2 flash setup, 580 and 430, no extra transmitters needed, can control 430 from 580?

[Laramie]

I currently have just a 580ex. I shoot a lot outdoors and no studio work. I want to expand and have a second flash for fill, etc. I have read a lot of the stickies but just want to be sure.

I can use my on camera mounted 580 as a master to fire the 430 off camera slave with no extras needed right? I know this is a dumb question, but I'm going to go to Calumet and get a 430 before I move and I just want to make sure I don't need anything else.

Thanks all.

[tim]

Yes. Just beware that in bright sunlight the reliability is fairly poor.

[Faolan]

Simple answer yes.

Complicated answer, depends on conditions and shooting position. If you want absolute reliability and flexibilty radio is best, but for quick work the 580EX works and it's what I use for the majority of my work.

Before you take it out learn all the functionality of the 580 controlling the 430, it's not as easy to use as the Nikon CLS and can take a bit to understand WTF is going on sometimes. Even I have those moments after 4 years using this stuff...

[Laramie]

Thanks all. So if I want to run the 580 on my hot shoe but with a radio, I have to get one that have a live hotshoe mount on top and then hook up the receiver to the 430 off camera right?

So question is, a 430 and a basic 1 transmitter/1 receiver for reliability?

[tim]

Yep, something like this skyport kit (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505381-REG/Elinchrom_EL_19360_EL_Skyport_Universal_Radio_Slav e.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114), along with this cord (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/421306-REG/Paramount_PMMHSF1_Miniphone_to_Female_Hot.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114). If you want a flash in the hotshoe get a locking PC to 2.5mm cord from FlashZebra too.

[Laramie]

Thanks Tim. That helps. Seems like multiple flash lighting is a whole new cans of worms.

I was acutally looking at the MiniTTL I think it's called from pocket wizard since the unit looks nice and small and have the hotshoe mount on top for the 580.

[tim]

I would hold off on the new PWs right now, they're not getting good reviews. They'll be great once they work out the bugs. If you need something in the meantime that's cheap get Cactus v4's. Personally I don't need radio ETTL so the skyports are good.

[Faolan]

An alternative to PWs is the RadioPoppers, but I don't know if they've been released yet.

I personally use Skyports when I need flashes in positions that e-TTL won't work, mainly because I use Elinchrom studio lights more than any other reason.