Cheapest off camera E-TTL II transmitters/receivers?

[lewdog]

I'm kind of confused on this. I searched and didn't find a clear answer. I'm wondering what the cheapest E-TTL II transmitter/receiver system might be. I believe I'm using the correct terminology. For instance, I currently have a Cybersync transmitter/receiver set, but they obviously don't allow for automation of the flash settings-like if you want to have the camera choose the correct settings for the flash to expose your subject correctly. By system, I mean one transmitter and one receiver-I shoot with a 50D and have the 430EXII flash.

[Titus213]

You will need something to act as a master to the 430EXII as a slave. I suspect the cheapest way to accomplish that, with new gear, would be an ST-E2. It would be the on-camera master for your off-camera 430EXII. Being the cheapest also often implies the most issues....but it would work.

With used gear I would look at a 550EX or 580EX flash unit on camera.

A lot will depend on the conditions you will be using this in. The ST-E2 for instance does have some shortcomings in bright sunlight. The Canon EX flash as master less so.

After that you get into Radio Poppers and PW Flex/tt??/somethings that I don't know very much about at all.

For $250 you can buy a meter and use your Cybersyncs to set up your 430EXII off camera in manual mode.

[gonzogolf]

Radio poppers will convert the canon wireless optical/infrared signal to radio, but you still need a master and slave flash so its not particularly cheap.

[Redfire_Cobra]

As Titus 213 said, using Canons IR system will be the cheapest, it will also be the most limited, especially if you plan to work outdoors. Overall bang for the buck I think the Pocketwizard Mini TT1 / Flex TT5 is the way to go as long as you are willing to work around the interference issues with some Canon flashes. Your 430EXII should not have any issues.

[tkbslc]

Another options is a long ETTL cable. Not elegant, but not expensive and gets the job done. Just don't trip on it. Flashzebra has 16 and 24 footers for about $50.

[Titus213]

The cheapest way without transmitters is with a long ETTL cord from www.flashzebra.com

Keep in mind that while ETTL is not that new, getting it off camera any distance is new. Folks have been using off camera flash for years without the aid of automation. Manual is still your cheapest (and some would argue the most consistent) way to get this done.

[Titus213]

Another options is a long ETTL cable. Not elegant, but not expensive and gets the job done. Just don't trip on it. Flashzebra has 16 and 24 footers for about $50.

You beat me to it.....

[tetrode]

While we're on this subject, is there anything the ST-E2 can do that a 580EX in master mode can't?

Dave F.

[Redfire_Cobra]

While we're on this subject, is there anything the ST-E2 can do that a 580EX in master mode can't?

Dave F.

Can you do ratios with a 580? I'm sure you can but the ST-E2 makes it sooo easy. You can also use the ST-E2 in conjunction with the new PW's for ratios also.

[Titus213]

While we're on this subject, is there anything the ST-E2 can do that a 580EX in master mode can't?

Dave F.

Not that I'm aware of but there are things the 580EX can do that the ST-E2 can't do.

[wickerprints]

If one goes the PocketWizard route, do you need MiniTT1 *and* FlexTT5? How does the system work if I want to go OCF for each flash unit? I'd like something that would enable radio triggering, rather than IR/optical.

[Veemac]

If one goes the PocketWizard route, do you need MiniTT1 *and* FlexTT5? How does the system work if I want to go OCF for each flash unit? I'd like something that would enable radio triggering, rather than IR/optical.
You need a transmitter for the camera and a receiver for each flash unit.

[wickerprints]

That gets expensive... fast... :shock:

[Titus213]

Yup, a meter and manual mode starts looking downright cheap.

[Shooting]

Well, as it was suggested to me and I'm going to do it, I'm going to get a 24 ft. Canon off camera cord so I can use the flash at least 24 ft away and still retain the ettl II circuitry so I don't have to resort to manual mode in the flash and start trying to adjust things and take time that I could be shooting.

[george m w]

I have a few thoughts on it. I've been playing with using the PW miniTT1 and the FlexTT5 in ETTL. I like the idea of a 'flash on a stick'....and I was wanting some way to grab quick shots in a dynamic situation, like say at a wedding recption, or party. I set the 1D2 in 'P' mode, the flash in ETTL, and walked around the house shooting various things. It worked well virtually every shot. Now then....the way I've been doing this kind of stuff for years is, as Dave says, in manual. Usually, when in manual I can make a pretty good guess as to where to start, and then after the first shot, look at the histo, and adjust accordingly. Overall, yes I think shooting it in auto might make it easier for a lot of grab-n-go shots....but manual can also be pretty quick, so it really kind of comes down to whether you want to spend the dough on the PW stuff to get that last bit of automation.
As to whether running a wire to it all is cheaper.....I'll leave for you each to decide for yourself. Personally....I can see a wire becoming a trip hazard, or should I say a trip opportunity that could bring an expensive camera/lens crashing to the floor. The whole hard wiring scheme might not seem so cheap at that point in the process.

So....I have one mini TT1, two flexTT5's and a plus 2. As the man sez....you pays your money, you takes your choices...

[Redfire_Cobra]

As to whether running a wire to it all is cheaper.....I'll leave for you each to decide for yourself. Personally....I can see a wire becoming a trip hazard, or should I say a trip opportunity that could bring an expensive camera/lens crashing to the floor. The whole hard wiring scheme might not seem so cheap at that point in the process.


+1

After pulling my stand over I found myself paying more attention to the cord than my subject, to me it was just a really limiting factor. While Wireless triggers are more expensive in my opinion they are well worth it.

[SMP_Homer]

While we're on this subject, is there anything the ST-E2 can do that a 580EX in master mode can't?

Dave F.

Weight is the only real benefit of the ST-E2 on your camera in place of a heavier 550/580 flash
the ST-E2 is generally easier to control than a master flash, but the master flash gives you that 2nd light (which can be turned off) and a whole lot more...

[windpig]

ST-E2 has only 2 zone control

[shaftmaster]

Does anyone have some prices to help wireless flash newbies make a decision? I know that a used ST-E2 is about $150 and a used 550EX is about $200, but how much does a Pocket Wizard setup cost?

[george m w]

...but how much does a Pocket Wizard setup cost?...

PW's run between about $170 and $220 at B&H, depending on model.

[shaftmaster]

PW's run between about $170 and $220 at B&H, depending on model.

Thanks. For a basic setup, you'd need two PW units to get wireless E-TTL control of a single flash, so the total cost would be around $400.

I've seen Cactus triggers and some other cheap stuff mentioned, but those options don't transmit E-TTL, right?

Seems like PWs are the way to go if you want wireless E-TTL without the IR limitations of the Canon wireless options.

[george m w]

I've seen Cactus triggers and some other cheap stuff mentioned, but those options don't transmit E-TTL, right?

I have not used the cactus triggers, but I'm pretty sure you are right.....they do not communicate ETTL info.

[Titus213]

Thanks. For a basic setup, you'd need two PW units to get wireless E-TTL control of a single flash, so the total cost would be around $400.

I've seen Cactus triggers and some other cheap stuff mentioned, but those options don't transmit E-TTL, right?

Seems like PWs are the way to go if you want wireless E-TTL without the IR limitations of the Canon wireless options.

Right, just a 'FIRE' command - and some of them don't even do that very reliably.:lol:

[Stereodude]

but the master flash gives you that 2nd light (which can be turned off) and a whole lot more...Mostly turned off. FWIW, it can't be completely turned off because it communicates to the slaves via light output. It will still put out light even if you set it to off.

[TTGator]

Seems like PWs are the way to go if you want wireless E-TTL without the IR limitations of the Canon wireless options.

No, Radiopoppers were mentioned earlier in the thread and they do E-TTL. I'm have no horse in the race yet, but I'm in the process of comparing PW's and Radiopoppers right now, and the Radiopoppers are currently winning. They have some better features, especially when combined with AB's (which I have).

[mellofelow]

the new PW can be programmed to hypersync studio strobes. Radiopoppers can do the same?

[TTGator]

With the Radiopoppers you can use a mixture of speedlites using E-TTL as well as strobes on Manual. If your studio strobes are AB's, then you can adjust them directly from the trigger as well.

[yonders]

Well, well, well, the PW reccomendations have made me concentrate on the MiniTT1 & FlexTT5.

How strongly are they recommended? A set here in Dubai works out to USD 450/-. Not a real big issue... depends on the workability and strength of the product. Any reviews on these products?

[george m w]

have made me concentrate on the MiniTT1 & FlexTT5.

How strongly are they recommended?
Many consider them to be the industry standard. I'm sure I'll get some flak on that comment....but whatever....I'm just repeating what I hear. I have a TT1, two TT5's and a plus2. They work fine,(with one caveat ) and they are well built. The one caveat is they have an RF interference problem with some flashes. Check their site to see if effects whatever flash you will be using. My 430EX is one of them that does suffer the interference problem, however, there is a work-around, that so far has been successful for me. So to me, it's a non-issue. Others may feel differently.

[bobbyz]

I would also look at the new radio popper JRx units. They don't do eTTL but let you remotely control power of Canon/Nikon flash as well as AB lights. Looks interesting.

[enginyr]

how do they let you control the power?

[gonzogolf]

how do they let you control the power?

According to the press release it will allow you to control the manual power output from certain speedlites in groups. Strobist.com has a review.

[TTGator]

They have 3 physical dials on the trigger. I'm getting my JrX system in the mail Friday :)

[shaftmaster]

What did the RadioPopper JrX system cost?

[phamster]

I'm kind of confused on this. I searched and didn't find a clear answer. I'm wondering what the cheapest E-TTL II transmitter/receiver system might be. I believe I'm using the correct terminology. For instance, I currently have a Cybersync transmitter/receiver set, but they obviously don't allow for automation of the flash settings-like if you want to have the camera choose the correct settings for the flash to expose your subject correctly. By system, I mean one transmitter and one receiver-I shoot with a 50D and have the 430EXII flash.


sir.

i have the new pocket wizard system that runs about 200 dollars each device.

totalling over 400 dollars to get the flash off camera.. - images look greats.. but.... ettl is not all what it is cracked up to be...

i still would buy the system and use it in a pinch..

but really the cheapest way to go is just get triggers (cactus V4's, or non ettl system).. and learn manual flash..

being the Ettl is still not consistant.. and your out put is going to be random. some brighter.. some darker.. well it is the case for me..

so take it from me.. get some regular triggers.. and in would encourage you to shoot in manual mode.. learn it and it will make you much better photographer in the end.

phamster

[leninglass]

Well said Phamster - You just made me decide on the JrX =]

[george m w]

so take it from me.. get some regular triggers.. and in would encourage you to shoot in manual mode.. learn it and it will make you much better photographer in the end.
I think what the esteemed phamster says is mostly true....however, I have found there are times when OC ETTL works well and is a desireable feature. The only real downside to PW's is their cost. That's my thoughts on it, although I admit that when using this stuff, I am in manual about 98% of the time. But that 2% of the time in ETTL is important to me, so I do not regret spending the money to have that capability.

[TTGator]

What did the RadioPopper JrX system cost?

$139.95 for the Studio Kit (One transmitter, one Studio receiver). The Studio lets you control light levels of AB, White Lightning, and Zeus brand strobes directly from the transmitter

Link for the lazy :)

http://shop.radiopopper.com

[windpig]

580EX II can control 3 zones A, B, C
ST only A, B

[BeritOlam]

Link for the lazy :)
http://shop.radiopopper.com

Thanks!!

Sincerely,
~The Lazy ;) ;)

[aadiliscool]

$139.95 for the Studio Kit (One transmitter, one Studio receiver). The Studio lets you control light levels of AB, White Lightning, and Zeus brand strobes directly from the transmitter
Whoa, serious? Do the PCB CyberSyncs do this as well?

[NickSimcheck]

Whoa, serious? Do the PCB CyberSyncs do this as well?

Yes, but they won't let you control a Speedlight ;)

[majs]

Whoa, serious? Do the PCB CyberSyncs do this as well?

The one out now won't until the commander is available. Right now the cybersyncs are just flash triggers and no light adjustment via the transmitter.

[FreeStanler]

I am very interested in this as well. Reason being, not because I want the flash to auto-detect optimal lighting off-camera, but in order to have high-speed sync with the flash. To stop at 1/250 shutter speed is not fast enough for what I wanna do, but I still need a cost effective solution.

Thanks for everyone in this post though, it was indeed informative!

[DHPHOTO66]

I'm kind of confused on this. I searched and didn't find a clear answer. I'm wondering what the cheapest E-TTL II transmitter/receiver system might be. I believe I'm using the correct terminology. For instance, I currently have a Cybersync transmitter/receiver set, but they obviously don't allow for automation of the flash settings-like if you want to have the camera choose the correct settings for the flash to expose your subject correctly. By system, I mean one transmitter and one receiver-I shoot with a 50D and have the 430EXII flash.

I hate to be a pain, but you dont need the CHEAPEST option. What you need is the best practical system you can afford, a system you can grow with. I was just like you and I used quite a few products before I realized that I should just pay for a really good system so I did, and now i am VERY happy. If you really need TTL and $$ is an issue look into the Pixel King system...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pixel-King-TTL-Radio-Flash-Trigger-Set-for-Canon-580EX-430EX-550EX-7D-1Ds-5D2-/300616219354?pt=Camera_Flash_Accessories&hash=item45fe1f7ada