I just bought 430EX II, new to flash.. need some advice!

[DYORD]

I'm quite happy with the results i'm having using my new flash. I just don't understand "somehow" how to use manual settings of the flash. How to meter.. what power i should use.. what ISO and what shutter speed.. It seems everything is so easy using the E-TTL.. whatever settings i use (aperture, shutter speed, iso).. it gives the same good exposed image. I want to know how to use the manual setting because i'll be using it as an off-cam flash using wireless trigger. Not the radio transmitter or IR.

I am aiming to buy this wireless trigger for flash.. but doesn't do E-TTL. So i'll be working on that by myself manually. Is there a better way of using it instead of trial & error?!

[alphonsis]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/221078-REG/Sekonic_401_358_L_358_Flash_Master_Meter.html

and if you really like ETTL

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/605720-REG/PocketWizard_801_150_FlexTT5_Transceiver_Radio_Sla ve.html

[gonzogolf]

Yeah, you probably want a light meter if you are going to use it off camera in manual. Although in the interim you can do some chimping with your camera to get close. Try this set the camera to M, full power. place it 10 feet from your subject with your camera set on manual setting at 1/250, ISO 200 and start at f8. Take a shot, adjust your aperture accordingly until you get the proper exposure (use the histogram). With that baseline you can easily adjust to your settings to your shooting conditions as long as the distance is the same from flash to subject. If you change your iso by one stop, adjust your aperture accordingly etc....