Need help figuring out off camera lighting

[MGphotography]

I am just getting started with off camera lighting. And the more research I do, I get more confused and more questions. I have a canon 40d, 580EX flash and I just got a 430EX flash 2 light stands with shoot through umbrellas and one background light stand. I had originally ordered 2 used 430EX flashes but one didn’t work so I sent it back. But now that I have been playing with the one 430EX off camera and the 580EX on I am starting to think about taking the money I get back and getting a remote trigger of some kind. And use the 580 off camera as well. I am trying to get into on location portraits and weddings. So I need something that will help me with what ever situation I get into doing that. My budget right now is about $500, would like to keep it closer to $200 if possible since that is what I spent on the flash.

OK for my questions.

1st

Should I just get another 430EX flash and keep the 580EX on camera?

2nd

If I choose to go wireless what kind of trigger should I go with?

3rd

Is having ETT-L that big of a deal?

4th

Is manual that hard to learn

And 5th

Should I just get a sync cord for now until I know for sure what I want to do?

I know that some of these questions have been asked before, but like I said the more research I do the more confused I get and more questions I get. Thanks you for your help

[gonzogolf]

I've been where you are so I have a few thoughts, feel free to make what you will of them. The canon wireless system is finicky, it works well in places and other times not so much. Depending on it as your only system seems problematic to me. Using your 580exII as a master and letting your lesser flash do the actual ocf work always bothered me so I did this. First, I bought a set of cybersync wireless triggers from the Alien Bee folks. I feel they are the best combo of reliability and price. That allows me to use all my canon flashes off camera regardless. I also did this on a whim. I bought a 24ft off camera cord from flashzebra.com, this allows me to use the 580exII as a master, while not having it stuck on top of the camera for those times when I want ettl. A sort of half baked solution but it worked nicely.

As for whether ettl is a big deal or not. I find it indispensable when working on-camera but for multi light situations not as much. With digital cameras doing manual flash with multiple lights isnt that hard. You simply put the lights where you want them, chimp the exposure of the main light, then adjust the fill or kicker until it gives the desired light. A flashmeter make that quicker, but the whole process isnt as scary as you might think.

[snyderman]

Frankly, the more I read on how to get better at lighting, the more I realise that more gear is NOT needed.

There are countless threads in this section of POTN where people point to resources to help us learn how to properly use single and two-light setups. Many here also state that using how to use ONE light first is the best place to start with OCF.

Not trying to keep you from spending money, but if you already have a couple of lights and modifiers, keep reading, learning, practicing and getter better. This might actually save you some cash!

dave

[L_F_L]

Is having ETT-L that big of a deal?

Understanding E-TTL would help you make the decision. Here's one good detailed info on Canon E-TTL (http://dpanswers.com/canon_flash.html).

[MGphotography]

So it sounds like Its being recomended that I get a remote trigger of some kind. So that brings me to another question. Would I need to get a reciever for each flash? Or could I get away with getting one for the 580 and having that be master over the 430?

[MT Stringer]

I haven't used my gear in a studio setting so I may be way off course. Primarily I have been using Skyports (1 transmitter for the camera and one receiver for each flash or strobe). It took me less than 10 pops to get my exposure dialed in for the basketball games last weekend. The Skyports never caused any misfires in over 900 pops. I was using 2 AB 1600's mounted high on each side of the court on one end.

I don't have any experience with Pocket Wizards or the Cybersync's so I can't help you there. The Pocket Wizards are the defacto pro setup but cost more than the Skyports and the Cybersyncs are even cheaper.

I've had such good luck with the Skyports that I took delivery today of a new Universal Skyport set (1 transmitter and 1 receive)r. I now have 2 transmitters (one for each camera) and 3 receivers (one for each flash). This should work really well when I'm courtside and need to switch cameras between wide angle and telephoto.

Good luck in your search.
Mike

[gonzogolf]

So it sounds like Its being recomended that I get a remote trigger of some kind. So that brings me to another question. Would I need to get a reciever for each flash? Or could I get away with getting one for the 580 and having that be master over the 430?

You need a receiver for each flash. Once you go off camera, other than with a cord, the 580exII doesnt master. I've heard of people getting them to fire that way, but it kind of defeats the point of getting reliable radio triggers in the first place.

[MGphotography]

Has anyone heard anything about the pulsar triggers? And how do they compare to skyports?

[gonzogolf]

never heard of them. look at the cybersyncs, best features for the price.

[Titus213]

I find ETTL great in dynamic situations, not so much in a fixed setup. Manual isn't that hard to use.

I like my Cybersyncs (http://www.alienbees.com/cybersync.html#cst)and they would fit your budget.

[canonman1971]

Manual isn't hard to learn at all. It takes some time and practice but so does everything to learn it well. I have the Cybersyncs and love them. Simple design and they just seem to work each and everytime.