Two flashes or what?

Hello,

I'm new to this forum and to the Canon EOS digital system and would like a little help from my new friends...

Due to theft, I'm converting to the Canon digital format specifically the 20D. The previous system was a Minolta Maxxum 7, with various lenses, which I really enjoyed.

The one benefit to the M7 was it's wireless flash technology without the use of a transmitter. Meaning, I could use the pop-up flash on the body to work the main flash a few meters away.

With the Canon 20D, I've realized that this is only possible with the transmitter (ST-E2) and a compatible flash such as the new 580EX (which I have ordered).

Now, my question is: Do I buy the transmitter for $300 CDN or buy a second 580EX for an extra $200 CDN. If I bought the transmitter, the extra $200 saved could go towards other toys... But with the second Speedlite, I could increase my lighting capabilities. What would you do? Money really isn't the issue as this is insurance proceeds.

Thanks for you help people!!

Ivan (not Dang )

If money isn't an issue, then why not go for 2 580ex or 550ex flashes? I would. Like you said, the 550/580 does the same function as the ST-E2 plus you can also get flash output from it as well. Another way to look at it is, what "toy" can you buy for $200 that would make it more worthwhile than an extra flash?

aikidoforever wrote:
Hello,

I'm new to this forum and to the Canon EOS digital system and would like a little help from my new friends...

Due to theft, I'm converting to the Canon digital format specifically the 20D. The previous system was a Minolta Maxxum 7, with various lenses, which I really enjoyed.

The one benefit to the M7 was it's wireless flash technology without the use of a transmitter. Meaning, I could use the pop-up flash on the body to work the main flash a few meters away.

With the Canon 20D, I've realized that this is only possible with the transmitter (ST-E2) and a compatible flash such as the new 580EX (which I have ordered).

Now, my question is: Do I buy the transmitter for $300 CDN or buy a second 580EX for an extra $200 CDN. If I bought the transmitter, the extra $200 saved could go towards other toys... But with the second Speedlite, I could increase my lighting capabilities. What would you do? Money really isn't the issue as this is insurance proceeds.

Thanks for you help people!!

Ivan (not Dang )

You do not need the ST-E2 to use the Canon Wireless system. A 550 or the new 580 can be used as the Master, and in fact will work better than the ST-E2 since the "instructional" pulse is more powerful. I'd either get a 550 or a 580 to be used as the Master, and then a 420 to be used as a slave. Then you are in the ratio business again.

I agree!

I went the 550EX route for my portable flashes and went through the same decision process. Having said that, I'm not a fan of the wireless use as I would be happy with a greater range but admit that most of the time, these work great, are small, portable and quick to setup, easy to use.

I'm still in search of a higher end, higher output, battery system. I may end up just buying the vagabond system for my existing Alien Bees monolights and using that to start until I find something else. Today I use those strictly in my studio or locations where tapping into power is acceptable.

The ST-E2 also provides discreet low-light focussing assistance, although with the 20D's more sensitive AF sensors this is less significant than it was with the 10D.

I weighed up the same decision (albeit with the 550 EX) last year and settled on the ST-E2 / 550EX combo then added a 420EX later. Not having to have one of the light sources on the hotshoe is a definite advantage at times. Although there is not a low-cost ETTL-II flash available yet it is only a matter of time...

If you want to end up with two off camera flashes and don't need the power from the 580EX I would get the ST-E2 now and add a lower spec slave later.

Cheers,
Pete

Flash on hot shoe doesn't need to be a light source

You can use a flash as a master and not fire the flash so still I stand by my recommendation of buying a flash as opposed to just the transmitter. It's more flexible in that regard, use it just as a transmitter or as a flash master etc. (I agree there are times when you don't want to fire the flash on camera, just wanted to ensure you understand it will work just like a transmitter only if required.

Regards,

Jim

Thanks guys,

You know, all these arguments for and against run through ones mind but it's always nice to hear someone elses point of vue. I've gone for the two Speedlites. Thanks again for all the awesome input!

If at all any of you are interested...

With my insurance proceeds I've purchased / ordered:

Canon20D 17-85mm kit (received the lens but waiting for the camera)
Canon 100-400mmL IS USM (ordered)
2 - Speedlite 580EX (got such a good deal that I ordered two of the same)
Remote switch (RS80N3 - received)
Eyepiece extender (EPEX15 - ordered - cause I wear glasses)
2 - Lexar 1GB Pro 80X (received)
Manfrotto 055 Pro Black legs(received and it is awesome!)
Manfrotto 322RC2 head (received and love it)
UV and CP filters (ordered)
Lens hood for 17-85mm (ordered - why doesn't Canon include this??)

Should be a good "starting" point.

Thanks guys,

Ivan

Enjoy!

Nice shopping list, enjoy your new Canon!

If you like to tinker, you might find this link interesting:

http://www.aljacobs.co​m/universalbatterypack​.htm

Best regards,
Andy

My Mobile Set Up:
1. 2-550EX's(one on camera, one on stand)
2. 1-420EX(background light)
3. 1-Lightstand with Multibracket
4. 1-White Umbrella
5. 1-Photoflex Gold/White LiteDisc
6. 24 AA Nimh batteries(12 in the flashes/12 backup)
The (2) 550's,(1) 420,a 10D, 24-70/2.8, batteries, CF cards, bulb duster, all fit into a LowePro Stealth Reporter. The light stand and umbrella fit into a tripod case.
Regards,

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Nice Photography.. You need to work on your model selection process though.


Just Kidding Scott. Sounds like a good setup. Easy to use too.

I work cheap for myself.
The wireless ETTL with ratios is really is very easy to set up and the results are consistent.

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Scott, you've changed your complexion.

---Bob Gross---

Nope. I just underexposed by 4 stops.
Scott

There are times and places for the heavy monolights. However, Scott, being the fast-moving operator that he is, likes the portable quickness of Speedlites.

In general, Speedlites don't have the serious light blast that you can get from monolights.

---Bob Gross---