5d MkII, 3 x 580EX II & ST-E2

[NoNameYet]

So I have the 5D MkII, 2 x 580EX II's, and the ST-E2.

Now I'm considering getting a 3rd 580EX II. I know about cheaper options, but if I get a 3rd that's what I would like to get. I am also aware of outdoor IR limitations but I'm not thinking about any radio triggers at this stage as I'm using these mostly indoors for now.

So the ST-E2 does control ratios A:B, while the 5D MkII does A:B C with A on camera.

What will it be possible with ST-E2 on camera, while having the 3 x 580EX II's off camera?

I hope this does not sound too vague, but I can't think of a better way to rephrase at this stage.

[trancerem]

u have 3 x 4 flashz that can be used off camera, at least.
they say limited number of flashes per channel, but 4 is a nice good number ;)

[NoNameYet]

No I have 2 at the moment, thinking about getting the 3rd. I know about unlimited number per channel actually thanks.

[PacAce]

So I have the 5D MkII, 2 x 580EX II's, and the ST-E2.

Now I'm considering getting a 3rd 580EX II. I know about cheaper options, but if I get a 3rd that's what I would like to get. I am also aware of outdoor IR limitations but I'm not thinking about any radio triggers at this stage as I'm using these mostly indoors for now.

So the ST-E2 does control ratios A:B, while the 5D MkII does A:B C with A on camera.

What will it be possible with ST-E2 on camera, while having the 3 x 580EX II's off camera?

I hope this does not sound too vague, but I can't think of a better way to rephrase at this stage.
What were you planning to use the 3rd flash for? Background? If so, you can set it as a slave in Group C in manual mode. The ST-E2 will still be able to trigger it. What it can't do is control the Group C output but if the slave is in manual mode anyway, that won't matter (although, it may get to be a pain if you have to keep adjusting the background lighting intensity). :)

[NoNameYet]

What were you planning to use the 3rd flash for? Background? If so, you can set it as a slave in Group C in manual mode. The ST-E2 will still be able to trigger it. What it can't do is control the Group C output but if the slave is in manual mode anyway, that won't matter (although, it may get to be a pain if you have to keep adjusting the background lighting intensity). :)

It seems that you understood my unclear question. So do I understand you right to think that that slave C (Set at Manual) will be triggered with both ratios on and ratios off on the ST-E2?

[PacAce]

It seems that you understood my unclear question. So do I understand you right to think that that slave C (Set at Manual) will be triggered with both ratios on and ratios off on the ST-E2?

If the Ratio is turned on, a flash in Group C won't fire. However, you can easily get around that by putting the BG flash in either Group A or Group B but in manual mode. When set to manual mode, that flash will not affect the overall exposure ratio since it won't fire a preflash.

[agv8or]

You are limited to controlling only 2 groups (A and B) with the St-E2 and only in E-TTl no matter if you are using the 5DmII or not. Note: (You can override the E-TTl mode of each slave by holding the mode buttone for 2 secs and placing that slave in the manual mode. You can then enter a power setting and that slave will still be triggered with the ST-E2. You could have unlimited slaves all with different power settings) If you want to control 3 groups (A, B and C) and have the ability to control those groups from the master in either E-TTl or Manual modes then you will need to use a 550, 580 or 580II as the master flash. Only the 580II can be programed from the 5DmII flash menu. Pocket Wizard has a TTL transmitter that can attach to your hot shoe and supposedly work as a master via the 5DmII flash menu but you would also need Pocket Wizard TTL receivers at each of your slaves to receive this signal. I understand that there is still some major issues with this new TTL Pocket Wizard setup. Personally I use a 550EX as my Master flash (I have never used the ST-E2 because of its limitations) and a mix of 580, 580II, 430 and 430II as slaves with Radio Popper PX's when shooting in the wireless configuration both in the E-TTl and manual modes. When using my flashes in the manual mode normal configuration I use Pocket Wizard Plus II's as triggers. When you start talking wireless setups with the Canon ALS (Artistic Lighting System) then you are talking about spending some money unless you want to live with the limitations of Canons optical wireless system.

[NoNameYet]

Thanks, your posts have cleared up some of my confusion. Got the 3rd flash on order now, and will see for how long I can play around with the 3rd on manual in one of the groups. I am hesitating going for the industry standard PW at this stage due to issues between 580ex II's interference that some people are reporting.