what exactly do i need to go off camera

[Jm Photography]

my set up to start with will be a 580ex II, cheapest umbrella i can get and the receiver/transmitter thing along with a stand. is that all i will need?
is this along the lines of receiver transmitter? I know about pocket wizards and such but too expensive right now.
http://www.adorama.com/FPRRS.html

now that i think about it maybe a 430 and the syncs howver i may need the extra range I am not sure>.< so this will also turn into help me decide on flash please

[e.omega]

Heres what I just got to off camera. Everything cost me about $130 shipped since I already have a 430ex II. I should be receiving them end of this week.
$35 stand- http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/335283-REG/Impact_2212ABH_Air_Cushioned_Black_Stand.html
$14 hot shoe and flash blacket for the stand- http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298709-REG/Impact_3117_Umbrella_Bracket.html
$10 umbrella - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/362385-REG/Impact_S3233_White_Translucent_Umbrella_33_.html
$55 for a really lond off camera cord - http://www.flashzebra.com/products/0125/index.shtml

[Jm Photography]

i will look into that thank you as always, i am hoping to go wireless though i will be doing a lot of moving around

[Strayz]

if you are going wireless get AB cybersyncs, skyports, or pocket wizards. Any of those wil make life better and help the learning curve.

[Jm Photography]

I was just looking at the cyber syncs and may go that route just to be safe

this is why i need wireless preferably is this thread

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=730696

[kidfiji]

for starters, you'll need to find yourself some wireless triggers and some way to mount the flashes (normally a stand).

[tnguyen600]

Can't go wrong with this...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425220-REG/Impact_DFUMK_Digital_Flash_Umbrella_Mount.html

[Tawcan]

Can't go wrong with this...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425220-REG/Impact_DFUMK_Digital_Flash_Umbrella_Mount.html

Looks like a good setup, looking into that myself.

[POTN Head]

I need some help with this too and that is pretty awesome for 100 bucks.

[bwolford]

Don't forget you'll need the hot shoe adapter for each stand. The hot shoe adapter is what will allow you to trigger the flashes. The Impact kit alone won't. Your wireless trigger plugs into the hot shoe adapter. The adapter has the sync connections for your flash. The umbrella bracket is merely that a way to mount a flash to an umbrella, but provides no hot shoe connectivity.

[tnguyen600]

Don't forget you'll need the hot shoe adapter for each stand. The hot shoe adapter is what will allow you to trigger the flashes. The Impact kit alone won't. Your wireless trigger plugs into the hot shoe adapter. The adapter has the sync connections for your flash. The umbrella bracket is merely that a way to mount a flash to an umbrella, but provides no hot shoe connectivity.


True if you have anything less than a 580EXII

[Cheever]

wow, that impact setup looks awesome.....but can someone let me know what else I would need to pull this off? I only have a 430EXII flash. What else will I need? I am as nooby as newbie can get. If someone can explain what other products I will need, and why I need it, that would be so awesome. I may buy another 430EX flash for the other umbrella in the Impact kit.

"Originally Posted by tnguyen600
Can't go wrong with this...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...lla_Mount.html "

[tnguyen600]

Honestly, if you're going to get another flash, get a 580exii. You'll love it. Much stronger, faster recycling time, etc. But lets assume your gonna get the impact kit and another 430ex flash. This is what you'll need to play:

Impact Light Kit

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425220-REG/Impact_DFUMK_Digital_Flash_Umbrella_Mount.html

You will need to purchase (2) of these.

http://flashzebra.com/hotshoes-shoes/0065.shtml

[Tigerkn]

Thanks for the link tnguyen. Cool and fun Flickr. Can't go wrong with this...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425220-REG/Impact_DFUMK_Digital_Flash_Umbrella_Mount.html

[Cheever]

Will I need like a wireless flash trigger/receiver? How will the camera trigger the 2 430ex flashes.

Can I possibly just get a Canon STE2 transmitter since it works w/ the canon speedlights already?

And thank you so much tnguyen600. You're the man!

[tnguyen600]

Oh snaps, forgot to link the cybersyncs.

Assuming you'll have two flashes, you'll need these:

(1) CST Trigger Transmitter $59.95
http://www.alienbees.com/cybersync.html#cst

(2) CSRB Battery Trigger Receiver $69.95 each
http://www.alienbees.com/cybersync.html#csrb

You can use the infrared system on the speedlites, but you'll need a master (580EXII) or buy the ST-E2. They work ok indoors but outdoor, not so much. I use it indoors sometimes when I'm shooting in a close range b/c it retains ettl.


Ultimately, the CST will mount on your cameras hot shoe and the CSRB will be connected to the flash zebra adapters which is mounted to your 430EX.

[Cheever]

will these work better than the canon STE2 transmitter? Hmmm maybe I am asking a dumb question ahha...Just read that the Cybersyncs are radio controlled....so probably a better buy. Man this strobist stuff is getting pricey!

[Jm Photography]

i am thinking about buying a set of cactus triggers, i see mixed reviews from horrible to it's good though

[tnguyen600]

I hear ST-E2 fails when theres a lot of sunlight..it messes with the infrared causing misfire and what not. its nice b/c it retains the ETTL I believe. The cyber syncs only fire the flashes, it doesn't keep the ETTL which is good because it'll force you to learn how to manually utilize your flash. Cactus triggers, I never used. I heard mixed reviews as well; better off just buying a decent set the first time lol save yourself from having a potential problem.

[Cheever]

I hear ST-E2 fails when theres a lot of sunlight..it messes with the infrared causing misfire and what not. its nice b/c it retains the ETTL I believe. The cyber syncs only fire the flashes, it doesn't keep the ETTL which is good because it'll force you to learn how to manually utilize your flash. Cactus triggers, I never used. I heard mixed reviews as well; better off just buying a decent set the first time lol save yourself from having a potential problem.


Tony, I hear you... I am leaning towards buying the recommended Cybersyncs you linked. I have been studying the products on the AB website...but still a little unclear....Everything is battery powered right? Like I can take this set up outdoors and not have to worry about AC plugs?

[Jm Photography]

that's what i am thinking and i would rather buy a usa made product anyways in this case. a family member is getting me the flash and i will just get the first part of the set i need for the syncs, i have a senior session sometime soon and i can get the receiver, the 580 i am better off getting now that i think about it, i will need the extra power

[tnguyen600]

Tony? lol whos tony. Anyway, everything that I listed is battery operated.

[Cheever]

Tony? lol whos tony. Anyway, everything that I listed is battery operated.


LOL, sorry , I saw the T in your user name and my mind just automatically decided it stood for tony lol.

By any chance, do you have any examples of what this setup can do for photos?

Also, do you know if the cybersyncs will work w/ other cheapie flashes?

I'm thinking of getting a Vivatar 285HV flash to save money, they're only 90 bucks....to use w/ my 430exII.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/61441-REG/Vivitar_233965_285HV_Auto_Flash.html

[johnlo]

Cybersync will on w/ 99% of the flash out there, cheap or expensive..

[Jm Photography]

http://www.alienbees.com/cybersync.html#cst

i guess i need that and a receiver?

[Cheever]

http://www.alienbees.com/cybersync.html#cst

i guess i need that and a receiver?

Jm, thats what I gather... you need to get 1 transmitter and 1 receiver.... since I will be dealing with 2 flashes, i'll be getting 2 receivers instead.

[Jm Photography]

hmm not a bad price for a quality product but ty all to have been helping

[tnguyen600]

Oh snaps, forgot to link the cybersyncs.

Assuming you'll have two flashes, you'll need these:

(1) CST Trigger Transmitter $59.95
http://www.alienbees.com/cybersync.html#cst

(2) CSRB Battery Trigger Receiver $69.95 each
http://www.alienbees.com/cybersync.html#csrb

You can use the infrared system on the speedlites, but you'll need a master (580EXII) or buy the ST-E2. They work ok indoors but outdoor, not so much. I use it indoors sometimes when I'm shooting in a close range b/c it retains ettl.


Ultimately, the CST will mount on your cameras hot shoe and the CSRB will be connected to the flash zebra adapters which is mounted to your 430EX.

haha I already told you guys that you're gonna need that

[Cheever]

tnguyen, did you find that you needed to upgrade the umbrellas? I'm reading the reviews on B&H and everyone seems to complain about how small and how cheap they are....and that they wont last.... can you confirm this from your ownership experience?

Thanks.

[Jm Photography]

oh i pulled a duh moment lul

[tnguyen600]

I didnt buy the Impact umbrellas yet..I'm considering it though. The reviews on B and H says its good for the money. You can always upgrade the umbrellas later on.

[Veemac]

...Also, do you know if the cybersyncs will work w/ other cheapie flashes?
I just got my Cybersyncs two days ago - they work perfectly with my 430EXII, as well as with my ancient Sunpak 333 (both using a FlashZebra hotshoe adapter).

As a side note - in playing with them last night, I noticed that although my 50D specifies a 1/250 max sync speed, I can consistently use 1/320 without problem.

[deuce818]

will i be able to shoot off camera with a 430ex?

[Veemac]

will i be able to shoot off camera with a 430ex?
In Manual mode, yes. You won't have ETTL capability unless you use: 1) an ETTL-compatible cable, 2) PW Flex, or 3) Radio Poppers. You could also use a 580EXII or an ST-E2 as master on the camera's hotshoe.

If you're going to use Cybersyncs, older PW's, e-Bay flash triggers (aka "Poverty Wizards"), Skyports, etc., you'll have to shoot in Manual mode.

[Jm Photography]

i shoot in manual to begin with and what exactly is ETTL?

[Todd Lambert]

Evaluative Through The Lens

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-TTL#E-TTL

[hypertech]

i am thinking about buying a set of cactus triggers, i see mixed reviews from horrible to it's good though

They work for me. It probably depends on how you are using them. I use them in a small studio type setting. They've missed maybe once.

[Joergeske]

Something else that has been kind of skipped over here is the issue of HSS (high speed sync). Some strobists live by it and some don't, personally I love having HSS and for that reason I do whatever I can to retain ettl. Most flash units will not sync passed 1/250th not matter what radio triggers you have, unless you have the radio poppers or the new PWs or the canon ST-E2. Having HSS allows you to shoot in harsh lighting with larger apertures such as 1/2000th 2.8 ISO 200, with cybersycns that shot would be impossible and your only option would be the change your aperture and loose the amazing effect a low DOF gives you.

[Jm Photography]

i will primarily be shooting in day time and in a museum like setting for the 28 days later theme
on location primarily

[deuce818]

In Manual mode, yes. You won't have ETTL capability unless you use: 1) an ETTL-compatible cable, 2) PW Flex, or 3) Radio Poppers. You could also use a 580EXII or an ST-E2 as master on the camera's hotshoe.

If you're going to use Cybersyncs, older PW's, e-Bay flash triggers (aka "Poverty Wizards"), Skyports, etc., you'll have to shoot in Manual mode.

So with a ST-E2 on the hotshoe, and a stand ill be ready to flash off camera?

srry if the question has been covered already

[Veemac]

So with a ST-E2 on the hotshoe, and a stand ill be ready to flash off camera?

srry if the question has been covered already
Yep. The ST-E2 will control your 430EX.

[Tawcan]

One quick question, say you want to have an on-camera flash and use Cybersync transmitter to trigger ocf, but your camera does not have a PC sync port. What do you need to buy to set this up?

[deuce818]

Yep. The ST-E2 will control your 430EX.
sweet, thx

[tnguyen600]

One quick question, say you want to have an on-camera flash and use Cybersync transmitter to trigger ocf, but your camera does not have a PC sync port. What do you need to buy to set this up?

So you want to have an on camera flash as well as a cyber sync transmitter to fire other flashes?...if this is so, it wont work lol From what I remember, only Pocketwizards allow you to utilize on camera flash as well as trigger off camera flashes.

[deuce818]

i got my cybersyncs trasmitter and reciever friday, plus the hotshoe adapter, tmw i will be gettin my stand, umbrella, and a shoe mount bracket. how does the cybersyncs work with the flash? is there anything needed to be connected or what. help :oops:

[Titus213]

You need a hot shoe adapter for the flash since the 430EX does not have a PC connection. FlashZebra carries them, item #65 (http://www.flashzebra.com/hotshoes-shoes/0065.shtml)will work. Then just plug the receiver into the flash, mount the transmitter on the camera and you should be set.

[yonders]

Will I need like a wireless flash trigger/receiver? How will the camera trigger the 2 430ex flashes.

Can I possibly just get a Canon STE2 transmitter since it works w/ the canon speedlights already?

And thank you so much tnguyen600. You're the man!

Look at the PocketWizard Transmitter & Transreceiver - I am.

[Titus213]

Look at the PocketWizard Transmitter & Transreceiver - I am.

Be sure to look long and hard at that approximate $510 to trigger two flash units too.;)

[deuce818]

You need a hot shoe adapter for the flash since the 430EX does not have a PC connection. FlashZebra carries them, item #65 (http://www.flashzebra.com/hotshoes-shoes/0065.shtml)will work. Then just plug the receiver into the flash, mount the transmitter on the camera and you should be set.

do i need 2 hotshoe adapters? one for the cybersync and the camera, and one for the bracket and flash??

how do i trigger the flash, i dont understand hoe the cybersync reads the camera

[deuce818]

nvm i got it to work

[reicaden]

Regarding the ST-E2 for controlling the off-camera flashes, here is my dilemna...

ST-E2 I know uses ETTL.... now, lets say i DONT want to use the ETTL info though.

Example:

I go to shoot a model or item, and I would like to burn a grey background just a 1/2 stop or 1 stop higher then I would need for proper exposure, so I get a NICE white background. ETTL, will register the background as fine without the extra stop, so, I'd have to somehow get 1 or 2 flashes to shoot in ETTL, while having a diff. flash, shoot at a manual setting that I would provide.

All off-camera of course.

So my question is, can the ST-E2 do this? Can it set my 420EX II at whatever ETTL says it needs. And then allow me to put my 430EX II at a setting i determine for a nice white background?

Thanks in advance :)

[Lotto]

Yes you can set the 430EX to manual slave mode, and use the ST-E2 to trigger it.