Canon 580ex II vs ST-E2 and 430ex

[slitherjef]

Here is the deal, right now, Im broke and the gear list is getting bigger, but thats the way it usualy is. I have a 430ex speedlight and I am starting to use it more often, but I often wish I can move the 430ex off the camera. I have looked at the 70$ off camera cord and find 70 bucks a bit much for the size and suspect this will limit me also.

So, I looked at the ST-E2 trigger, and found it a bit pricy at 220 bucks but I suspect it would give me a bit more creativity. The thought also crossed my mind, that for 200 bucks more (because I will miss the rebate), I could just get a 580ex II, stick it on my camera and slave out the 430ex and make the 580II trigger the 430ex wirelessly.

This would give me a very high powered flash and the mid range 430 which would be creative, but the problem is, if the 580 is stuck on my camera and the 430 is someplace else, I suspect this may cause shadows.

Then again another thought would be to do the ST-E2 and add another 430ex a bit later.

I suspect the, "what are you shooting" question is going to come up, and here is one example:

http://home.comcast.net/~slitherjef/balls/lesser1.jpg

What do you think?
I also found out my friend asked his girl to Marry him, she said yes and they know I got photo gear, which means I kind of suspect they may ask me to shoot :shock:

First off, do I have things right?
Will the 580ex fire itself and the 430ex wirelessly (if I set the 430ex to slave)?
Is the 580ex overkill in the first place?
For the price of the 580ex, I can get the ST-E2 and another 430ex II for less

[cabandrew]

The 580ex will power a 430ex or another 580ex, but if you get 2, 430's then you won't be able to use one as an off camera slave, because the 580's are the only ones that can power slaves.

[tkbslc]

The 580ex will power a 430ex or another 580ex, but if you get 2, 430's then you won't be able to use one as an off camera slave, because the 580's are the only ones that can power slaves.

I think he means he would get the transmitter AND another 430, so yes he could use both off camera.

You may look for a used 550EX, that should work master too.

[maswu]

one more thing about the 580EXII is when you set it to master...you can turn off the flash bulb ( the flash will still fire a very small powered light to trigger the slave) so it will not cast any shadows that you are afraid it would :)

[slitherjef]

I think he means he would get the transmitter AND another 430, so yes he could use both off camera.



Yeah, thats what I ment :)

[40Dude6aedyk]

You have many possibilities to choose from. Why not investigate whether a Sigma EF-530 DG Super will do the kinds of things you want to do? With the Sigma that costs about $215 you get a flash that can act as a master to your 430EX either eTTL mode or on manual mode, so you won't need any other wireless hardware. And it is almost as powerful as a 580EXII.

In the future, the Sigma can act as a slave with the same Canon eTTL wireless system. Or you can use radio triggers. The Sigma also has a built-in optical trigger which the Canon's do not.

[PacAce]

You have many possibilities to choose from. Why not investigate whether a Sigma EF-530 DG Super will do the kinds of things you want to do? With the Sigma that costs about $215 you get a flash that can act as a master to your 430EX either eTTL mode or on manual mode, so you won't need any other wireless hardware. And it is almost as powerful as a 580EXII.

In the future, the Sigma can act as a slave with the same Canon eTTL wireless system. Or you can use radio triggers. The Sigma also has a built-in optical trigger which the Canon's do not.

If you're going to go with a Sigma flash to work in a wireless configuration with a Canon flash, make sure you thoroughly checkout their compatibility first. There have been numerous reports of the Sigma's not playing nicely with the Canon flashes and I happen to be one of those who have experienced and reported such incompatibility (but that was with the 500 DG Super).

[shutterfiend]

I bought a used ST-E2 with a spare battery for $165 in the marketplace section here. But be careful, it's addictive!

[40Dude6aedyk]

If you're going to go with a Sigma flash to work in a wireless configuration with a Canon flash, make sure you thoroughly checkout their compatibility first. There have been numerous reports of the Sigma's not playing nicely with the Canon flashes and I happen to be one of those who have experienced and reported such incompatibility (but that was with the 500 DG Super).

Also here is a thread from Oct 2008 with useful info: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=583892
And another one: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=615751

[acousticvibrations]

one more thing about the 580EXII is when you set it to master...you can turn off the flash bulb ( the flash will still fire a very small powered light to trigger the slave) so it will not cast any shadows that you are afraid it would :)

HOW DO YOU TURN OFF THE FLASH BULB?


ALSO I HAVE THE Sigma EF-500 DG Super, works great w/ 580 EX II.

I can use both as a master or slave.

i just started using the wireless E-TTL for small studio shoots.

[slitherjef]

Thanks everyone. I think I figured out things out... once I get money. I think I will add another 430ex (the mk II version) but before the flash, I will get the ST-E2.

[tdodd]

If the snake is your typical subject, for a lot less money than any fancy off camera stuff, you could simply use a reflector (a proper photographic reflector or even a bit of foamcore, cardboard or a sheet) and bounce the flash off it. That would position the apparent light source wherever you wish, and also create a nice soft light. You might need an assistant or a stand and boom to hold the reflector, but if you check out eBay I'm sure you'll find some cheaper alternatives to an ST-E2 or 580EX.

[slitherjef]

If the snake is your typical subject, for a lot less money than any fancy off camera stuff, you could simply use a reflector (a proper photographic reflector or even a bit of foamcore, cardboard or a sheet) and bounce the flash off it. That would position the apparent light source wherever you wish, and also create a nice soft light. You might need an assistant or a stand and boom to hold the reflector, but if you check out eBay I'm sure you'll find some cheaper alternatives to an ST-E2 or 580EX.

You know what, I got a couple sheets of foamboard, like 18x24", that may be worth a try. I also noted amazon has some cheap reflectors, like 17 bucks, I may spring for just to test. Thanks for the idea!


Though, another flash unit and to be able to go off camera does sound like fun and would allow for creative situations

[tdodd]

p.s. If you don't need ETTL functionality you could even try eBay poverty wizards, although my personal experience of them is that they are cr4p. I have a transmitter and four receivers. Even with brand new batteries, one receiver does not work at all; one only works with the battery cover loosened or removed; the others work when it suits them, sometimes firing at random, sometimes failing to fire altogether and, only occasionally, firing when they are supposed to. I've given up using them as they are not worth the trouble. Others have had better luck.

p.s. I have third party OC-E3 cords bought from eBay at about half the price of Canon originals. They look the part and work perfectly well. Here's an example....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Off-Camera-FLASH-Shoe-Sync-Cord-for-CANON-OC-E3-E-TTL_W0QQitemZ120337652135QQihZ002QQcategoryZ64354Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'm not sure if it is the same brand as mine. Mine are branded "Yongnuo".....

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=496904&highlight=yongnuo&page=2