wireless ettl for bracket use

is there a reasonably priced (somewhat) wireless trigger with ettl for use with a 580ex2 for use on a bracket? I want to get rid of the ocf cord as they are a pain and the Yongnuo's fall apart after awhile. BUT i dont need to spend $600 either unless i have to.
thanks!

I use the ST-E2

define reasonably priced... ST-e2 would be perhaps your cheapest option at around $150-200 used. The PW controlTL system, radiopoppers, or even the pixel knight system is more pricey. Stick with the short cords

Pixel Knight (RF wireless ETTL trigger) for one flash (one receiver and one transmitter package) is about $160. Yongnuo ST-E2 clone is about $110. Search on ebay.

Yongnuo ST-E2 has better range than Canon ST-E2 and the AF assist projects further but it's line of sight only. It also rotates so you can aim it toward the flash on a bracket. It might work better for your application.

There are newer ETTL RF trigger coming in the next few months from Pixel and Phottix. No price yet. My guess is that they will be more expensive than Pixel Knight but with better functionality.

pictureperf wrote in post #12236910
is there a reasonably priced (somewhat) wireless trigger with ettl for use with a 580ex2 for use on a bracket? I want to get rid of the ocf cord as they are a pain and the Yongnuo's fall apart after awhile. BUT i dont need to spend $600 either unless i have to.
thanks!

What camera are you using now? Have you considered upgrading to a 60D or 7D for the wireless flash capability?

msowsun wrote in post #12239464
What camera are you using now? Have you considered upgrading to a 60D or 7D for the wireless flash capability?

Wow! You see this exactly the response I try to avoid when responding to someone asking any kind of question..... "go out and buy a new camera"

In this case I don't think buying a new camera with the wireless flash capability will work because they require line of sight. 2 flash heads on a bracket as I understand the OP wanting to do, will need a radio frequency or wire to trigger any flashes on top of the camera if the bracket is anything like mine.

enrigonz wrote in post #12239484
Wow! You see this exactly the response I try to avoid when responding to someone asking any kind of question..... "go out and buy a new camera"

In this case I don't think buying a new camera with the wireless flash capability will work because they require line of sight. 2 flash heads on a bracket as I understand the OP wanting to do, will need a radio frequency or wire to trigger any flashes on top of the camera if the bracket is anything like mine.

I think if you are going to spend $200-$300 on some form of ETTL wireless capability, spending the same money on a camera upgrade that could accomplish the same thing for you, should at least be considered.

The Canon wireless may be "line of sight" but indoors, (or at very short range outdoors), it works very well without direct line of sight.

If going with ST-E2, Yongnuo version is better than the Canon version because Yongnuo version can rotate a bit to aim toward the bracket. Then rotate the 580EXII so the receiver is facing the ST-E2. This will solve the line of the sight problem.

enrigonz wrote in post #12239484
Wow! You see this exactly the response I try to avoid when responding to someone asking any kind of question..... "go out and buy a new camera"

In this case I don't think buying a new camera with the wireless flash capability will work because they require line of sight. 2 flash heads on a bracket as I understand the OP wanting to do, will need a radio frequency or wire to trigger any flashes on top of the camera if the bracket is anything like mine.

I agree with Mike, rather than spend additional for an accessory upgrade the OP could get it in a new camera with all the additional benefits of new technology. While the simple answer is get a better cord and learn to live with it, if the goal is wireless the that solution is as good as any.

I have just experimented with my 7D using a 420EX flash on an off-camera bracket and shooting outdoors.

When shooting with the sun behind me, the 7D fired the flash even though there was not a nearby subject in the frame. It did not fire the flash when shooting into the sun until I placed a subject in the frame. However once I placed my mannequin head about 6-8 feet from the camera in the frame, the 7D fired the flash wirelessly. I did not experiment to see how far I could get from the head and still have the 7D fire the camera.

I like not having an off camera cord between camera and flash since the module on which the flash sits produces extra torque on the flash foot which I can anticipate causing damage if I moved fast. The feet of the earlier Canon flash units are made of plastic while later flashes have (I believe) metal feet.

RPCrowe wrote in post #12241711
I like not having an off camera cord between camera and flash since the module on which the flash sits produces extra torque on the flash foot which I can anticipate causing damage if I moved fast. The feet of the earlier Canon flash units are made of plastic while later flashes have (I believe) metal feet.

I've been using the ocf cord on a bracket for weddings and have never had a problem with it. I've banged the flash on door frames and chairs and even dropped the whole rig and have never had a flash break off. I've been afraid of breaking it too, so I usually use the 580 on the bracket, because it would be cheaper to replace than the EX II version, but I've never had a problem with it.

This is a much debated topic. Everybody has had different experiences.
Mine:
3 OCF chords that went south almost immediate, one of which came apart the first time I pushed the flash on the end.

7D that did not quit live up to my expectations as flash commander

ST-E2 that actually works better than I expected and also works well for low light AF support.

I would love to try out the 3 party unit, not that I would buy one.

The Radio Popper ETTL unit intrigued me, but I didn't really like the DIY feel to it with the sensor thingies and cost.

I almost considered PW's, but RFI issues with the 580's and cost.

I am curious about small flash, bracket type I guess. Pics of these set ups would be very useful for me.

Badfisherman wrote in post #12290692
I am curious about small flash, bracket type I guess. Pics of these set ups would be very useful for me.

What are yoy trying to do?

Badfisherman wrote in post #12290692
I am curious about small flash, bracket type I guess. Pics of these set ups would be very useful for me.

Other than wedding or event work brackets aren't particularly useful. They get your flash off the camera, but really only far enough to direct the shadows slightly downward and to allow you to shoot vertical while keeping the flash properly oriented.