Canon TTL Flash Set up or Strobist Set up [Is there really an advantage]

[Rock Photo Star]

I am considering two approaches to flash sets


The strobist system of 2-3 Vivitar, Sunpak or other flashes and wireless triggers, or
[the more expensive] A Canon system of 2-3 Canon flashes (580 plus 430's or 550's) and either STE-E2 canon transmitter or wireless triggers.

Anyone have experience with both systems that can actually explain on what and how big the advantages of the Canon system would be vs. the strobist system.

I'm not talking about simply saying ... well, the Canon allows the use of ETTL ... repeating the brochure type comment.

I mean someone actually being able to say ... in such and such situation or type of photography ... the Canon system allows this or provides this and that, resulting in this or that better pictures or speed, etc.



p.s. In short, I am trying to figure out if having ETTL [and any other advantages or quality of the Canon system] is really a big deal vs. the much more expensive price.

For example, I actually do have the 580 ex II and the 430 [just bought to try out] and that right there is $600 ... which would easily the purchase of various full kit strobist setups.

[SnlpeR]

ugh i got so frustrated with canon's IR ettl system today.
did some important shooting indoors and outdoors and the canon's system failed me outdoors.
even just 8-10ft away from each flash (580ex II master... two 580EX as slaves) i couldnt get both flashes to fire

i relied on my cactus triggers to get the job done

[Curtis N]

Aside from the economics, the basic differences are thus:

1) E-TTL flash relies on reflected light coming through the lens to meter itself. This means that when the scene changes, the metering changes. The exposure you get will depend on the lumanance of the subject (white shirt vs. black shirt, etc.) and you'll need to compensate with FEC. But an E-TTL-based system can often be setup a bit faster, since you don't need to meter it manually. By using the Canon wireless system, you can adjust the power of remote flash units from the on-camera master, even in manual mode.
2) A manual flash based system gives you greater consistency and control, but requires a bit more setup time.
3) A radio-based trigger system allows greater distance and versatility in placement of the remote units since it does not require line-of-sight. But you cannot use E-TTL with these systems.

There are fans of both systems.

My opinion is that if you buy a couple inexpensive (but manually adjustable) flash units, plus a good light meter, this investment will be more useful and more versatile in the long-term than investing in Canon's proprietary wireless flash components. But I would also point out that having a flash unit with E-TTL control is pretty essential for on-camera use in dynamic environments.

Here are a couple threads whith may help you.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=246797
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=308108