Question About Using 430 and 580 Off-Camera.

[taknbyd]

I had just recently bought a Canon 40D with a Canon 430ex II flash, and boy do I feel stupid. I really keep kicking myself in the butt for not buying the 580ex II so I can go off camera with using a PW. So here is my question...

I would really like to go Off-Camera with my lighting. I only have the Canon 430ex II as of right now. I know I need a stand and umbrella clamp, but what should I use to sync up my flash for off-camera? I know that I cannot use a PW because the 430ex II are not able to use them. I believe my only way is to either use an off camera cord which will cost me about $100 or I can go infra-red (which I have no clue how much that will cost cause I have no clue what to get).

Also I am thinking about eventually getting the 580ex II as well as some PW. So my other question is, how could I go about using both flashes once I get the 580ex II.

Thanks in advance...

[winxz]

buy 2 pocket wizard transceiver. you can stilll use your 430 EX II

[gonzogolf]

You just need to get a hotshoe to pc cord adapter so you can synch the 430ex. I think flashzebra carries them.

[speedster00]

flashzebra has optical trigers for $30 and/or a long cable for $48

[taknbyd]

So when I get the 580 and PWs, how will both flashes get synced to the camera?

Also, thanks for the website... I will have to check it out... Is there any good optical triggers that you guys prefer? Like a good brand...

[Grentz]

PWs work fine with the 430ex...

The main advantage of the 580ex for off camera use is when using the canon system it can be a master or slave, the 430ex can only be a slave.

[40Dude6aedyk]

You need to slow down and make decisions more slowly and with more information. There are many ways to go off camera with your flash. These various ways are discussed at least a dozen times in this forum every day. You have cords, radio triggers, optical triggers, assistants, etc. And for each of these there are several different vendors as well.

Maybe when you shop for a car you only go to one place and just buy what they give you. I'd compare the different solutions from at least 3 different vendors before I bought something. That does not mean looking at 3 stores for the price of PWs. There are other RF triggers besides PWs out there.

[Titus213]

Your 430EX II should work fine with a PW. You will need a PW for the camera and one for each flash you want fired. Simple. Expensive, but simple.

[taknbyd]

I did not realize there was a way you could use a PW and 430. Thanks for all the great info... I really appreciate it. You guys are awesome!

[mikeassk]

Can you use a PW on camera and 1 PW on 580 off cam then set to fire the 430 optically?

[taknbyd]

I was wondering the same thing as you, Mike... But I just wasn't sure how to word it. But I've been doing some research and it looks like you can... I wouldn't know how to go about doing so, but I could've sworn I read that you could some where... If only I could remember what I've read. Damn A.D.D. Sorry I wasn't much help... But perhaps somebody can confirm...