What's a better flash setup?

[BPL]

I'm thinking about purchasing a ST-E2 transmitter and another EX series flash in addition to my 430EX. Should I just buy a used 550EX (cost reasons) and use that as the master instead of the ST-E2? Or is it more versatile in the long run to buy the ST and add flashes as needed. Thanks for any info.

[Lotto]

I would go for the 550EX first, 2 lights are better than one. Add a cheap eBay trigger set if you want to experiment 2 flashes off camera.

[BPL]

Thanks Lotto!

[tim]

The 550EX is quite a lot harder to use as a master than the 580, from memory. Try to get a 580EX V1, they're even better than the V2 for master/slave ease of use IMHO.

[mattograph]

How do you hope to use the lights? Do you plan on firing one from the hotshoe all the time.

[Sports_Dude]

I'm thinking about purchasing a ST-E2 transmitter and another EX series flash in addition to my 430EX.
Instead of buying the ST-E2 and additional EX flash, take the money and buy one 580EX to use with your existing 430EX.

[BPL]

The 550EX is quite a lot harder to use as a master than the 580, from memory. Try to get a 580EX V1, they're even better than the V2 for master/slave ease of use IMHO.

Thanks Tim, the fact that it's easier to use and I'm sure less expensive makes for an easier decision. :D

[BPL]

How do you hope to use the lights? Do you plan on firing one from the hotshoe all the time.

I also own a set of ebay remote flash triggers and 2 older Sunpack flashes, so yes I would most likely fire one from the hotshoe. I like the ETTL feature. Guess I don't need the ST-E2 :rolleyes:

[BPL]

Instead of buying the ST-E2 and additional EX flash, take the money and buy one 580EX to use with your existing 430EX.

That sounds like my best bet. By your signature, it looks like you would be the guy to ask! Alot of great EX's! :D

[tim]

I don't find wireless ETTL all that reliable outside, get cheap flashes and radio slaves. Skyports (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505381-REG/Elinchrom_EL_19360_EL_Skyport_Universal_Radio_Slav e.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) work well.

Inside wireless ETTL is fine, but i'd go with 580s over 550s or an ST-E2. 430s are fine as slaves, but don't take the handy CP-E4 battery pack (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498738-REG/Canon_1947B001_Compact_Battery_Pack_CP_E4.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114).

[BPL]

I don't find wireless ETTL all that reliable outside, get cheap flashes and radio slaves. Skyports (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505381-REG/Elinchrom_EL_19360_EL_Skyport_Universal_Radio_Slav e.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) work well.

Inside wireless ETTL is fine, but i'd go with 580s over 550s or an ST-E2. 430s are fine as slaves, but don't take the handy CP-E4 battery pack (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498738-REG/Canon_1947B001_Compact_Battery_Pack_CP_E4.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114).

Thanks again Tim!

[Goshawk]

I also agree that you must rather try to get a 580EX, the 550EX is not bad but it eats batteries compared to the 580, the recycle time is also a lot slower on the 550 which can be annoying. ST-E2 is ok and I have used mine outdoors several times- staying fairly close to the flashes though. I use shoe cords also and cannot say that I really prefer the one above the other, they both work ok. No reason of course to buy a ST-E2 if you can get a flash that can do the same work.