thought.
Mike
The older Nikon SB-26 and SB-80DX have a built in optical slave, as does the current SB-800.

Enjoy! Lon

[MT Stringer]

Thanks Lon. I hit a black hole while I was typing my reply. :-(

Delhi, I tried to use my old 430EX with an optical slave and it wouldn't fire. It did work off camera with the ebay trigger when the flash was on the receiver...up to about 60 feet in my back yard.

Mike

[dekalbSTEEL]

The Promaster 7500DX has built in optical slave mode...

PS anybody got a table stand for this flash, I broke mine:cry:

[MONK3Y_M4GIC]

just curious, can a 580ex master a Nikon SB-26 or SB-80DX with a built in optical slave?

[SkipD]

just curious, can a 580ex master a Nikon SB-26 or SB-80DX with a built in optical slave?You might get it to work, but ONLY if the camera AND the 580EX were used in fully manual mode.

[MONK3Y_M4GIC]

but if i was using a 420 ex or a 430 ex i would not need to use manual mode?

[René Damkot]

just curious, can a 580ex master a Nikon SB-26 or SB-80DX with a built in optical slave?

The same any other flash could: By triggering the built in optical trigger...

ETTL won't talk to iTTL.
One advantage might be that (IIRC) the SB26 can be set to flash a bit delayed, so it doesn't screw up the ETTL metering of the 580/430 whatever. So the 580 could maybe be used in ETTL instead of manual if that is the case.

[MONK3Y_M4GIC]

thanks rene that's interesting.