Please “school” me…

[jeb4]

So I’m buying my first flash. “Knowing myself”, I figure that I might as well just get it over with so it looks as though I’m going to pick up a 580 EXII. I was also considering picking up an ST-E2 transmitter. I understand that it will be able to trigger the 580 EXII off-camera, but would it also be able to trigger a 430 EX (or two) should I want to go that route at some point?

Essentially my question is this – would the ST-E2 take the place of Pocket Wizards (or similar)?

I’m sure to some (most) of you this must seem like a dumb question, but I did a search (including Google) and didn’t see the answer, so input would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

[JCH77Yanks]

Top answer your first question, yes, you will be able to trigger a 430EX with the ST-E2, but you can also use the 580 to do the same job.

As far as the comparison to Pocket Wizards, the ST-E2 works by sending an infared signal, which could be affected outdoors in bright light and by obstructed sight lines - kind of like a TV remote. Pocket wizards are radio triggers, and work better in those conditions and have better range, but you lose E-TTL metering and you need a transceiver for each flash as well as one mounted to the camera. Each has it's ups and downs.

[jeb4]

Top answer your first question, yes, you will be able to trigger a 430EX with the ST-E2, but you can also use the 580 to do the same job.

So...essentially using the 580 EXII as the "master" and the 430(s) as the "slave(s)?

If so, can you turn off the flash part of the 580 and use it as just a transmitter should the need arise (i.e. you don't need/want an on camera flash)?

[juise]

Pocket wizards are radio triggers, and work better in those conditions and have better range, but you lose E-TTL metering and you need a transceiver for each flash as well as one mounted to the camera.

The new Pocket Wizards (http://www.pocketwizard.com/products/transmitter_receiver/) maintain E-TTL capabilities, but they're not cheap. Radio Poppers (http://radiopopper.com/products/radiopopper-x-system/) also maintain E-TTL. Of the two, people seem to prefer Pocket Wizards.

[StanNJ1]

At one time or another I have had the ST-E2, 580EXIIs, Pocket Wizard Plus IIs, and the Pocket Wizard Mini and Flex units in my camera bag. Recently I sold the ST-E2.

580EXII
As with some of the other Canon flash units you can use this to remotely fire your other ones by using the Master/Slave settings. While there is nothing wrong with this setup it is not very cost effective since you'll need a minimum of two flash units even if you only want one to fire. When using Off Camera Flash I usually end up disabling the camera mounted flash from firing itself which means you could have accomplished the same thing using an ST-E2 which is less expensive.

ST-E2
This unit works well in specific situations. It transmits the same information to your remotely fires flash units as it would if your flash was mounted to the camera shoe including E-TTL. This is the flash exposure system that does this for you automatically. This unit will fire multiple units and will allow you to adjust ratios. For example you can set one flash to fire at twice the intensity as the other etc. And this can be done from the ST-E2 versus having to adjust the flash units themselves. The downside with these units is that they work by line of site, the range is limited, and direct sunlight diminishes the effectiveness.

Pocket Wizard Plus II
These are radio triggers and don't require "line of site" which is very convenient. You will need one transceiver for the camera and one for each flash unit. They really work well but the downside is that they don't relay any camera setting information. Their only function is to tell your flash units when to fire which will have to be used in manual mode. If you are shooting in an enviroment with changing light, i.e., sunsets, you will have to manually adjust your flash exposure often which can be a hassle.

Pocket Wizard Mini and Flex
These are the best of all worlds. They are radio triggers as well but they will also transmit E-TTL information and will allow you to shoot in HSS (high speed sync) You will need EITHER a Mini OR Flex unit for your camera and a Flex unit for each flash. Be aware however that the 580EXII gives off a lot of RF interference that diminishes the range of the Flex unit but there are some tricks that will make a big difference. I am still getting used to mine but so far I really enjoy them.

Also, just in case you haven't seen this, check out a video that I made that might help you as well http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=684587

Stan

[veeloo]

thankyou stan, you're the man!

[jeb4]

thankyou stan, you're the man!

Ditto. Very informative!