Least Expensive Canon Slave flash

[borism]

Hello
I just ordered my brand new 580 EXII, very exited about it, want to experiment and learn lots.
Im wondering , maybe you can help
Id like to have a extra flash that I can use off camera, and make it a slave of the 580II using the wireless Master/slave feature
I'm looking at brand new 430EX (not the II) for under 200$, but that a bit steep
What other options can i consider?
Preferably new, there is always the used option, but Im not sure what models to consider that will work nicely.

Thank you so much for your input ;)

[Lotto]

To use in ETTL mode, the 430 is a good choice. For manual slave flash, there are many choices. Vivitar 285HV is about $90. The other option to consider is entry level studio strobe, like the Calumet Genesis 200 for $170.

[borism]

Thanks!
Are these flash units wireless compatible? Using the 580II as master?

[jeromego]

Thanks!
Are these flash units wireless compatible? Using the 580II as master?
i dont think the 285HVs are. unless you use wireless radio triggers. but i could be wrong.

[zerovision]

I'm not sure what you paid for the 580EX II, but Amazon was having a special where you could by the 580EX II and the ST-E2 for $583.99 or so, which would have made the ST-E2 roughly $163.99, but that is the lowest ETTL combo for new equipment I have seen.

I found this after I had already purchased a 580EX II earlier this week.

I have thought about buying the combo anyway and having the transmitter and three 580s, but from what I have read the ST-E2 only has A & B capabilities where the 580EX II has A, B, C, and even D I think.

Does anyone know if the 580EX II can adjust up to 4 different ratios or just two?

[borism]

i dont think the 285HVs are. unless you use wireless radio triggers. but i could be wrong.

I'm not sure what you paid for the 580EX II, but Amazon was having a special where you could by the 580EX II and the ST-E2 for $583.99 or so, which would have made the ST-E2 roughly $163.99, but that is the lowest ETTL combo for new equipment I have seen.

I found this after I had already purchased a 580EX II earlier this week.

I have thought about buying the combo anyway and having the transmitter and three 580s, but from what I have read the ST-E2 only has A & B capabilities where the 580EX II has A, B, C, and even D I think.

Does anyone know if the 580EX II can adjust up to 4 different ratios or just two?


Oh
I ordered my 580II already, 380$ with a battery charger and a stoffen diffuser knock off
I saw a 430EX for 199$ new, thats what Im thinking to do, even used ones are around that price in the Sell Gear section.. thats because Canon has the 30$ rebate going on.

Any other options you might think of?
Thanks for all your comments ! :)

[msowsun]

A used 420EX for about $120 is probably your cheapest option.

[DoomMan]

540ez! Has everything except the ettl. Tilt,swivel,zoom,54 guide number. I picked 3 up for under 300 total. I have seen them go for ~$90 seperate

[jr_senator]

A used 420EX for about $120 is probably your cheapest option.

I paid $125 for mine (eBay).

[borism]

A used 420EX for about $120 is probably your cheapest option.
Hi msownumm
Great info, so a 420EX is wireless compatible ETTL using the 580II , good info
Thank you so much!

[msowsun]

The Canon 420EX, 430EX, 550EX, 580EX, 580EX II and also Sigma 500 Super and 530 Super are all compatible with the Canon wireless system.

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/eosfaq/ex_speedlites.html

[jeromego]

The Canon 420EX, 430EX, 550EX, 580EX, 580EX II and also Sigma 500 Super and 530 Super are all compatible with the Canon wireless system.

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/eosfaq/ex_speedlites.html
does this mean that i can trigger a 430EX using a 580exII on my camera? which one is slave and master with this set up? if the 580exII is mounted on my body does it also fire at same time triggering the 430EX?

[borism]

Well, thats what Im aiming at
I understand this:
You place the 580II on the body, it becomes the Master
Your 430 (of the body) should have a menu where you make it a slave, receiving orders from your 580II
You shoot, and the 580 triggers the 430, you should be able to transmit ETTL info as well.
The menu on each flash should allow you to change its settings of intensity to accomplish the light exposure and fx you want.. hopefully
Well, in theory this is what I understand, and the reasoning for my post..
Any of the veterans here , please let me know if Im on the right track ;)

Thank you all for your kind help
B

[zelseman]

my 420ex was $110. Great little flash.

[borism]

The Canon 420EX, 430EX, 550EX, 580EX, 580EX II and also Sigma 500 Super and 530 Super are all compatible with the Canon wireless system.

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/eosfaq/ex_speedlites.html

Thanks! again