580ex + 300D - questions!

[jrm]

I have a Rebel (300D) and am about to purchase a 580ex. I am pretty sure about the features and capabilities of the 580, but have a few questions about the wireless/off-camera usage.

The 580ex can be a slave (or master) that is triggered wirelessly - right? If so, can this slave ability be done using the on-camera flash as the trigger?

Basically, I am looking to use the 580 as my main light and using the on-camera flash as a fill, or just a trigger. Am I going about this the wrong way? I really don't want to spend $200 for the remote-trigger device. Is there a cheap wired hot-shoe solution?

Also, will the 580 mount on a light stand? Or do I need special adaptors/hardware?

Thanks in advance.

--Joe

[scottbergerphoto]

The on camera flash cannot be used to trigger a 550 or 580EX. You need a wireless master: 550EX, 580EX, STE2. These are not simple optical slaves. they work on a series of pulses.

[jrm]

The on camera flash cannot be used to trigger a 550 or 580EX. You need a wireless master: 550EX, 580EX, STE2. These are not simple optical slaves. they work on a series of pulses.


Scott,

Thanks for the quick response. I don't know where I had the idea the 580ex could be an optical slave - looking at all the different flash options and features is confusing.

The STE2 at >$200 isn't really an option. The 420ex is only $179 - I could just buy that to be the slave, triggered by the 580ex on camera. This gives me two flash units for less money, and seems a more efficient setup when you only need to trigger a single slave unit.

Also, do you know if any special hardware is required to mount the 550ex on a light stand?

--Joe

[scottbergerphoto]

I use 3 550EX's and a 420EX left over from my G2 days. To use a lightstand you need a multibracket.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=188807&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[jrm]

I use 3 550EX's and a 420EX left over from my G2 days. To use a lightstand you need a multibracket.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=188807&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Thanks. Your help is very much appreciated.

--Joe

[scottbergerphoto]

Your welcome! ;)

[robertwgross]

Also, do you know if any special hardware is required to mount the 550ex on a light stand?

My 550EX has a plastic foot stand for the bottom. Then that screws down onto an ordinary tripod screw.

I think all photographers have some ordinary tripod that they outgrew years ago. That is a perfect place to use it again.

---Bob Gross---

[jokar]

Bob
I've had my 550EX for a year now, and I never noticed that standard tripod screw connection at the base of the plastic stand. Thank you - just one more example of how useful this forum is to me!

John

[robertwgross]

So, it took you over a year to find the plastic foot connector?

Most of us have already lost it in that period of time.

---Bob Gross---

[jrm]

My 550EX has a plastic foot stand for the bottom. Then that screws down onto an ordinary tripod screw.

I think all photographers have some ordinary tripod that they outgrew years ago. That is a perfect place to use it again.

---Bob Gross---


Bob,

Thanks for that info. Not knowing about the screw hole at the bottom, I don't think I would have ever taken out the plastic stand.

--Joe

[scottbergerphoto]

The plastic foot allows you to connect to a multibracket. The plastic foot alone will not support the use of an umbrella or angling the flash unit. It is nescessary but not sufficient.