430EX questions

[mike_wahl]

Got my 430EX today :D $230 from Amazon overnighted, hell of a deal IMO.

Anyway, I was curious about the ability to use the flash as an 'addition' to the ambient lighting and set it up away from the camera and still have it flash. When I visited the camera store today and asked about a cable, I couldnt justify the $60 price tag on what seems like an accesory that should be included with the unit. So first question is 'are there any cheaper alternatives or off brand cables that will achieve the same effect'?

Next, I saw that the unit has the wireless capability which I assume is to be used with multiple flashes to have them fire from different locations. Is there such thing as a remote for the unit though since has the wireless feature? I saw a few 'wireless flash triggers' on ebay but they seemed a little sketchy weighing in at only $35.

So just those two things, I played with the flash for a while and got some very nice looking shots, still playing around with 'bouncing' the light and how best to employ the different functions of the unit.

[SurplusCorn]

Got my 430EX today :D $230 from Amazon overnighted, hell of a deal IMO.



Next, I saw that the unit has the wireless capability which I assume is to be used with multiple flashes to have them fire from different locations. Is there such thing as a remote for the unit though since has the wireless feature? I saw a few 'wireless flash triggers' on ebay but they seemed a little sketchy weighing in at only $35.



You can get the ST-E2 which is an infrared trigger, it's a bit pricey though. You could kill 2 birds with one stone and get the off-shoe cord. It is pricey as you said, but it would accomplish what you're looking for.

[mike_wahl]

Ooooh the ST-E2 is the price of another flash unit! :O Looks like I'll just shell out the dough for the cable. I want to use the flash on a bracket so I will have to eventually anyway.

[SurplusCorn]

Don't knock the cable... it's really good. You're physically limited to a certain distance, though I usually mount my flash on my tripod and hold the camera... Which reminds me... there's a tripod-size thread at the bottom of the off-shoe cord, so mount it on your tripod and it'll be easier to work with...

[evolved]

mike... where are you located at in ohio? Reason I ask is there is currently a strobist meet planned in cinci, and we're in the process of planning on in columbus. You'd get a ton of information coming and seeing what other people are using.

Now, to answer your question. If you're not concerned about keeping the TTL function, you could pick up some ebay triggers, skyports, or pocket wizards.... or wait a few months for the Radio Popper Jr's to come out. If you HAVE to keep TTL function (which IMO is a waste for off camera lighting) then your only options are to buy another flash, 580ex, to use as a master unit, then set your 430ex to slave. Or, as mentioned, the STE2 or an off shoe cord.

[mike_wahl]

mike... where are you located at in ohio? Reason I ask is there is currently a strobist meet planned in cinci, and we're in the process of planning on in columbus. You'd get a ton of information coming and seeing what other people are using.

Now, to answer your question. If you're not concerned about keeping the TTL function, you could pick up some ebay triggers, skyports, or pocket wizards.... or wait a few months for the Radio Popper Jr's to come out. If you HAVE to keep TTL function (which IMO is a waste for off camera lighting) then your only options are to buy another flash, 580ex, to use as a master unit, then set your 430ex to slave. Or, as mentioned, the STE2 or an off shoe cord.

Im in Licking County so let me know if you guys do something in Columbus (If my work schedule would permit it and I wasnt on assignment) I would love to meet some more experienced photographers than myself.

I have not played around with any of the manual settings yet on the 430ex, but thats next on my agenda (Im only a day into it so I got a lot to learn still :P) but I would prefer to have TTL just in case the occasion arose I needed it in a flash (no pun intended)

If you guys are saying the cable is good, I might as well pick it up. Like Surplus mention, I would be mounting it on a tripod or on a bracket.

[Big Mike]

I assume the cable is the Canon Off Camera flash cord II or III. In which case, you can only stretch it about 24" so mounting the flash on a tripod isn't really an option. It's only good for hand holding the flash or using a bracket.

You can use a longer PC cord and get a couple of PC to hotshoe adaptors. That would give you more range, but then you would loose E-TTL.

As mentioned, you could get a radio trigger, which is also manual (no E-TTL) or get a Canon 'Master' (Either ST-E2 or 580EX flash) and keep E-TTL.

[mike_wahl]

I assume the cable is the Canon Off Camera flash cord II or III. In which case, you can only stretch it about 24" so mounting the flash on a tripod isn't really an option. It's only good for hand holding the flash or using a bracket.

You can use a longer PC cord and get a couple of PC to hotshoe adaptors. That would give you more range, but then you would loose E-TTL.

As mentioned, you could get a radio trigger, which is also manual (no E-TTL) or get a Canon 'Master' (Either ST-E2 or 580EX flash) and keep E-TTL.

Sorry, but whats a PC cord? Like a USB cord?

[SurplusCorn]

Sorry, but whats a PC cord? Like a USB cord?

It almost looks like a coax cable, but entry DSLR's (400D, 350D, etc..) don't have them. You can get an adaptor that will let you connect it via the hot shoe connector.

My vote is still for the tripod mount. If you like doing Macro (like I do) it lets you put the flash in useful positions to make some interesting lighting

[mike_wahl]

It almost looks like a coax cable, but entry DSLR's (400D, 350D, etc..) don't have them. You can get an adaptor that will let you connect it via the hot shoe connector.

My vote is still for the tripod mount. If you like doing Macro (like I do) it lets you put the flash in useful positions to make some interesting lighting

Looks like the cable is my best option. The camera shop has an off brand that is twice as long as the canon version for $60, Ill pick one of those up I think.

[shutterfiend]

With the off-camera cord (the $60 one) you get a maximum 3-4 feet.

There's a website with instructions for extending the cable (and retaining ETTL), IF you're good like that. I'm not.

For all practical off-camera purposes, I'd recommend buying a used or new 580ex or 580ex II.

[Titus213]

There is a great thread right here on POTN describing how to extend the off shoe cord.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=123662

[hastur]

I'm having good luck with a Promaster cord I extended using the Ethernet method. It was at least $10 less than the Canon cord and has decent construction. I tried the DIN plug extension method, but those things are too small for me to solder. I guess my eyes and hands aren't what they used to be. Check out the link Dave put up and feel free to ask more questions.

Have Fun

Rob